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1,600 gallons of forever chemicals released in Maine

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1,600 gallons of forever chemicals released in Maine


Following a malfunctioning fire suppression system at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station in Maine on Monday, approximately 1,600 gallons of “forever chemicals” were released.

According to officials from the Maine Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) and the Brunswick Executive Airport, the incident occurred in Hangar 4, where the automated system unexpectedly activated and set off a series of wall-mounted cannons of foam to be released. About 1,600 gallons of the firefighting foam, laced with hazardous per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), was released along with 60,000 gallons of water, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

PFAS are a class of chemicals that can be found in a range of everyday products, from toilet paper to food packaging, cosmetics and dental floss. Nicknamed “forever chemicals,” these compounds break down very slowly over time and stick around in the surrounding environment.

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The widespread nature of forever chemicals have been concerning as numerous studies have found associations between PFAS exposure and increased blood cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced immunity, reproductive issues and an increased risk of certain cancers, the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reports.

Air Force One sits at Brunswick Executive Airport in Brunswick, Maine, on July 28, 2023. Following a malfunctioning fire suppression system at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station on Monday, approximately 1,600 gallons of forever…


BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

The Brunswick Naval Air Station, which officially closed in 2011, had mandated automated fire suppression systems in its large hangars.

According to WMTW, an ABC-affiliated station in Maine, the former Naval Air Station Brunswick is now called Brunswick Landing and is the site of the Brunswick Executive Airport.

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Brunswick Landing also :includes four flight schools, four educational institutions, more than 750 housing units, a technology business incubator and nearly 160 businesses that employ more than 2,500 people,” WMTW reported.

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While the cause of the system’s failure is still under investigation, cleanup efforts are already underway as the Maine Department of Environmental Protection is overseeing the effort with Clean Harbors of South Portland deploying vacuum trucks, containment booms and tanks to mitigate the spill, the AP reported.

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“We take this situation very seriously and are committed to addressing the cleanup with the utmost urgency and transparency,” Kristine Logan, MRRA’s executive director told the AP.

Newsweek reached out to the Maine Regional Redevelopment Authority via email on Tuesday for comment.

The incident comes amid a broader concern regarding forever chemicals and possible groundwater contamination leading to health risks.

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Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed new limits on these chemicals in drinking water. In addition, some fire departments began a shift away from PFAS-containing firefighting foams. This includes several fire departments in New Hampshire, where the state last week initiated a program to collect and safely dispose of such foams.

Meanwhile, a 2023 study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that about half of all U.S. tap water was found to contain some PFAS chemicals with New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania having the highest level of contamination.



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This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

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This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak


Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

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Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

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Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

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And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

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How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities


BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Monday’s telethon held by WABI in partnership with Penquis and Heart of Maine United Way Monday raised money for the heating of homes, something so basic, yet so significant in a state like Maine.

Danielle Hewes, Penquis contributor and volunteer, says some people might not even know that they qualify for heating assistance.

“I think there’s this misconception that you can’t get that if you’re working. Like that’s just for people on general assistance. The truth of the matter is this is for the people that are maybe not able to work, but also for the people that are working. They’re making ends meet,” she said.

For Danielle, that’s what makes events like the telethon so special: it’s making a real difference in the community with people who need the help the most.

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Speaking about Penquis in particular, she said, “You learn about all of the other things they do and how they help the community and you can’t help but want to be a part of that.”

If you weren’t able to donate Monday, donations are still being accepted.

You can go to homeunitedway.org/heat.

You can also call 941-2800.

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Arizona Sen. Gallego endorses Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner

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Arizona Sen. Gallego endorses Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Democrat Graham Platner has picked up another high-profile endorsement in his bid to flip a key Senate seat blue, marking another sign of the oyster farmer and combat veteran’s political resiliency even as he continues to face controversy throughout his campaign.

Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego announced Monday that he was backing Platner, saying that the first-time candidate “reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine.”

“Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn’t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,” said Gallego, who won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024 by more than 2 points while Trump carried the state by nearly 6 points.

Platner has previously been endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat.

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However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Platner’s main opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills.

Both Platner, 41, and Mills, 78, are hoping to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, a five-term incumbent who announced last month that she was running for another term. A victory in Maine is crucial for Democrats’ efforts to take back control of the Senate. The Democratic Party needs to net four seats to retake the Senate majority, and they are aiming to do that in Maine, North Carolina, Alaska and Ohio.

READ MORE: Maine’s Graham Platner thinks voters will overlook his past to support a new type of candidate

Platner has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message. He’s pressed forward despite controversies over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he recently had covered up.

Gallego is among the Democrats named as possible 2028 presidential contenders. Last fall, he stumped in New Jersey, Virginia and Florida, where he campaigned for Democrats who went on to win their elections.

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“I have an immense amount of respect for him and I’m looking forward to joining him as a fellow Marine and combat infantryman in the U.S. Senate,” Platner said in a statement.

Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island.

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