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Falmouth Woman Who Released Album As 12-Year-Old Helps Kids Find Their Voice

When Chandra Oppenheim’s debut album, “Transportation,” came out in 1980, it was quickly embraced by the tastemakers of the day. She played gigs at CBGB in New York and sold out shows in Berkeley, California, and she was only 12 years old.

LePage Vetoes Bills To Ban Cellphones For Drivers, Raise Age To Buy Tobacco

Senators Vote To Proceed With Health Care Debate

By Brian Naylor • 7 hours ago

The Senate voted Tuesday to begin debating a replacement for the Affordable Care Act. It remains uncertain as to what that replacement might look like. No formal legislation has been drafted. But senators moved to take the procedural first step, known as a "motion to proceed." The vote was 51-50, with Vice President Pence casting the tiebreaking vote.

Debate will now begin, most likely on a measure to fully repeal the law, also known as Obamacare.

Advocates Decry Proposal to Reduce Coverage in Benchmark Health Plans

By Patty Wight • 7 hours ago

Consumer advocates are concerned about a proposal by two insurance companies to offer benchmark plans on Maine’s health insurance market that provide skimpier coverage.

Anthem initially sought permission for what’s known as a Silver-level plan at a cheaper rate with fewer benefits, and now Community Health Options wants to offer something similar to stay competitive.

Steve Butterfield of Consumers for Affordable Health Care says if the Maine Bureau of Insurance grants approval, it would be harmful for consumers.

Delta Flight From NYC to Portland Delayed By Argument Between Pilot, Attendant

By AP • 7 hours ago

NEW YORK — Delta Air Lines is apologizing after an argument between a pilot and a flight attendant delayed a flight from New York to Portland, Maine.

A Delta spokesman said Tuesday that the crew members were replaced before the plane took off. He said the incident does not reflect the professionalism the airline expects from employees, and that the company is investigating.

Bruce Poliquin Opposes Health Care Repeal Without Replacement

By AP • 7 hours ago

AUGUSTA, Maine — Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin of Maine’s 2nd District says he won’t support repealing Obamacare without a replacement plan.

Poliquin’s comments Tuesday come as the GOP tries to find a path forward on its longtime campaign promise to undo the law. The Sun-Journal reports that Poliquin said he is standing by a "common-sense" decision he made in 2015 to stick with the Affordable Care Act until there is a viable replacement plan.

To Keep Drivers From Leaving, Uber Tries To Treat Them Better

By Aarti Shahani • 7 hours ago

Updated at 3:26 p.m. ET

Uber's leadership already has a lot on its plate, starting with finding a new CEO after former chief Travis Kalanick resigned abruptly last month. But that's not all the tech giant has to do. For the business to survive, Uber also has to repair its relationship with drivers, which leaders at the company say is "broken."

Susan Collins Mocks Congressman Who Challenged Her To A Duel

By AP • 7 hours ago

WASHINGTON — Maine Republican Susan Collins has been captured on a live microphone making fun of GOP Rep. Blake Farenthold.

That’s the Texas congressman who a day earlier blamed "some female senators from the Northeast" for blocking health care legislation and said he wished he could challenge them to a duel "Aaron Burr-style."

Making small talk at a hearing on Tuesday, Collins was overheard telling a colleague about Farenthold: "I don’t mean to be unkind but he’s so unattractive it’s unbelievable."

Trump Continues to Criticize Attorney General Sessions in Morning Tweets

By AP • 14 hours ago

WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump is keeping up pressure on Attorney General Jeff Sessions, taking to Twitter at daybreak Tuesday to accuse the former senator and campaign ally and adviser of taking a “VERY weak” position at the Justice Department on “Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails & DNC server) & Intel leakers!”

John McCain Makes Dramatic Return Amid Political Storm

By Domenico Montanaro • 14 hours ago

Update at 4:05 p.m. ET

Sen. John McCain, diagnosed with a deadly form of brain cancer just five days ago, returned to applause on the Senate floor Tuesday, where he cast a crucial vote to move forward on repeal of the Affordable Care Act and urged his colleagues to regain their sense of bipartisan cooperation.

However, the longtime Arizona senator, two-time presidential candidate and perhaps America's most famous former prisoner of war, warned that he "will not vote for this bill as it is today," describing it as "a shell."