Maine Morning Star
@mainemorningstar.com
Maine Morning Star is an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news site covering state policy and politics. It is an affiliate of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
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Maine Morning Star
@mainemorningstar.com
· Nov 13
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Hey there. We are a nonprofit news site and part of the States Newsroom network. We are focused on how policy decisions made in Augusta affect communities all across Maine. Follow along here to see our work, and you can also sign up to receive our newsletter: mainemorningstar.com/subscribe/
One potential outcome of Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial is a state legislative push to boost mental health support for new mothers. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/22/r...
Lindsay Clancy case could spur legislative action on postpartum depression, psychosis • Maine Morning Star
The mistrial in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial earlier this month places her future in doubt, three years after she killed her three children in Duxbury, Massachusetts. But one potential outcome is a…
mainemorningstar.com
September 22, 2026 at 2:13 PM
One potential outcome of Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial is a state legislative push to boost mental health support for new mothers. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/22/r...
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins' office steered government contracts worth millions toward Navatek while her campaign was pumping CEO Martin Kao and his network for donations, according to emails seen by @ProPublica.org
The FBI anti-corruption squad was circling Susan Collins — until Trump got in the way • Maine Morning Star
In the final weeks of 2019, a top fundraiser for Sen. Susan Collins walked into a perilous meeting at a Corner Bakery in Washington, D.C. For the first time in her two-decade Senate career, the…
mainemorningstar.com
September 22, 2026 at 12:22 PM
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins' office steered government contracts worth millions toward Navatek while her campaign was pumping CEO Martin Kao and his network for donations, according to emails seen by @ProPublica.org
Today, we’re celebrating Maine Morning Star's 3rd birthday!
The best birthday gift is a donation to the Morning Star. Your support allows us to keep reporting on the stories that matter most to you. Will you join the celebration today? mainemorningstar.com/donate/
The best birthday gift is a donation to the Morning Star. Your support allows us to keep reporting on the stories that matter most to you. Will you join the celebration today? mainemorningstar.com/donate/
September 19, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Today, we’re celebrating Maine Morning Star's 3rd birthday!
The best birthday gift is a donation to the Morning Star. Your support allows us to keep reporting on the stories that matter most to you. Will you join the celebration today? mainemorningstar.com/donate/
The best birthday gift is a donation to the Morning Star. Your support allows us to keep reporting on the stories that matter most to you. Will you join the celebration today? mainemorningstar.com/donate/
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative isn’t having the same emissions-cutting effect it used to. As power bills rise, some wonder if it is worth continuing. | via @canarymedia.com
Is it time to rethink the Northeast’s cap-and-trade system? • Maine Morning Star
Twenty years ago, a group of Northeastern states signed on to a plan to reduce the greenhouse gases spewing from power plants by making generators pay for the carbon they release. Since then, the…
mainemorningstar.com
September 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative isn’t having the same emissions-cutting effect it used to. As power bills rise, some wonder if it is worth continuing. | via @canarymedia.com
George Hill, president and CEO of Maine Family Planning, said the new guidelines “appear to seek to replace experienced providers with ideologically aligned ones, which would undermine continuity of care and patient trust.” mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/18/f...
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit over Title X grant funding for pregnancy prevention efforts • Maine Morning Star
A federal judge in Pennsylvania on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit challenging changes to the way grants are awarded under a program that provides funding for services such as family planning and…
mainemorningstar.com
September 18, 2026 at 9:41 PM
George Hill, president and CEO of Maine Family Planning, said the new guidelines “appear to seek to replace experienced providers with ideologically aligned ones, which would undermine continuity of care and patient trust.” mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/18/f...
The administration sought to dismiss the case brought against President Donald Trump’s negotiated settlement terms to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service for a years-old grievance over leaked tax returns. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/18/r...
Judge says case challenging Trump’s anti-weaponization fund ‘still alive and kicking’ • Maine Morning Star
WASHINGTON — A federal judge told the Trump administration Friday a case against the Department of Justice’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund is “still alive and kicking.” The administration…
mainemorningstar.com
September 18, 2026 at 8:51 PM
The administration sought to dismiss the case brought against President Donald Trump’s negotiated settlement terms to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service for a years-old grievance over leaked tax returns. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/18/r...
