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Democrats in the Maine Legislature on Tuesday enacted a bill that would expand ranked-choice voting to gubernatorial and legislative elections.

Lawmakers also passed an order requesting the state law court to advise on whether the bill aligns with the state constitution.

📷: Robert F. Bukaty / AP
February 10, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Sen. King says Greenland expressed "shock and anger" over annexation threats during visit

King said he met with leaders from Greenland and Denmark over the weekend to reinforce relations as the Trump administration continues its call to annex Greenland.

📸: John McDonnell / AP
February 10, 2026 at 10:34 PM
Gov. Janet Mills is among 18 Democratic governors boycotting an annual meeting at the White House after President Donald Trump disinvited two of their colleagues.

📸: Rick Bowmer / AP
February 10, 2026 at 10:26 PM
The proposal explicitly states that the city does not operate any department or service to enforce federal immigration laws.
https://www.mainepublic.org/immigration/2026-02-10/bangor-city-council-considering-limits-on-ice-cooperation
Bangor City Council considering limits on ICE cooperation
The proposal explicitly states that the city does not operate any department or service to enforce federal immigration laws. The council narrowly voted Monday to move forward with the proposal from Co...
www.mainepublic.org
February 10, 2026 at 8:41 PM
The former independent gubernatorial candidate was out on probation following his conviction in 2023 on four felony charges of possession sexually explicit materials involving children:
Eliot Cutler in custody again after his third alleged probation violation
The former independent gubernatorial candidate was out on probation following his conviction in 2023 on four felony charges of possession sexually explicit materials involving children.
www.mainepublic.org
February 10, 2026 at 3:12 PM
With former Sen. George Mitchell's resignation, the institute said it will begin a process to consider changing its name:
Former Sen. George Mitchell resigns as honorary chairman of Mitchell Institute
With former Sen. George Mitchell's resignation, the institute said it will begin a process to consider changing its name.
www.mainepublic.org
February 6, 2026 at 6:23 PM
The governor's spending proposal would also draw from a roughly $250 million surplus to fund K-12 schools, MaineCare, reproductive health care providers and veterans' homes:
In final budget, Gov. Mills proposes tapping more than $300 million from 'rainy day' fund
The governor's spending proposal would also draw from a roughly $250 million surplus to fund K-12 schools, MaineCare, reproductive health care providers and veterans' homes.
www.mainepublic.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:57 PM
A report from the County Corrections Professional Standards Council says that health care, transportation for inmates and staffing costs are among the largest line items in county jail budgets, which have been contributing to budget shortfalls in counties across Maine:
Council recommends $8 million increase in annual county jail funding from state
A report from the County Corrections Professional Standards Council says that health care, transportation for inmates and staffing costs are among the largest line items in county jail budgets, which ...
www.mainepublic.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:41 PM
When a member of the First Parish Congregational Church in Saco was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 23, fellow parishioners sprang into action:
How one southern Maine community is rallying around the family of a man arrested by ICE
When a member of the First Parish Congregational Church in Saco was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 23, fellow parishioners sprang into action.
www.mainepublic.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Penobscot Superior Court Justice Bruce Mallonee wrote in his order that the penalties are meant to sanction the mall owner for letting the building deteriorate but not be so costly to prevent future repairs:
Judge orders Bangor Mall owner to pay $1.1 million penalty for code violations
Penobscot Superior Court Justice Bruce Mallonee wrote in his order that the penalties are meant to sanction the mall owner for letting the building deteriorate but not be so costly to prevent future r...
www.mainepublic.org
February 4, 2026 at 9:53 PM
The land use changes will go to the planning board for consideration and eventually to the city council:
Portland considering land use changes that would derail controversial Live Nation venue
The land use changes will go to the planning board for consideration and eventually to the city council.
www.mainepublic.org
February 4, 2026 at 8:40 PM
According to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, the four victims identified so far are 34-year-old Shelby Kuyawa of Hawaii and 46-year-old Tara Arnold, 47-year-old Jacob Hosmer and 33-year-old Jorden Reidel, all of Texas:
Officials identify 4 of 6 victims in fatal plane crash
According to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, the four victims identified so far are 34-year-old Shelby Kuyawa of Hawaii and 46-year-old Tara Arnold, 47-year-old Jacob Hosmer and 33-year-old Jord...
www.mainepublic.org
February 3, 2026 at 11:39 PM
While Gov. Janet Mills has proposed the sending $300 "affordability relief checks" to 725,000 Mainers, Republican lawmakers say adopting recent federal tax changes will offer longer-term relief:
Republican lawmakers to oppose $300 one-time checks as they push for tax changes
While Gov. Janet Mills has proposed the sending $300 "affordability relief checks" to 725,000 Mainers, Republican lawmakers say adopting recent federal tax changes will offer longer-term relief.
www.mainepublic.org
February 3, 2026 at 11:29 PM
