Reading archive 2026-03-26

Neither tattoos nor slurs are slowing this Senate candidate down: The controversial Democrat is still piquing Mainers’ interest by channeling their frustrations. - "That’s if Platner can pull off his big ideas. Anger might be enough to win the primary in June. But it will be difficult to persuade working Mainers to replace the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee with a junior senator who thinks he can deliver universal health care without raising their taxes." [ed. note: Senate Approps doesn't do anything anymore, though, lol]

Politicians are trying to make life cheaper. Economists are appalled.: Republicans and Democrats are pitching ideas intended to address affordability, but experts warn the proposals could cause other problems.

Pentagon considers diverting Ukraine military aid to the Middle East: A shift would highlight the growing trade-offs required for the U.S. to sustain its war with Iran as the conflict depletes the military’s critical munitions. - "Separately, the Pentagon notified Congress on Monday that it intended to divert about $750 million in funding provided by NATO countries through the PURL program to restock the U.S. military’s own inventories, rather than to send additional assistance to Ukraine, according to two U.S. officials.

"The first official said it was unclear whether European countries providing their funds for the initiative to bolster Ukraine understood how the money was being spent."

Bigotry among young conservatives has Republicans on edge: Many Republicans dismiss such party members even as white supremacists like Nick Fuentes gain popularity, but there’s growing unease at their presence in the rank and file.