1. Former President George H.W. Bush has been hospitalized in Houston with an infection, just after attending the funeral of his wife, Barbara, a spokesman said. Jim McGrath wouldn’t elaborate Monday night on the specifics of Bush’s condition, saying additional updates would be issued “as events warrant.” But he said the 41st president was eager to get well so he can get to his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. (PH)
2. Public health officials are now telling consumers to avoid all types of romaine lettuce from southwest Arizona because of an E. coli outbreak linked to the vegetable that has spread to at least 16 states and sickened at least 60 people. No cases have been identified in Maine. Although the exact source hasn’t been identified, federal health officials have said information indicates that the contaminated lettuce was grown in the Yuma, Ariz., area. But consumers anywhere in the United States who have store-bought romaine at home, including in salads and salad mixes, should throw it away immediately if they don’t know its specific source, officials said — even if some had already been eaten with no ill effects. Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. (PH)
3. An apple orchard employee, Ivan Campbell, started a fire on Saturday to attempt to smoke out a woodchuck from a hole in the ground in Monmouth. The Kennebec Journal reports Campbell accidentally started a brush fire that burned almost 2 acres of grass and brush. Monmouth assistant fire chief Ed Pollard describes the effort as “not the way to get rid of a woodchuck.” Pollard says it’s unclear if the woodchuck was harmed or scared off by the incident. (NCM)
4. A federal judge Friday ordered the National Endowment for the Arts to allow a Portland immigrant to participate in the national Poetry Out Loud contest. Allan Monga, 19, of Westbrook, last month won the state Poetry Out Loud contest. The poetry recital contest rules require participants at the state and national levels to be citizens of the U.S. or permanent resident aliens. The semi-finals will be held today with competition for the northeast set for 9 a.m. The contest will be live streamed at http://www.poetryoutloud.org/competition/national-finals. The finals will be streamed at 7 p.m. Wednesday on the same website. (BDN)
5. #HOTSHOW starring LIL JON (DJ & Performance Set) at the State Theatre, Saturday Sept.1 (LaborDay Weekend). Tickets on sale NOW! Charge by phone at 800-745-3000, in person at the Port City Music Hall box office or online HERE
Made Hot in Maine by Job Corps! Job Corps offers housing and FREE career training classes to those who qualify!
