Maine attorney general plans to sue over PFAS contamination
BANGOR, Maine (AP) — Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey said the state is preparing for a lawsuit against manufacturers of so-called forever chemicals. Frey said at the Democratic State Convention last weekend that steps are being taken to hold “these chemical manufacturers to account.” He said an announcement could be made within weeks. The Bangor Daily News reports that the attorney general is enlisting outside counsel to assist his office. The state asked law firms to submit proposals for the work last fall.
HYDROPOWER TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR
Staff proposal would retain permit for $1B transmission line
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A proposed Maine Board of Environmental Protection order would let stand a permit issued for an electric transmission corridor to serve as a conduit for Canadian hydropower. The draft order was written by staff in advance of hearings this week that were postponed because of COVID-19 illnesses. Maine Environmental Commissioner Melanie Loyzim suspended the permit after the project was rebuked in a statewide referendum. But the board must still issue a final decision on appeals. The state supreme court is also weighing appeals related to the $1 billion project.
KINDERGARTNER DRAGGED
School bus drags boy whose backpack strap was stuck in door
BUXTON, Maine (AP) — Officials say a school bus dragged a kindergartner about 575 feet after his backpack became stuck in the door. The boy’s mother, Athena Lavigne, watched in horror as her 6-year-old son’s backpack strap got stuck as the doors closed Thursday afternoon. She screamed and began running after the bus as it drove away. She eventually got the attention of the driver, who stopped. The driver was placed on administrative leave, and the boy was treated for road rash.
USM PRESIDENT
Penn State administrator tapped to lead USM
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A longtime Penn State University administrator has been tapped to lead the University of Southern Maine. Jacqueline “Jackie” Edmondson was described as a first-generation college student, College of Education administrator and, since 2017, chancellor of the Greater Allegheny campus. Officials said that while leading the camps near Pittsburgh she launched eight new degree programs to meet regional workforce and student needs. She’ll replace Glenn Cummings.
ROCKEFELLER HOME
Rockefeller home on Maine’s Mount Desert Island to be razed
MOUNT DESERT, Maine (AP) — A billionaire is tearing down David Rockefeller Sr.’s home on Mount Desert Island to make way for something new. Danaher Corporation co-founder Mitchell Rales bought the 14.8-acre Ringing Point property for $19 million in January 2018, a year after Rockefeller died at the age of 101. The Bangor Daily News says a limited liability corporation that owns the home has obtained a demolition permit. The seven-bedroom house was designed in 1972 by Rockefeller’s wife, Peggy. The property is in Seal Harbor, which is part of the town of Mount Desert.
BRUSH FIRE-WHITE MOUNTAINS
Firefighters battle large forest fire in White Mountains
BARTLETT, N.H. (AP) — Firefighters in New Hampshire are battling a large forest fire that’s burned hundreds of acres in the White Mountains this weekend. The U.S. Forest Service said federal, state and local fire personnel responded to a fire on state land in Crawford Notch State Park at around 11 a.m. Saturday. The agency said the fire is burning in steep, mountainous terrain and is estimated to be about 250 acres in size. Fire officials said Saturday afternoon rains helped control the fire and there were no significant threats to life or property. Firefighters planned to return to the site Sunday to continue suppressing the blaze.