1. Two Americans used their medal-winning moments at the Pan American Games to draw attention to social issues back home. Fencer Race Imboden took a knee and hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised her fist. In a tweet, Imboden said “Racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list” of America’s problems. They hope that their actions will encourage others to speak up, but the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is reviewing possible consequences for the athletes because they want to refrain from political demonstrations. (WGME)
2. Central Maine’s farmers are feeling the squeeze from the U.S. trade war with China. The latest twist in trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, which has included several tariffs on goods imported and exported between the countries, came when Chinese officials confirmed that they were suspending agricultural purchases in response to a new proposed tariff from the Trump administration. The meat, dairy, and lobster industries are being affected and making it hard for fishermen and farmers to make a profit, while still trying to keep prices low. (Press Herald)
3. Universal Pictures has pulled the release of satirical thriller “The Hunt”, which was set to debut in theaters September 27th. The movie was rated R and involved using guns and blades to hunt people. A spokesperson said that they “understand that now is not the right time to release this film.” This move comes a week after the two deadly mass shootings, but Universal has not confirmed if that was the reason to pull the film. (WMTW)
4. A drug charge has been dropped against a Georgia Southern quarterback after a white substance he identified as bird poop on his car’s hood tested negative for cocaine. The police report said deputies pulled Shai Werts over for speeding and noticed two white spots on his car they thought were cocaine. The report says Werts told them it was bird poop he had tried to wash off. The deputies then did a test that came back positive for cocaine and charged him with possession of the drug. Werts’ lawyer Townes Jones IV told The Savannah Morning News more sophisticated lab testing showed the substance was not cocaine and the drug charge was dropped. (WGME)
5. HOT SUMMER 2019 Saturday August 31 Maine Savings Pavilion At Rock Row In Westbrook starring Wiz Khalifa, A Boogie, YK Osiris, Ally Brooke, Big Freedia, Lil Tecca, Iyla and a Maine Made Showcase. Tickets on Sale Now – Hot1047maine.com / waterfrontconcerts.com or locally at the box office located at Aura – 121 Center Street Portland.
Made Hot In Maine By the US Army. Make a difference in the world around you in the boots of a US Army soldier and gain leadership skills in one of more than 150 career fields. (Go Army)
