The state released its latest set of county advisories for schools on Thursday, and Androscoggin, Cumberland, Oxford and York remain ‘yellow’ as infection rates continue to tick upward.
Scott Thistle
Scott Thistle is the State House reporter for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He has covered politics and government in Maine since 2006. Prior to that he served as the State House reporter for the Duluth News Tribune in Duluth, Minnesota. A Maine native, Thistle has worked in journalism since 1990, when he got his start at a weekly newspaper in rural Oxford County, Maine. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and an active volunteer with the National Ski Patrol. He resides with his wife, Amy and his two sons Finn and Kai, in Auburn, Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics, Uncategorized
As Maine Legislature starts back up, Democrats and Republicans present priorities
Both parties say they want to help Maine’s working families and small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic, but their approaches could vary widely.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine delegation united on bill to help veterans with early-stage dementia
The measure, which is on its way to President Trump to be signed into law, would relax eligibility rules that have stopped some veterans from receiving care at state-run veterans homes.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Republican House member leaves party in dispute over committee assignments
Rep. John Andrews of Paris and Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford both expressed displeasure with their party’s legislative leadership after having committee requests denied.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Legislature faces new costs with move to Augusta Civic Center
The use of the arena for House and Senate floor sessions to provide the space needed to meet physical distancing guidelines for COVID-19 will cost the state $4,025 a day.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Shenna Bellows sees new post as secretary of state as dream job at a critical time
The former state senator and executive director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine says her goals include increasing voter participation and protecting privacy.
Posted inElection 2020, Elections, Local & State, Nation & World, News, Politics
Maine Electoral College electors to cast ballots Monday
Maine’s four electors will cast three ballots for Joe Biden and one for Donald Trump when they convene in the House chamber of the State House on Monday, while their counterparts across the U.S. will also cast their votes.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Keeping their distance, Maine lawmakers sworn in for historic session
The 130th Maine Legislature takes up quarters at the spacious Augusta Civic Center to begin months of work that will be modified, and dominated, by the pandemic.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Mills in quarantine because of contact with presumed case of COVID-19
The governor says she will get tested this week and quarantine at the Blaine House until Dec. 12 because she potentially was exposed to the virus by a member of her security detail.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Democrats nominate Shenna Bellows as Maine’s next secretary of state
The state senator from Manchester will be the first woman to hold the office if elected Wednesday by the full Legislature, where Democrats hold a majority.