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Janet Mills Quits Race as 64% Opponent Rises

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Maine Governor Drops Out, Clearing Path for Oyster Farmer in Senate Showdown

In a dramatic twist that’s reshaping Maine’s political landscape, Governor Janet Mills has pulled the plug on her Democratic U.S. Senate campaign. Her sudden exit hands the party’s nomination to Graham Platner – a 41-year-old oyster farmer with a massive fundraising haul and a fiery anti-Trump platform – setting up a high-stakes battle against longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins.

janet mills
janet mills

“I’ve got the drive, the passion, and the fight. But let’s be real – campaigns today run on cash, and I just don’t have enough of it,” Mills said in a statement released Thursday. The 78-year-old two-term governor admitted it was an “incredibly difficult decision” to step aside, especially after Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer personally recruited her to take on Collins.

So why the sudden dropout? The writing had been on the wall for weeks. A February poll from the University of New Hampshire showed Platner crushing Mills by a staggering 64% to 26%. And the money gap was just as brutal: Platner raised 4.1million∗∗inthefirstquarterofthisyear,whileMillsbroughtinonly∗∗4.1million∗∗inthefirstquarterofthisyear,whileMillsbroughtinonly∗∗2.7 million. Her campaign also vanished from TV airwaves in early April after a brief, failed attempt to highlight Platner’s old controversial social media posts.

janet mills
janet mills

At a press conference in Augusta on Thursday, Platner struck a gracious tone. “Governor Mills has served Maine her whole life – we’re eternally grateful. We both got into this to defeat Susan Collins, and her decision today shows she’s committed to that mission. I look forward to working with her between now and November to get it done.”

Susan Collins, who’s been in the Senate for nearly three decades, offered a measured response. Speaking with CNN’s Manu Raju, she said, “I’m sure this was very hard for her. She’s devoted her life to public service. I wish her well.” But when asked about facing Platner, Collins deflected: “This is the governor’s day – let’s focus on her message to Maine.”

janet mills
janet mills

Don’t let the polite words fool you. The general election is already getting nasty. A pro-Collins super PAC just launched a $2 million ad blitz bashing Platner, and Republicans are gleefully calling him “too extreme for Maine.” Sen. Tim Scott, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, crowed: “Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats just coronated a phony.”

The dirt on Platner – and why the GOP is licking its chops

Platner isn’t your typical Senate candidate. The oyster farmer has a past littered with red flags that Republicans are already weaponizing:

  • Deleted social media posts – uncovered by CNN’s KFile – where he reportedly called rural white Americans “racist and stupid” and denigrated police. He’s since disavowed the posts, saying they don’t reflect who he is today.
janet mills
janet mills
  • A chest tattoo that allegedly resembled a Nazi symbol. Platner says he regrets it and has since covered it up.

Democrats, however, see a fighter. Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed Platner before Mills even dropped out, along with Elizabeth Warren, Ruben Gallego, and Martin Heinrich. Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand – who runs the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm – quickly rallied behind Platner after Mills’ exit, saying in a joint statement: “After years of allowing Trump’s abuses of power, Susan Collins has never been more vulnerable. We will work with Graham Platner to defeat her.”

The bigger picture: Age, money, and Maine’s Trump problem

Mills, 78, was running against a wave of Democrats demanding generational change. Had she won, she would have become the oldest freshman senator in U.S. history – a tough sell in a party that just watched Dianne Feinstein and Chuck Grassley face questions about fitness for office. Platner is 41 – the same age as Pete Buttigieg when he ran for president.

janet mills
janet mills

Then there’s the Trump factor. Maine is quirky: it splits its electoral votes by congressional district. Trump lost the state overall three times, but he won the rural 2nd District in 2016 and 2020. Collins, 73, is one of the few Republicans who voted against Trump’s priority agenda bill last year – but Democrats argue she’s still too cozy with the MAGA wing. Platner promises to be an “aggressive opponent” of Trump, which could fire up the base in Portland and Augusta.

Can Collins survive another close call?

