Maine News Monday July 6

Wall Street Journal -   Graham Platner said his campaign would reflect on the "best path forward" after a woman he was romantically involved with alleged that he sexually assaulted her.  The allegation, which Platner denied, is the latest controversy to emerge about the Maine Senate Democratic nominee's past. In a video he released, Platner said he was "mindful" of the impact it could have on his race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The video comes after Politico detailed an allegation by a woman who said Platner forced himself on her about five years ago and had nonconsensual sex with her after she told him repeatedly to stop

Harpswell Anchor - Freeport residents should know that Freeport Community Services received a $5,000 grant from the Maine Women’s Giving Tree, part of more than $104,000 awarded to 15 Midcoast nonprofits. The women-led giving circle supports organizations from Wiscasset to Freeport that serve women, children, and families, backing everything from housing and literacy to health care and hunger relief.

Pilots will perform high-flying feats at the upcoming Great State of Maine Air Show, returning to Brunswick Executive Airport on July 11 and 12. This year, the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels will undoubtedly draw crowds with their precision flying routines — the team's first performance in Maine in five years.

Morning Star - The termination of two federal leases in the Gulf of Maine present the latest layer of uncertainty for offshore wind projects, once thought to be key to Maine’s energy secure, low-carbon future.  Last month, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced a settlement agreement with Chicago-based Invenergy, which included the termination of offshore wind leases in Maine, California and New York.

“It’s a bad deal for Mainers, at a time when energy is getting more and more expensive, we are spending public dollars to not build energy resources and to not bring electricity prices down,” said Nick Janzen with Maine Conservation Voters.

As part of the agreement, the federal government will reimburse Invenergy up to $765 million, which the company will then reinvest in natural gas-fired power plants and geothermal power generation projects.

…In a statement, Gov. Janet Mills said the termination undermines years of work and planning to protect Maine’s fisheries, diversify energy resources and create economic investment.