Today, Daniel Kool reports on MaineHousing temporarily moving money to fund heating aid tied up by the federal shutdown. We also have stories on U.S. Rep. Jared Golden not seeking reelection in 2026, and on Maine prison inmates reaping the benefits of Native American sweat lodges.
STATE HEATING AID
MaineHousing warned last week that while Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications are still being processed, payments would be delayed until the end of the federal shutdown, now the longest in recorded history. But officials said Wednesday they will temporarily reallocate about $2.2 million to cover LIHEAP payments for some of Maine’s most vulnerable households. While the move should bring some relief, agency Director Dan Brennan warned that this approach is unsustainable in the long-term. Read more.
GOLDEN STEPPING AWAY
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden won’t seek reelection next year, he said in an op-ed Wednesday. The Lewiston Democrat said it was a difficult decision but that it became clear to him recently that it’s the right time to step away. “I have grown tired of the increasing incivility and plain nastiness that are now common from some elements of our American community — behavior that, too often, our political leaders exhibit themselves,” he wrote. Read more.
In Maine prisons, Native American sweat lodges are part of the program
A Passamaquoddy elder has led over 100 sweats for inmates since 2007.
“I think if it had focused just on voter ID, I think it would have been a slam dunk. You see the whole No on 1 campaign, there was hardly any talk about showing an ID. It was all about the restrictions on absentee voting and (it) scared people.”
Republican Sen. Brad Farrin of Norridgewock on the failure of Question 1
A citizen referendum to enact a voter ID law was overwhelmingly rejected Tuesday in large part because opponents successfully reframed the proposal around restrictions on absentee voting, an option Maine voters like. Read more from political reporter Randy Billings: Proposed absentee ballot restrictions doomed voter ID in Maine
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MORE NEWS
Somerset County register of deeds referendum appears to fail
Tuesday’s referendum was the third time county officials asked voters to change the post to an appointed one.
Lewiston mass shooting seen as key to getting red flag law passed in Maine
Both supporters and opponents of the new law said they weren’t surprised by the wide margin of victory in a referendum vote Tuesday.
Border Patrol agent who shot woman in Chicago works in Maine
Court documents say the agent fired 5 rounds at the woman, who is charged with assaulting federal officers for allegedly ramming their SUV with her vehicle.
Anthem, Northern Light Health announce agreement on new contract
The sides said late Wednesday that they had reached a 3-year deal to keep coverage in-network for about 30,000 Mainers after months of often-contentious negotiations.
Former Anson selectman faces additional charge of sexual touching
Arnold Luce pleaded not guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor-level charges of assault and unlawful sexual touching.