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What we're reading
— A textile company in North Monmouth is testing neighboring wells and providing drinking water after discovering levels of "forever chemicals" exceeding a strict new state standard in an example of how private companies may be tasked with remediation in the fight against PFAS.
— Former Gov. Paul LePage said he would not have negotiated with tribes over their sovereignty push, putting firm daylight between the Republican and Gov. Janet Mills. The incumbent Democrat has made progress with tribes but broke with most in her party on sweeping tribal-rights packages.
— Rep. Jared Golden of Maine's 2nd District praised the Manchin-led climate and health care deal that emerged last week, but the Democrat did not commit to voting for it. His Republican opponent, former Rep. Bruce Poliquin, opposes the outlined measure.
— Greater Portland offices are expected to empty more in the next two years with companies still weighing returns to fully in-person work.
— The share of uninsured Mainers dropped sharply after the Mills administration expanded Medicaid, Maine Public reports.
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News and notes
Golden said the killing of al-Qaida's leader was a signal that the U.S. does not need troops in Afghanistan.
— The congressman, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq and long supported a military drawdown in Afghanistan, said the U.S. drone strike that killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was worth celebrating and a sign that the military did not need troops on the ground to meet key anti-terrorism goals.
— “We now have increased capabilities to go after these individuals around the world,” Golden said.
— U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, and Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat from the 1st District, also hailed al-Zawahiri's killing in Monday statements after news broke of the strike in Kabul.
Collins was one of 26 Republicans to praise the House speaker's Taiwan trip.
— A group of senators led by McConnell and including Collins released a statement of solidarity with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, as she flew to Taiwan on Tuesday.
— The trip came despite threats of consequences from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has said it could annex it by force.
— "For decades, members of the United States Congress, including previous Speakers of the House, have travelled to Taiwan," the senators said. |
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| 📷 Brad Ryder, owner of Epic Sports in downtown Bangor, stands in his business on Tuesday. He plans to close the shop this fall after 25 years in business. (BDN photo by Emily Burnham) |
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