A coalition of civil rights groups and union organizations Friday sued the Trump administration to prevent the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to polling locations during November’s midterm elections. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/18/r...
Trump administration faces second lawsuit to block ICE agents at polls • Maine Morning Star
WASHINGTON — A coalition of civil rights groups and union organizations Friday sued the Trump administration to prevent the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to polling…
mainemorningstar.com
September 18, 2026 at 5:16 PM
A coalition of civil rights groups and union organizations Friday sued the Trump administration to prevent the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to polling locations during November’s midterm elections. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/18/r...
Common Cause, a nonpartisan pro-democracy organization, announced a “voter protection” campaign Thursday that would place thousands of volunteers at polling sites in 25 states. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/18/r...
With vote-by-mail court fight settled, attention shifts to protections at the polls • Maine Morning Star
Voting rights groups and Democratic officials are looking to defend against what they see as possible election interference from the Trump administration ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, now…
mainemorningstar.com
September 18, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Common Cause, a nonpartisan pro-democracy organization, announced a “voter protection” campaign Thursday that would place thousands of volunteers at polling sites in 25 states. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/18/r...
"The board must recognize that this is a bad plan that does not meet the words, let alone the intent, of the habitat fragmentation mitigation that you’ve already ordered," attorney David Kallin, who represents a coalition of environment and conservation groups, told the BEP Thursday.
Environmental groups argue transmission corridor failing to meet conservation standards • Maine Morning Star
Despite more than four hours of discussion on the conservation requirements for the long-embattled New England Clean Energy Connect project, the state environmental board held off on making a final…
mainemorningstar.com
September 18, 2026 at 10:58 AM
"The board must recognize that this is a bad plan that does not meet the words, let alone the intent, of the habitat fragmentation mitigation that you’ve already ordered," attorney David Kallin, who represents a coalition of environment and conservation groups, told the BEP Thursday.
Roughly 73% of Maine voters supported a Nov. 2023 ballot measure that amended the constitution, requiring that all provisions be printed in official copies of the document. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/17/m...
Maine Constitution printed for first time in 150 years — now with previously omitted treaty language • Maine Morning Star
The Maine Secretary of State’s Office on Thursday unveiled the first formal printing of the Maine Constitution in 150 years. This version includes key treaty commitments made to the Wabanaki Nations…
mainemorningstar.com
September 17, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Roughly 73% of Maine voters supported a Nov. 2023 ballot measure that amended the constitution, requiring that all provisions be printed in official copies of the document. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/17/m...
The Penobscot Nation received 11,000 acres of ancestral land back this week, the first phase of what is expected to be one of the largest land returns ever between a U.S.-based nonprofit and a tribe.
Recent land returns give Wabanaki Nations more authority over conservation, ancestral territory • Maine Morning Star
The Penobscot Nation received 11,000 acres of ancestral land back this week, the first phase of what is expected to be one of the largest land returns ever between a U.S.-based nonprofit and a tribe.
mainemorningstar.com
September 17, 2026 at 6:59 PM
The Penobscot Nation received 11,000 acres of ancestral land back this week, the first phase of what is expected to be one of the largest land returns ever between a U.S.-based nonprofit and a tribe.
The White House Thursday withdrew the nomination of Richard “Lance” Schroyer to lead the agency the president tasked with carrying out his mass deportation campaign, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/17/r...
White House yanks nominee to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement • Maine Morning Star
WASHINGTON — The White House Thursday withdrew the nomination of Richard “Lance” Schroyer to lead the agency the president tasked with carrying out his mass deportation campaign, U.S. Immigration and…
mainemorningstar.com
September 17, 2026 at 6:45 PM
The White House Thursday withdrew the nomination of Richard “Lance” Schroyer to lead the agency the president tasked with carrying out his mass deportation campaign, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/17/r...
