Good morning. Temperatures will be in the low 50s throughout the state.
Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
Maine still had more deaths than births last year, but immigration boosted our population
–Only Maine and West Virginia registered more deaths than births in 2018, according to U.S. Census data. But 10 of the state’s 16 counties — and Maine as a whole — experienced population growth, thanks to people moving here from other places.
Another independent Maine cinema is fighting for its life
–As the Eveningstar Cinema in Brunswick marks its 40th anniversary, doubts about its future loom. Owner Barry Norman is leaving Maine and manager Gracia Babbidge is scrambling to come up with enough money to buy the funky downtown theater and keep it open.
A County astronaut is going to space
–Jessica Meir will soar some 220 miles above the Earth to the International Space Station on Sept. 25 with Russian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka and Emirati astronaut Hazz Al Mansouri. It will mark the Caribou native’s first spaceflight.
Jackson Lab says it’s hiring 300 new workers this year
–It’s also planning to increase its base wages over the next year, it announced on Wednesday. Of the 300, 35 to 40 people will be hired at the company’s Ellsworth mouse-breeding facility in 2019.
And a new development in Ellsworth is aimed at easing what the lab says is a housing shortage
–It’s part of a two-development proposal by Jonathan Bates of Stone Park Properties LLC that would add 61 housing units to Ellsworth, and cost an estimated $9.3 million to build over the next 1 ½ years.
Climate impact study sought by foes of $1B CMP hydro project clears committee hurdle
–A bill that could delay state permitting of the controversial $1 billion Central Maine Power corridor through western Maine won approval from a legislative committee on Wednesday. The bill, backed by project opponents, derives from their skepticism that the transmission line would reduce global carbon emissions.
Do this: Prepare for the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
–The 53rd Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race is Saturday and the water levels are looking just right. The water level peaked at 2,850 cubic feet per second on Tuesday, which is high, but by Wednesday it had dropped down to 2,500.
“If I’m right about the level, it makes for nearly ideal conditions for the general public to participate — enough water to cover up many of the rocks and make more routes available through the rapids, but not high enough to get those really big, pushy and wet wave trains,” Jeff Owen, who’s canoed in the race about 35 times, said.
Plus, we’ve included a map of all the points paddlers and spectators need to know, including the locations of mandatory portages and the craziest rapids — which make for great photo opportunities.
In other news…
Maine
Lombardi Trophy coming to Maine on Friday
State warns of Machias woman allegedly treating animals without veterinary license
Charges dropped in case of alleged antique auto theft
Bangor
Medical examiner testifies baby’s skull fracture not from accidental blow
Need a furry friend? Check out these adoptable pets from the Bangor Humane Society
New Bangor surgical center part of a trend offering hospitals stiff competition
Business
Elder housing on Indian Island gets $2.1 million boost
How 3 Maine women are building their own farm distribution network
Oyster farmers, lobster haulers take their turf battle to Maine State House
Politics
Softened paid leave deal brokered by Mills wins bipartisan support
Former Maine legislator who resigned last month dies of cancer
How Maine Democrats aim to clamp down on charter schools
Opinion
Faced with the grief of ending a pregnancy, insurance coverage shouldn’t be an added worry
How do we lower Maine’s tax burden?
I agree with Angus King on health care — sort of
Sports
Lewiston subdues Bangor in baseball season opener
Trenton golf course listed for sale, but another nearby course could reopen this year
Presque Isle native, backup goalie named captain of UMaine women’s ice hockey team
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