Maine
Maine Beacon
- What Heather McGhee says we lose when communities are divided
This week on the podcast, we’re bringing you a special broadcast. Beacon host Cate Blackford sat down with author and advocate Heather McGhee as part of the Authors Guild Foundation’s Pascal Hall Author Series for a conversation about McGhee’s book The Sum of Us and what it can teach us about building solidarity in a… The post What Heather McGhee says we lose when communities are divided first appeared on Maine Beacon.
- Hannah Pingree wins Democratic nomination for Maine governor after ranked-choice count
Former Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree won the Democratic nomination for governor early Friday following Maine’s ranked-choice voting tabulation, advancing to the November election. “Now the real work begins,” Pingree said in a statement following the announcement. “This campaign is about housing that allows young people to stay in Maine, quality health care we can… The post Hannah Pingree wins Democratic nomination for Maine governor after ranked-choice count first appeared on Maine Beacon.
- Matt Dunlap secures Democratic nomination in CD2, turns focus to defeating LePage
State Auditor Matt Dunlap won the Democratic nomination for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District early Friday after ranked-choice voting reshaped a tightly contested four-way primary. “Today’s results tell us that people want real change and a better future,” Dunlap said in a statement. “Together, we’re going to defeat Paul LePage one more time and make sure… The post Matt Dunlap secures Democratic nomination in CD2, turns focus to defeating LePage first appeared on Maine Beacon.
- More than 770,000 children are no longer receiving SNAP benefits after Trump changes federal food program
As a House committee debated President Donald Trump’s signature domestic policy bill last year, Republican backers repeatedly emphasized that its changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, wouldn’t affect vulnerable people. SNAP reforms would “restore integrity” to the program and ensure it works for the “most vulnerable among us, including… The post More than 770,000 children are no longer receiving SNAP benefits after Trump changes federal food program first appeared on Maine Beacon.
- Years after Roe v. Wade overturned, Collins still doesn’t regret Kavanaugh vote
Sen. Susan Collins said she does not regret voting to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, despite his role in overturning the federal right to abortion. In an interview with News Center Maine, Collins said she was “disappointed” by Kavanaugh’s vote in the 2022 Dobbs decision, but maintained she stands by her 2018 vote to… The post Years after Roe v. Wade overturned, Collins still doesn’t regret Kavanaugh vote first appeared on Maine Beacon.
Pine Tree Watch
- Backed by threat of clawbacks, feds wield tight grip on $50B rural health fund
Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, framed the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program as “bold, creative plans” led by states. But as states have started to roll out their plans, federal officials control where and how the money is spent.
- ‘Ministry of presence’: One group’s homeless outreach in Bangor
Volunteers with the Greater Bangor Street Pastors spend Fridays conversing with homeless people around Bangor. It is one of several faith-based groups working on the issue as the city looks to develop a long-term plan.
- Lubec Board of Selectmen votes to sell foreclosed home still occupied by tenant
The property, owned by a Connecticut man, has been tied up in tax liens and discharges since 2012.
- Waterville City Council approves pilot program to expand access to opioid treatment
The decision allows paramedics to start treatment during 911 calls for the first time and link patients with ongoing support.
- Waterville City Council advances revised budget after earlier rejection
Reworked spending plan clears first reading as officials warn of rising taxes and tougher choices ahead.