Susan Collins has a reputation as a comeback kid. She’s survived every Democratic wave since 1996, often by painting herself as a moderate. But her 2020 vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh sparked national outrage, and her approval ratings in Maine have slipped. Still, she chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, giving her enormous leverage to bring home federal dollars – a fact she’ll hammer home from Bangor to Bar Harbor.

For now, Platner’s team is acting like the primary is already over. They’ve pointed to polling, fundraising, and the pro-Collins super PAC’s early attacks as proof that Republicans fear him. Mills, according to a source familiar with her decision, made the call Wednesday night after realizing she was “running out of time to course correct.”

The November election in Maine is now a clear contrast: a three-decade incumbent with seniority and a moderate brand vs. a young, left-wing outsider with baggage and a viral fundraising operation. One thing’s for sure – it’s going to be a wild ride. And with control of the U.S. Senate hanging in the balance, the whole country will be watching.

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NBC Sports Revolution: 15 MLB Games Today

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The Ultimate Baseball Marathon

The day’s schedule is packed with wall-to-wall coverage, ensuring you don’t miss a single pitch from your favorite franchise. The action began at noon ET on NBC with an NL East showdown between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Later tonight, the primetime slot on NBC at 7:00 p.m. ET features a blockbuster matchup: the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the San Diego Padres.

nbc
nbc

Between those marquee games, Peacock is hosting a marathon of 13 additional games. For those who want to track multiple storylines at once, Peacock is offering an “MLB Multiview” feature, allowing viewers to stream up to four games simultaneously on their devices—a perfect tool for fantasy players and die-hard enthusiasts alike.

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nbc

Why This Matters for Sports Fans

This isn’t just about watching games; it’s about the evolution of how we consume sports. In an era where fragmentation often makes it difficult to find a game on cable, having the entire league under one “roof” is a refreshing change. Whether you are rooting for a pennant race contender or just want to catch a glimpse of the league’s top prospects, today provides an unparalleled window into the world of Major League Baseball.

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nbc

As you enjoy the games, consider the effort behind the scenes. Rob Hyland, NBC Sports SVP of Production, noted that this event required months of collaboration between local production teams and MLB. It’s a bold experiment in “competitive” broadcasting, ensuring that the 250th birthday weekend of the nation is marked by the sport that defines its summers.

How to Watch

To catch all the action, ensure you have your Peacock subscription ready. While the two featured games are available over the air on NBC, the vast majority of the day’s content lives on the Peacock streaming platform. So, grab your snacks, kick back, and enjoy the biggest baseball broadcast event in television history.

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nbc

In a monumental shift for American sports broadcasting, baseball fans are witnessing a historic day. For the first time, a single media network is bringing the entire Major League Baseball slate to your living room. Today, all 30 MLB teams are in action, with every single game airing across NBC and Peacock.

This event, dubbed “Star-Spangled Sunday,” marks a massive technical and logistical undertaking, mirroring the scale usually reserved for the Olympic Games. It is a dream scenario for fans who want to immerse themselves in the national pastime for the entire day.

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Trump Mount Rushmore Dream: 1 Hard Truth Revealed

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The “Dream” Meets Structural Reality

As President Donald Trump (Trump Mount Rushmore) makes his way to South Dakota this Friday, the nation’s eyes are once again fixed on the iconic granite peaks of Mount Rushmore. Amidst the pomp and circumstance of the country’s 250th anniversary, the perennial question has resurfaced: Is it time for a fifth face to join the monument? While the idea remains a favorite talking point for his staunchest allies, the reality is far more solid—and less yielding—than political rhetoric suggests.

Trump mount rushmore
Trump mount rushmore

For years, President Trump has toyed with the concept of his likeness being carved into the Black Hills. From joking comments at rallies to sharing digital mock-ups on his social media platforms, the president has made no secret that he finds the idea appealing. In a private meeting during his first term, he famously told then-Governor Kristi Noem that it was his “dream” to be featured alongside Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln.

Trump mount rushmore
Trump mount rushmore

However, the “mountain” he needs to move is not political; it is literal. According to engineers and the National Park Service, there is simply no remaining surface area to accommodate another sculpture. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who oversaw the original project, noted as early as 1936 that the composition was “fixed” and that the stone lacked the structural integrity to support further expansion.

