1. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green says 53 people were killed in the devastating Maui wildfires, and the death toll will likely continue to rise. President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for Maui as evacuation centers filled and tourists fled from the island yesterday. (PH)

2. The $124 million Phase I of USM’s campus buildout is complete. USM opened the doors of the Portland Commons, the university’s first housing option in Portland. It will house 577 students who are set to move in next week. A parking garage, dining hall, career center, and student lounges were also opened. (PH)

3. Gardiner police responded to an early morning escape Wednesday after 91 sheep made a break for it. Kristian Holbrook of Oaklands Farm blamed a sheep named Moe. “Moe goes out,” Holbrook said. “And everyone says ‘Hey, if he can do it, we can do it.'” Ashley LaVoie lives next door and took video of the escapees. She said “They were all over here. The blacks, the whites, the browns. They were all just right here. They were happy as can be.” Fearing another escape, Moe was separated from the herd yesterday and placed in solitary confinement. (WGME)

4. For the first time since Westbrook won in 2005, a team from Maine will represent New England in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The Gray-New Gloucester/Raymond Little League team defeated Canton, Massachusetts yesterday after a 75 minute weather delay and won the New England Division Title. (WMTW)

5. Happy 50th Birthday Hip Hop! On August 11, 1973 Kool Herc, an 18-year old DJ, hosted a party, the back to school jam, in the rec room 1520 Sedgwick Ave in the Bronx. Today that party is considered by many “the birth of hip-hop.”

Made Hot by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Over 25,000 victories for injured Mainers since 1974. 207-CALL-JOE or online at joebornstein.com