The FDA says it’s helping manufacturers increase the supply of estrogen-based hormonal patches and acknowledged a current nationwide shortage as more women seek hormonal therapies for symptoms related to menopause, reports @kelciemmorris.bsky.social @stateline.org
FDA acknowledges estrogen patch shortage, says it’s working to increase supply • Maine Morning Star
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it’s helping manufacturers increase the supply of estrogen-based hormonal patches and acknowledged a current nationwide shortage as more women seek hormonal…
mainemorningstar.com
September 17, 2026 at 5:26 PM
The FDA says it’s helping manufacturers increase the supply of estrogen-based hormonal patches and acknowledged a current nationwide shortage as more women seek hormonal therapies for symptoms related to menopause, reports @kelciemmorris.bsky.social @stateline.org
With “the crown jewel” of civil rights legislation gutted by the U.S. Supreme Court, and possibly the seats of 20 Black members of Congress at stake in November, voting rights advocates on Wednesday called for a makeover of the nation’s highest court, reports William J. Ford of @marylandmatters.org
Voting rights advocates regroup as Callais decision threatens Black representation • Maine Morning Star
With “the crown jewel” of civil rights legislation gutted by the U.S. Supreme Court, and possibly the seats of 20 Black members of Congress at stake in November, voting rights advocates on Wednesday…
mainemorningstar.com
September 17, 2026 at 2:45 PM
With “the crown jewel” of civil rights legislation gutted by the U.S. Supreme Court, and possibly the seats of 20 Black members of Congress at stake in November, voting rights advocates on Wednesday called for a makeover of the nation’s highest court, reports William J. Ford of @marylandmatters.org
As Maine industries face an uncertain future amid the Trump administration’s trade war with Canada, state officials aim to coordinate with their Canadian counterparts to de-escalate the situation. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/17/a...
As concerns mount over Canadian trade war, Maine officials look to maintain neighborly ties • Maine Morning Star
As Maine industries face an uncertain future amid the Trump administration’s trade war with Canada, state officials aim to coordinate with their Canadian counterparts to de-escalate the situation. …
mainemorningstar.com
September 17, 2026 at 1:41 PM
As Maine industries face an uncertain future amid the Trump administration’s trade war with Canada, state officials aim to coordinate with their Canadian counterparts to de-escalate the situation. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/17/a...
The House will return after the election for two weeks in November and three weeks in December. That will give lawmakers a total of 27 weeks in session this year, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social @statesnewsroom.com
US House to leave for campaign break without action on AI, affordability • Maine Morning Star
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House is expected to depart Wednesday evening for a seven-week campaign break after spending less than two weeks in session during August and September. The extended “district…
mainemorningstar.com
September 16, 2026 at 8:45 PM
The House will return after the election for two weeks in November and three weeks in December. That will give lawmakers a total of 27 weeks in session this year, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social @statesnewsroom.com
“This ratified contract is progress, but our work continues," MSEA president Mark Brunton said. "We’re taking the gains we won together and organizing for the fights ahead.”
State workers union ratifies contract, over a year after previous contract expired • Maine Morning Star
The union for Maine executive branch employees has ratified a new contract, after 20 months of negotiations and over a year after the previous contract expired. The contract will expire June 30,…
mainemorningstar.com
September 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM
“This ratified contract is progress, but our work continues," MSEA president Mark Brunton said. "We’re taking the gains we won together and organizing for the fights ahead.”
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates Wednesday for the first time in three years as inflation continues to dog the economy, largely driven by soaring gas and fuel oil prices while the war in Iran drags on. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/16/r...
Fed raises interest rates for first time in 3 years, battling persistent inflation • Maine Morning Star
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve raised interest rates Wednesday for the first time in three years as inflation continues to dog the economy, largely driven by soaring gas and fuel oil prices while…
mainemorningstar.com
September 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates Wednesday for the first time in three years as inflation continues to dog the economy, largely driven by soaring gas and fuel oil prices while the war in Iran drags on. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/16/r...
The War Powers Resolution vote came as diesel prices reached a record high of $6.31 per gallon in the United States, and gas hovered at an average of nearly $4.37 a gallon Wednesday, according to AAA. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/16/r...