Trump mount rushmore
Trump mount rushmore

Stalled Legislation and Political Friction

Despite these warnings, the push to memorialize the 45th and 47th President continues in Washington. In early 2025, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna introduced legislation to mandate the carving, arguing it would “reflect his towering legacy.” The bill remains firmly stalled, lacking the bipartisan support necessary to clear the Senate.

While some members of his administration, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, have publicly suggested there is “certainly” room for his face, these statements clash with the long-standing assessment of park officials. Critics argue that the focus on such projects is a distraction from more pressing national issues, while supporters see it as a fitting tribute to a leader who has sought to reshape American architectural and cultural identity.

A Different Climate in 2026

President Trump’s return to the memorial comes six years after his contentious 2020 visit. That event, held during the height of the global pandemic and national unrest following the death of George Floyd, was marked by a defiant speech against “cancel culture.”

Trump mount rushmore
Trump mount rushmore

This year’s visit is focused on the Freedom 250 celebrations. Unlike the 2020 event, which took place during a moment of profound national crisis, this visit is aimed at celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. Thousands of attendees are expected, though security remains tight and a designated area has been set aside for protesters near the town of Keystone, reflecting the ongoing political divide that persists even during historic milestones.

Whether or not the President ever finds his place on that granite cliffside, his imprint on the American political landscape is undeniable. For now, the mountain stands as it has for nearly a century: a testament to a bygone era of American expansionism, largely unchanged by the shifting tides of modern politics.

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Alan Greenspan: Iconic Fed Leader Dies at 100

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A Legacy of Power and Turbulence

Alan Greenspan, the legendary economist who served as the chairman of the Federal Reserve for nearly two decades, has passed away at the age of 100. His death was confirmed on Monday by his wife, renowned NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell.

Alan Greenspan
Alan Greenspan

Mitchell, who was married to Greenspan for 29 years, shared a poignant statement confirming that he died at their home due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. “He was a giant of a man who helped shape the U.S. economy for decades under presidents of both parties, but was always honest in acknowledging his mistakes,” Mitchell said.

Serving five terms as the Fed chair under four different presidents—Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush—Greenspan’s influence on the global financial landscape was unparalleled. Often referred to as “The Maestro,” he was widely credited with overseeing one of the most prosperous periods in American history, including the longest economic expansion from 1991 to 2001.

Alan Greenspan
Alan Greenspan

Born on March 6, 1926, in New York City, Greenspan’s journey began with a passion for music. A graduate of the Juilliard School, he spent time as a professional jazz musician before pivoting to economics at New York University. His early association with philosopher Ayn Rand profoundly shaped his views on laissez-faire capitalism, a philosophy that would later influence his tenure as a policymaker.

Greenspan took the helm of the Fed in 1987, shortly before the infamous “Black Monday” market crash. His swift, decisive actions to provide liquidity to the markets during that crisis helped cement his reputation as a steady hand. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, his ability to manage interest rates became legendary, with investors and politicians alike watching his every word to forecast market moves.

Alan Greenspan
Alan Greenspan

However, his legacy is not without significant controversy. Critics often point to his advocacy for financial deregulation as a contributing factor to the 2008 global financial crisis. Greenspan himself later acknowledged the complexity of the economic landscape, referring to the crisis as a “once-in-a-century credit tsunami.”

Despite these challenges, he remained a fixture of American public life, advising presidents and maintaining a unique reputation as the world’s most powerful central banker. Beyond the boardroom, he was a man of varied interests, ranging from his love for the Washington Commanders to his deep appreciation for jazz music.

Alan Greenspan
Alan Greenspan

“To me he was my husband, who shaped my life from our very first date in 1984,” Mitchell added. “He will be remembered for his brilliance and his kindness. Being his life partner was the joy of my life.”

Alan Greenspan
Alan Greenspan

As the world reflects on his century-long life, the financial community remembers a man who defined the American economy for a generation.

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