CLIMATE CHANGE-BLACKOUTS
Storms batter aging power grid as climate disasters spread
Power outages from severe weather have roughly doubled over the past two decades across the U.S. as a warming climate stirs more destructive storms. An Associated Press analysis found the number of outages tied to severe weather rose from about 50 annually nationwide in the early 2000s to more than 100 annually on average over the past five years. The weather disasters fueled by climate change now roll across the U.S. year-round, battering the nation’s aging electric grid. The resulting blackouts can be harmful and even deadly for the elderly, disabled and other vulnerable communities.
AP-US-CLIMATE-CHANGE-BLACKOUTS-ABRIDGED
Storms batter aging power grid as climate disasters spread
Power outages from severe weather have doubled over the past two decades across the U.S. as a warming climate stirs more destructive storms. An Associated Press analysis found the number of outages tied to severe weather rose from about 50 annually nationwide in the early 2000s to more than 100 annually on average over the past five years. The weather disasters fueled by climate change now roll across the U.S. year-round, battering the nation’s aging electric grid. The resulting blackouts can be harmful and even deadly for the elderly, disabled and other vulnerable communities.
DEFAMATION SUIT
Jury sides with newspaper in police officer defamation case
BIDDEFORD, Maine (AP) — A Maine jury has sided with a media company in a lawsuit over newspaper stories about sex abuse allegations involving a former police captain. The case stemmed from articles that were published in the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Courier seven years ago. Retired Biddeford police captain Norman Gaudette and his wife sought damages for claims that included defamation. The Portland Press Herald reports court records state that the jurors didn’t think the Gaudettes proved the allegations in the articles were false. They have appealed. Gaudette was investigated over two decades ago, but never criminally charged. He has long denied the allegations against him.
CHILD WELFARE-MAINE
Gov signs bill strengthening Maine’s child welfare ombudsman
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law a bill that strengthens the Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsman following several highly publicized deaths of children in June. The bill was one of several child welfare proposals written after the deaths of the four children. The new law lengthens the ombudsman’s tenure from one to five years and gives the ombudsman power to hire more staff, among other things. The current ombudsman, Christine Alberi, said it’ll enhance her office’s independence and productiveness as it works on behalf of children.
AP-US-SUPREME-COURT-NOMINATION-ANALYSIS
Analysis: 3 GOP senators buck party to back Biden court pick
WASHINGTON (AP) — Three Republican senators are breaking from their party to support Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic nomination to the Supreme Court. Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah are marking the historical moment by building legacies of their own. The three have broken with their party before at critical junctures, despite the political risks of standing alone. As the other Republican senators line up to oppose Jackson, the support from the three outliers gives Biden the bipartisan backing he was seeking for the choice, but may do little to shield them from the political blowback.
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
Maine colleges must provide transcripts to students who owe
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Post-secondary schools in Maine must now provide transcripts and diplomas for students and graduates even if they owe money. Officials said Tuesday that Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has signed the change into law. The law requires the schools to provide the materials if the student needs them for circumstances such as applying for a job, furthering their education or career training or pursuing military service. The new law also prompts the student and school to communicate about past-due fees and debts. The law goes into effect three months after the Maine Legislature adjourns.