More GOP lawmakers break with Trump on Iran as gas prices keep climbing • Maine Morning Star
WASHINGTON — As the November midterms approach, vulnerable U.S. House Republicans voted late Tuesday to require congressional approval for President Donald Trump to continue his war in Iran. Seven…
mainemorningstar.com
September 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM
The War Powers Resolution vote came as diesel prices reached a record high of $6.31 per gallon in the United States, and gas hovered at an average of nearly $4.37 a gallon Wednesday, according to AAA. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/16/r...
In a notice posted in the Federal Register on Sept. 11, HUD argued that current policies aren’t working and said some states and localities have already shifted toward a treatment-based approach to homelessness. The agency will take public comments through Oct. 13.
Trump admin aims to shift homelessness grants toward addiction treatment, enforcement • Maine Morning Star
In its latest effort to overhaul federal homelessness funding, the Trump administration is proposing to provide more money to localities that prioritize treatment-first policies such as sober living,…
mainemorningstar.com
September 16, 2026 at 4:50 PM
In a notice posted in the Federal Register on Sept. 11, HUD argued that current policies aren’t working and said some states and localities have already shifted toward a treatment-based approach to homelessness. The agency will take public comments through Oct. 13.
The average Maine household has paid an average of $4,300 more for goods and services since President Donald Trump began his second term, according to an analysis released last week, which attributes much of that increase to the war in Iran, tariffs and rising healthcare costs.
Everyday increases cost Maine households $4,300 since Trump returned to office • Maine Morning Star
You’re not imagining it: everyday costs are going up. From gas to groceries, heating oil to healthcare, Mainers are paying substantially more for goods and services than they were a year ago. The…
mainemorningstar.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:21 PM
The average Maine household has paid an average of $4,300 more for goods and services since President Donald Trump began his second term, according to an analysis released last week, which attributes much of that increase to the war in Iran, tariffs and rising healthcare costs.
Four in 10 pediatricians reported kids in immigrant families are avoiding coming in for healthcare out of concerns around immigration status, according to a new survey by American Academy of Pediatrics researchers. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/15/r...
Doctors say children of immigrants are missing healthcare • Maine Morning Star
Four in 10 pediatricians reported kids in immigrant families are avoiding coming in for healthcare out of concerns around immigration status, according to a new survey published Tuesday.
mainemorningstar.com
September 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Four in 10 pediatricians reported kids in immigrant families are avoiding coming in for healthcare out of concerns around immigration status, according to a new survey by American Academy of Pediatrics researchers. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/15/r...
Some experts cautioned that the data doesn’t reflect the effects of new federal policy changes that will be hitting households hard this year, and that the United States should expect grimmer statistics in next September’s report. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/15/r...
Census data shows US poverty rate drops to lowest on record, but experts are cautious • Maine Morning Star
The official poverty rate in the United States dipped slightly by half a percentage point last year to a historic low of 10.2%, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Tuesday.
mainemorningstar.com
September 15, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Some experts cautioned that the data doesn’t reflect the effects of new federal policy changes that will be hitting households hard this year, and that the United States should expect grimmer statistics in next September’s report. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/15/r...
The group aiming to limit what sports and school facilities transgender students can access is renewing its signature collection effort, aiming to get a referendum question on next year’s ballot.
mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/15/g...
Group renews petition effort to put transgender sports on next year’s ballot • Maine Morning Star
The group aiming to limit what sports and school facilities transgender students can access is renewing its signature collection effort.
mainemorningstar.com
September 15, 2026 at 8:07 PM
The group aiming to limit what sports and school facilities transgender students can access is renewing its signature collection effort, aiming to get a referendum question on next year’s ballot.
mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/15/g...
Republican Paul LePage announced on Monday that he accepted invitations to debate on WMTW on Oct. 1 and on WABI on Oct. 15, after Democrat Matt Dunlap agreed to those forums last week. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/15/l...
LePage, Dunlap confirmed to debate twice in October • Maine Morning Star
Republican Paul LePage and Democrat Matt Dunlap, who are vying to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, will debate at least twice in October. LePage announced on Monday that he accepted…
mainemorningstar.com
September 15, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Republican Paul LePage announced on Monday that he accepted invitations to debate on WMTW on Oct. 1 and on WABI on Oct. 15, after Democrat Matt Dunlap agreed to those forums last week. mainemorningstar.com/2026/09/15/l...