"The complicated life and legacy of Robert Indiana, artist behind iconic ‘LOVE’ sculpture" PBS NewsHour 10/6/2021
Excerpt
SUMMARY: When most people think of the artist Robert Indiana, they think of the iconic “LOVE” sculpture with a tilted “O.” While his art endures, a new book also paints a portrait of him as a troubled, isolated artist. Maine Public’s Jennifer Rooks has a look for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
SUMMARY: In the U.S., 36 million adults lack the basic literacy skills needed to sustain employment -- yet education programs for this group serve only about 1.5 million, and funding continues to be cut at state and federal levels. Meanwhile, stigma can keep adults from reconnecting with the classroom. Kavitha Cardoza reports from Maine, whose governor has pledged to increase funding for adult education.
SUMMARY: In our NewsHour Shares moment of the day, an unusual phenomenon has appeared in a river in Westbrook, Maine: A giant ice disk that spans about 100 yards across and spins counter-clockwise. The disk is a natural although uncommon occurrence documented in other parts of North America as well as in Scandinavia. Julia Griffin, in collaboration with Maine Public Television, has the story.
SUMMARY: On November 6, Maine voters will consider a proposal to provide free home care to people 65 and older and those with disabilities. The plan, “Question 1” on the ballot, would be funded by an additional 3.8 percent tax on income over $128,400. While the program would serve populations in need, critics fear the tax increase would stall the state economy. Paul Solman talks to Mainers for more.
SUMMARY: Maine, land of lobsters and lighthouses, is also the nation’s oldest state. With a median age of 43, roughly a third of its population is in or approaching retirement. To counter its aging workforce, the state is attempting to attract more recent college graduates by helping to repay their student loans. Hari Sreenivasan reports as part of our weekly education series, Rethinking College.
SUMMARY: Maine employers and consumers say that importing prescriptions from foreign mail-order pharmacies saves them a lot of money -- and legislators passed a law legalizing imports. The drug industry and the state's pharmacists say imports can be dangerous -- supporters say the drugs are identical. Now, a federal court will decide.
RICK KARR (Newshour): The battle between the State of Maine and the pharmaceutical industry started in Portland when the city found a way to cut its health care costs. By the time the battle ends, the whole country might feel the effects. If Maine wins, it could get a lot easier for Americans to import cheaper prescription drugs. If the pharmaceutical companies and their allies win, importing drugs could be harder than ever. One side in the battle is made up of employers -- and their employees. They say they’re fighting for the right to spend less on health care.
RICK KARR: How much money does this save the company every year?
SCOTT WELLMAN, employer: About $400,000. That's our savings per year.
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DOUG THOMAS, Republican State Senator: You don't get to take advantage of people. "I have this drug, this pill, and it will save your life. What will you give me for it?" is that the way we do business in the United States? And, of course, you're going to pay whatever you have to to save your life. And that's not right. It's real close, I think, to holding a gun to people's head. And it's wrong.
