The newly signed law adds caps on federal graduate student loans, expands Pell grants to cover workforce training and changes the college endowment tax, potentially giving millions in relief to small Maine colleges.
Politics
Local, statewide and national political news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Federal workers in Maine face uncertainty following court ruling allowing for mass layoffs
It’s unclear how federal workers in Maine might be impacted, but the ruling allowing the Trump administration to move forward with plans for staff reductions has prompted concerns.
Ban on untraceable firearms among dozens of bills Mills delays decisions on
Now that the 10-day window for the governor to sign bills has passed, she has the option to veto each bill or let it become law without her signature when the Legislature next meets.
Maine and Rep. Laurel Libby agree lawsuit is now moot
The Auburn Republican sued after being censured by the Democratic-controlled House, and blocked from voting or speaking, for violating ethics rules by identifying a transgender high school athlete in a social media post.
Donald Trump gave Susan Collins a pass, for now. Will Maine voters?
The Republican senator’s maneuvering on Trump’s tax and spending cuts bill shows she’s walking a tightrope ahead of her 2026 reelection bid.
Maine joins lawsuit alleging Trump administration shared Medicaid data for immigration enforcement
Federal officials say the data sharing is related to an effort to prevent abuse of the Medicaid program, but Maine and other states say it’s illegal and raises privacy concerns.
Somerset County officials oppose bill to limit work with immigration authorities
The Board of Commissioners appears poised to approve a resolution to express its opposition to the bill, which passed the Legislature but is expected to sit on the governor’s desk until January.
Attorney in Portland nominated to federal appeals court in Boston
Donald Trump has nominated Joshua Dunlap, a Scarborough resident who grew up in Vassalboro, to serve on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston.
Maine delegation votes ‘no’ as House gives final approval to Trump’s big tax bill
The tight roll call, 218-214, came at a potentially high political cost, with two Republicans joining all Democrats opposed.
Maine’s rural hospitals brace for impacts after Senate approves Trump Medicaid cuts
The sweeping policy bill approved by the U.S. Senate Tuesday is expected to cut off health coverage for tens of thousands of Maine residents, adding to financial pressures on the state’s already strained hospitals.