1. Tuition will rise by almost 3 percent for in- and out-of-state undergraduate students at campuses across the University of Maine System next academic year. For Maine students, the sharpest tuition increases — of 4.2 percent — will be for those attending the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The highest tuition increase for out-of-state students will be a 4.9 percent hike for students attending the University of Maine at Farmington campus. (WGME)
2. Sesame Street introduced a new Muppet on Monday named Karli who lives in foster care. Karli’s foster mom tells Elmo in the episode, “Karli’s mommy has been having a hard time, so we are her foster parents or her for-now-parents.” Karli’s introduction coincides with May as National Foster Care Month in the U.S. (CNN)
3. Alabama Public Television will not air Arthur’s 22nd season premiere because it features a same-sex marriage. “Parents trust that their children can watch APT without their supervision,” says programming director Mike McKenzie. “We felt it would be a violation of trust to broadcast the episode.” APT previously pulled a 2005 Arthur episode that featured a young female character with two mothers. (NBC News)
4. Whole Foods is banning plastic straws at all of its 500 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. The grocery chain will also start offering smaller plastic bags in the produce department. The change will eliminate an estimated 800,000 pounds of plastics annually. (CNN)
5. Hot 104.7 & SIS Bank Present Hot Beach Bash starring Lil Jon w/ Jay Sean at Bernie’s Beach Bar in Hampton Beach on Saturday, June 15th. Tickets on Sale Now –
