Some public health data related to AIDS, substance use and avian flu went missing from federal websites, although some was later restored.
Politics
Political news and information from the Sun Journal.
Republican lawmaker dissents over bipartisan deal on Maine budget
A $121 million supplemental budget proposal was approved 11-0 by the Legislature’s budget committee, but Rep. Ken Fredette wants his party to oppose it because it does not include emergency housing limits and MaineCare reforms.
Legislative committee recommends rule changes for Maine teens facing adult charges
The Legislature’s criminal justice and public safety committee approved the bill, with some amendments, on Wednesday.
Susan Collins heads to Mar-a-Lago with Republican senators to meet with Trump
Maine’s senior senator has been more critical of the Trump administration than most of her Republican colleagues, and will play a key role in any budget deals.
Is your neighbor’s dog too loud? Maine bill would clamp down on excessive barking
Supporters say it would help address neighborhood disruptions, while opponents say it could prompt overreactions and that it’s an issue best left to municipalities.
Angus King urges Senate to protect the Constitution, reject Trump budget nominee
While Maine’s independent senator joined Democrats in opposing Russell Vought’s nomination, Sen. Susan Collins voted with her fellow Republicans to confirm him.
Bill would allow Maine pharmacies to set up drug dispensing sites in rural areas
The proposal is aimed at improving access to prescription medications amid a decline in the number of pharmacies and other health services in rural Maine.
Maine lawmaker wants to open intraparty meetings to public
Sen. Rick Bennett said closed-door party caucuses at the State House are increasingly being used to make legislative decisions, and that his bill would provide more transparency into how lawmakers are conducting business.
Sen. Collins meets with other lawmakers critical of Elon Musk’s moves to cut agencies, workforce
Meanwhile, Sen. Angus King and 7 colleagues sent a letter to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles raising national security concerns about Musk and his team accessing classified and sensitive information.
Maine delegation rejects Trump’s plan to take over Gaza as dangerous, unserious
Sen. Susan Collins doubts the plan would work and says it might be a negotiating tactic, Sen. Angus King says it’s dangerous and Rep. Chellie Pingree calls it sickening and reckless.