This local news roundup this issue covers five main stories: (1) a new ICE hotline has been launched by immigrant rights organizations, (2) Jared Golden (D-Maine) has decided not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, (3) The Greater Portland Metro has announced a new line that will connect Scarborough to Portland along U.S. Route-1, (4) A conservative group is collecting signatures for a petition to restrict transgender student participation in sports and ability to use facilities that align with their gender identity, (5) The Back Cove Music & Arts Festival has been renewed until 2028 by Portland City Council. Other stories mentioned include the following: ACA cuts affects on Mainers, a deal between Northern Light and Anthem, an assessment of declining lobster populations, an advisory for wildlife containing PFAS, and an announcement by Aldi to delay opening its first Maine store.
2025 election results are in! In Maine, Question 1, which proposed voting restrictions, failed. Question 2, which proposed a red flag law, passed. In Portland, a proposal to increase the minimum wage passed, and Pious Ali was elected to a fourth term as city councillor at-large. Other notable election results include the victory of Democratic gubernatorial candidates Mikkie Sherrill in New Jersey, and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia. Democratic-socialist New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani also won election. California voters approved a measure to temporarily redraw congressional districts to gain seats in the 2026 midterms.
With many states being sued over voter registration data, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows speaks on working to protect Maine voter data and the ability to continue to comfortably participations in elections.
Coverage of Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) announcement to come together in a joint investment with PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners for $55 billion.
With changes, confusion and speculation surrounding the topic of vaccines and medicine, people are left unsure about vaccines. However, vaccines are still safe and highly effective—especially with flu and COVID season coming around. If you're wanting to get a vaccine but are confused, don't worry, you still safely can!
Continuous passing comments and jokes have been made of "Trump 2028," but as President Trump seems to be taking serious action and attempts to amend our constitution, this might be more realistic than you may think.
Features stories on the upcoming Maine referendum questions and Portland’s minimum wage increase proposal, a new warming shelter opening in Riverton, Portland International Jetport’s decision not to show a politicized Homeland Security video, RSU 24’s recently enacted anti-trans policies, and the closure of the Portland restaurant Susan’s Fish-N-Chips
Maine Governor Janet Mills has announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, challenging five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 election. Mills also faces a potential Democratic primary challenge from progressive Graham Platner.
5 news stories related to climate change from around Maine: (1) the Maine attorney general receives good news on a lawsuit he filed accusing oil companies of lying about climate change for profit; (2) the NPS removes signs referencing climate change and Indigenous history as part of the Trump administration’s nation-wide effort to rewrite government-published public history sources; (3) The Nature Conservancy purchases 5 dams on the Kennebec River with the intention of removing them to allow Atlantic salmon to return to important spawning grounds; (4) Umaine American Floating Offshore Wind Technical Summit is cancelled with no plans of resuming in the future due to “changing federal policies and priorities”; (5) a long drought affecting growing seasons and well water levels in Maine and New England continues.
