Graham Platner, mired in controversy, aims for a win in Maine’s Democratic Senate primary
David Smith Hello from Bangor, Maine, where voters are heading to the polls for primary elections that feature an important Senate race with the scandal-ridden Graham Platner. The oysterman and Marine veteran has been embroiled in several controversies, including accusations of “toxic” behavior towards women and a tattoo associated with Nazi symbolism. This has sparked discussions among Democrats about double standards and whether it’s acceptable to overlook flaws for the greater good. Adding to the drama, Genevieve Mc Donald, who previously worked as political director for Platner’s campaign, wrote a criticizing him as unfit for office just yesterday. “Graham Platner is not someone who would be good for Maine or for the country,” Mc Donald stated in the Washington Post. “He exhibits a pattern of dishonest behavior that is impossible to ignore.” “Even after being exposed by multiple scandals since last October, he kept telling voters and the Democratic Party that there were no more hidden issues. Then more surfaced – most recently involving serious accusations from former girlfriends regarding physical mistreatment.” Still, it seems like many Democratic voters are standing by Platner. At a campaign event on Sunday, one supporter gave him a hand-drawn card stating “we’ve got your back.” Polls will close at 8pm ET.
Scandal-haunted Graham Platner speaks at a campaign event on Sunday in Portland, Maine. Photograph: Robert F Bukaty/APShare
Updated at 08.36 EDT
Key events
Michael Sainato
Workers in hospitality and food services across various US cities gearing up for World Cup matches are raising alarms about potential labor disputes and strikes as this major sporting event approaches on June 11.
In Los Angeles, California, cashiers, dishwashers, cooks, bartenders, concessions workers and food attendants at So Fi Stadium reached a tentative deal on Tuesday afternoon; however, union representatives noted they still have the right to strike if federal immigration enforcement threatens worker safety during World Cup events. The US’s opening match against Paraguay is set to happen at So Fi Stadium on June 12.
Around 2,000 workers represented by Unite Here Local 11 had voted overwhelmingly-96%-in favor of authorizing a strike before reaching an agreement on Tuesday. They’re seeking better wages and protections from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“We’re just trying to make things fair,” said Eva Miles, who has worked as a bartender at So Fi Stadium since it opened in 2021. “Without us there wouldn’t be any stadium action. Are they going to cook? Are they going to pour drinks? Are they going to serve guests?”
So Fi Stadium is temporarily re-branded as ‘Los Angeles Stadium’ during FIFA World Cup 2026 while preparing for its eight-game football schedule. Photograph: Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
Miles mentioned that she and her colleagues struggle to afford living near the stadium with their current wages; she commutes two hours daily while some co-workers face even longer trips.
“Let’s see them try living on our wages; let’s see them raise families,” added Miles. Workers are advocating for pay over $30 an hour. “I’ve been there since day one; I love meeting new people. I want my guests to be happy so they can have great experiences because I know they’re spending significant amounts of money during this FIFA World Cup.”
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FIFA has historically navigated through expensive immigration requirements during men’s World Cups from Brazil through Russia all the way to Qatar without much trouble-but things look different for 2026 amid strict border restrictions under Trump administration policies.
The issue affects several individuals including Omar Artan-a referee appointed by FIFA-who was denied entry into the US upon arriving in Miami despite being set up as one of only fifty referees chosen worldwide.Artan was expected to become the first Somali national officiating at a World Cup.
Share The vote scheduled during today’s series around 4:30 PM ET requires House Speaker Mike Johnson achieving nearly perfect attendance from GOP members alongside unity within party ranks if legislation is going forward which would ultimately reach Donald Trump for funding ICE and Border Patrol operations through three additional years. This legislation has faced numerous delays; initially seeking $1 billion aimed toward increasing security surrounding White House grounds-including enhancements related specifically toward Trump’s new ballroom-and proposing separate compensation packages amounting upwards of $1.8 billion designed primarily benefiting allies facing investigation fallout under prior terms presented by his administration concerning misconduct allegations made publicly.
Ultimately those politically charged proposals have been dropped leaving focus solely resting upon immigration enforcement allocating resources totaling around $38 billion designated towards ICE functions paired with another $26 billion intended strictly covering Border Patrol operations inclusive unforeseen costs linked back directly towards implementing Trump’s mass deportation agenda.
This comes atop previous allocations nearing $140 billion provided last year alone via Republican-controlled Congress aiding ICE plus CBP amidst broader tax-and-spending cuts measures pushed forth openly earlier under Trump initiatives deployed nationwide impacting various sectors heavily regulated currently by government oversight entities throughout United States borders nationwide encounters involving undocumented immigrants detected regularly crossing lines every single day throughout entire regions established firmly inside these states’ jurisdictions based upon respective laws governing citizenship status overall affecting large populations within communities everywhere where businesses thrive off differing economic growth models formed rapidly nearby locations housed closely along those lines pursued constantly across demographics prevalent elsewhere also striving toward excellence despite challenges surfacing continually outside normal limits defined repeatedly herein mandated processes occurring nationally too resulting high pressure maintaining balance keeping systems intact fairly representing reality depicted accurately taking shape now shaping decisions forthcoming well ahead.
Democrats raised concerns regarding giving agencies additional funds absent clear-cut modifications governing operating protocols after recent federal shootings targeting Alex Pretti alongside Renee Good located specifically within Minneapolis jurisdiction environments altogether demanding reforms addressing key areas needing improvement placed firmly above everyone else involved each round encompassing context evolving directly impacting lives lived too close proximity often exposing individuals vulnerable wrongfully misjudged sometimes leading unjust consequences inflicted unfairly lasting far longer overall creating deeper divide felt deeply resonating though entirely unwanted becoming apparent slowly yet surely surfacing gradually emerging into public view regularly inducing conversations necessary but also contentious alike requiring transparency established moving forward amongst stakeholders engaging actively present discussions upcoming deliberations likely adjusting frameworks needed working collaboratively bridging gaps existing currently separating factions debating priorities lately encountered frequently encountered scenarios arising presenting complexities necessitating patience open minds working jointly navigating murky waters ahead henceforth unfolding carefully exploring paths leading beyond obstacles faced here against backdrop history intertwined gripping tightly holding fast principles laid down years ago hoping forge brighter tomorrow clearer vision emerges laying groundwork future generations build upon dreams realized eventually coming fruition completing circle begun long ago paving way lasting change witnessed forevermore inspiring hope continuing rise transforming lives touched profoundly altering course destinies sought out fervently driving progress goals achieved together united standing strong championing causes dear hearts beats passionately illuminating pathways traversed traveling onward!
