Bangor, Maine News Update: July 5, 2017

Both Republicans and Democrats are finding something to cheer about in the $7.1 billion, two-year budget that ended a three-day state government shutdown. Governor Paul LePage won a victory with removal of a 1.5 percent increase in the state lodging tax while Democrats were pleased that money was added to the Head Start and Clean Election programs.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap says he won't comply with a request by President Donald Trump's commission investigating voter fraud that asked for voter names, birthdates, the last four digits of Social Security numbers, and voter history. On Monday, Dunlap said Maine’s Central Voter Registration system is confidential by law, and the state doesn’t allow access to that kind of information.

Maine is testing more homes for lead, following a federal recommendation that aims to stop lead exposure before children become sick. State toxicologist Andrew Smith says a new standard for lead levels means the state is performing more home inspections to determine the source of the lead.

The folks at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion were forced to tear down a new structure that was being built recently, when city fire officials deemed it a hazard since it blocked one of the exits. The building was built over recently-installed metal detectors but city officials say the facility didn’t have a building permit. Before building any structures on the site that’s leased from the city, concert officials need to obtain a permit and gain city council approval.

The Cool Sounds Concert Series is back in Downtown Bangor, with free concerts every Thursday night during the summer. Food vendors will also be on-hand in Pickering Square as a different group provides the music each week, starting at 6 p.m. For more information and the summer line-up of groups, log onto Downtown Bangor dot com.