ICE says it arrested 206 people in the state during a multiday operation last month. Here are a few of their stories:
What we know about the Mainers arrested during the January ICE surge
ICE says it arrested 206 people in the state during a multiday operation last month. Here are a few of their stories.
www.mainepublic.org
February 3, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says the president's comments on a right-wing podcast, along with the FBI's recent raid of election offices in Fulton County Georgia, suggest Trump is trying to preempt voter backlash to his policies in coming elections:
Shenna Bellows says Trump's call for federal elections takeover is blatantly unconstitutional
Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says the president's comments on a right-wing podcast, along with the FBI's recent raid of election offices in Fulton County Georgia, suggest Trump is trying ...
www.mainepublic.org
February 3, 2026 at 8:05 PM
The council unanimously approved the resolution on Monday night in support of families who have been afraid or unable to go to work during the recent immigration surge and who may have trouble making rent:
Amid recent ICE activity, Portland councilors call on governor to enact eviction moratorium
The council unanimously approved the resolution on Monday night in support of families who have been afraid or unable to go to work during the recent immigration surge and who may have trouble making ...
www.mainepublic.org
February 3, 2026 at 5:22 PM
The US-Ireland Alliance announced yesterday that it will remove the name of former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell of Maine from the organization's scholarship program:
US-Ireland Alliance removes George Mitchell's name from scholarship program
The US-Ireland Alliance announced yesterday that it will remove the name of former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell of Maine from the organization's scholarship program.
www.mainepublic.org
February 2, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Hundreds of students at five midcoast high schools walked out of classes today and converged on the Sagadahoc Bridge in Bath with signs to protest federal immigration enforcement in the state:
Students at 5 midcoast high schools walk out of class to protest federal immigration enforcement
Hundreds of students at five midcoast high schools walked out of classes today and converged on the Sagadahoc Bridge in Bath with signs to protest federal immigration enforcement in the state.
www.mainepublic.org
February 2, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Both Democrats are the leading contenders vying to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate next year. They both trail the five-term incumbent in available cash as outside groups ramp up spending:
Graham Platner posts $4.6 million in fourth quarter fundraising, Gov. Janet Mills $2.7 million
Both Democrats are the leading contenders vying to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate next year. They both trail the five-term incumben...
www.mainepublic.org
February 2, 2026 at 8:34 PM
The nurses called on the federal government to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement and strip the agency of its funding:
During national day of protests, Maine nurses host vigil in memory of Alex Pretti
The nurses called on the federal government to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement and strip the agency of its funding.
www.mainepublic.org
January 31, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Robert Peck says on Jan. 22, he observed ICE agents at a Mexican restaurant across the street from his apartment and followed them to Scarborough. That's when he says the two agents stopped and approached his car:
South Portland man intends to sue ICE after agents threatened arrest
Robert Peck says on Jan. 22, he observed ICE agents at a Mexican restaurant across the street from his apartment and followed them to Scarborough. That's when he says the two agents stopped and approa...
www.mainepublic.org
January 31, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Dozens of Lewiston High school students walked out and were joined by community members as they marched downtown to Kennedy Park:
Maine students walk out as part of national strike against immigration enforcement
Dozens of Lewiston High school students walked out and were joined by community members as they marched downtown to Kennedy Park.
www.mainepublic.org
January 30, 2026 at 9:36 PM
It's part of a national day of action, and comes on the heels of a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Maine:
Over 150 Maine businesses shut down Friday for anti-ICE strike, according to organizers
It's part of a national day of action, and comes on the heels of a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Maine.
www.mainepublic.org
January 30, 2026 at 7:10 PM
"These dangers are real and carry heavy emotional and physical consequences not only for those serving, but for their families as well," said state Rep. Deqa Dhalac of South Portland.
Somali-American state lawmaker won't run for re-election, citing 'persistent racism, harassment'
"These dangers are real and carry heavy emotional and physical consequences not only for those serving, but for their families as well," said state Rep. Deqa Dhalac of South Portland.
www.mainepublic.org
January 30, 2026 at 3:07 PM
The letter, addressed to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, criticizes the Trump administration's effort to pressure state leaders into turning over residents' data around Medicaid and food assistance:
Maine attorney general joins multistate coalition condemning DOJ over demands placed on Minnesota
The letter, addressed to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, criticizes the Trump administration's effort to pressure state leaders into turning over reside...
www.mainepublic.org
January 30, 2026 at 12:12 AM