1. Russian-controlled troll accounts swarming Twitter with divisive political messages have targeted several Maine politicians, particularly Sen. Susan Collins. A recently released database of nearly 3 million tweets from accounts orchestrated by a state agency in Russia included messages aimed at Collins (261 tweets), Gov. Paul LePage (44 tweets) and Sen. Angus King (23,) according to an analysis by the Portland Press Herald. The news came as White House officials announced a “vast, government-wide” effort to fend off Russian interference in U.S. elections, including efforts to influence voters, such as disinformation campaigns on social media. Most messages for Collins – designed to look like real people but revealed to be an orchestrated effort by a foreign power to meddle in American politics – blasted her for her stance on the Affordable Care Act, or her vote on presidential nominations.
(Press Herald)
2. This year’s TD Beach to Beacon 10K, Maine’s most notable road race, is set for Saturday, Aug. 4. Runners begin their 6.2-mile coastal journey northwest of Crescent Beach State Park’s trails and sand beach and finish w/ an iconic view of Portland Head Light. Last year’s Maine resident champion Jesse Orach of Gorham will return to defend his title for a third straight year. His finish last year was seen all around the world. After suffering heat stroke and falling down, he was helped up by fellow Mainer Rob Gomez, also returning in 2018, and carried over the finish line to take first.
(News Center Maine)
3. The 2018 Maine Sea Goddess was forced to step down less than 24 hours after she was crowned because of photos she posted on social media that were forwarded to Maine Lobster Festival organizers. Taylor Hamlin said she strenuously tried to convince the festival officials that the photos did not warrant her stepping down, but said that they insisted that she sign a resignation agreement. One of the photos was from more than a year ago and showed Hamlin holding a joint. Another from a few days ago showed her holding a Juul, a device for vaping. The 18-year-old graduated from Oceanside High School in June and will be attending the University of Maine in the fall.
(Press Herald)
4. On Thursday, Apple became the first publicly traded company in global history to reach a valuation of $1 trillion. Apple’s shares rose 2.7 percent to an all-time high of $207.05 apiece during midday trading, and are up 22 percent so far this year. As the AP notes, “The peak reached Thursday seemed unimaginable in 1997 when Apple teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, with its stock trading for less than $1.” To dig itself out of that hole, the company borrowed $150 million from arch-rival Microsoft and rehired its exiled co-founder, Steve Jobs, who steered Apple back on course by launching the iPod and iPhone, among other revolutionary products.
(Associated Press)
5. Saturday, September 1 (Labor Day Weekend) Hot 104.7 & Grass Monkey Present another #HOTSHOW starring Lil Jon at the State Theatre. Tickets are ON SALE HERE! Charge by phone at 800-745-3000, in person at the Port City Music Hall box office Wednesday-Friday 10AM-5PM or online at Hot1047Maine.com.
