Bangor Police began this week, visiting homeless encampments and telling the occupants that they have to move on. Officials say it's not about harassing the homeless population, but have found that forcing them to break up the tent cities often is the push they need to seek accommodations in a shelter or even find a way out of the lifestyle.

A Maine astronaut, who's been a part of the space program since 2013, will finally get her chance to go into space later this year. Caribou native Jessica Meir will launch to the international space station in September and will return to Earth in the Spring.

The University of Maine Alumni Association is once again holding a raffle that will provide one lucky student with free tuition for a year. Family and friends can enter, on behalf of a student for the drawing that will be held on May 7th. Find more information on the University of Maine Alumni Association's website.

The Jackson Laboratory plans to hire 300 more workers over the next year, including 40 new employees at the company’s Ellsworth mouse-breeding facility, nearly doubling its staff. Company officials also announced this week that its entry-level wage has increased to 15.75 per hour, following the completion of training.

An event next week will auction off purses, jewelry, getaway experiences and other items to raise money for Ronald McDonald House charities. The Purses with a Purpose event will be held on Wednesday, the 27th, starting at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor. Find more information on the Purses with a purpose Facebook page.

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