One national political forecaster says the 2026 race will likely be a toss-up, but for now, Maine’s senior senator looks to have an initial advantage because of her historical crossover appeal, which will be tested in Trump’s second term.
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Maine farmers left in limbo by federal funding freeze
Despite having signed government contracts, farmers who have spent money on projects to conserve soil, water and power have been told they cannot get reimbursed until USDA programs and policies are reviewed by Elon Musk’s DOGE team.
Farmers and rural businesses spent big on improvements. Will promised rebates arrive?
Trump’s order to freeze federal loans and grants concerns farmers like Hugh and Jenny Lassen, who grow wild blueberries in Cherryfield and made major investments thinking they’d get an $8,000 grant.
USM grad testifies at hyperpartisan congressional hearing on government efficiency
Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette challenges some of President Donald Trump’s early moves to increase the efficiency of the federal government, pointing out that the inspectors general he fired focused on rooting out waste, fraud and abuse.
How would federal education changes impact Maine schools?
President Trump is pledging to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, which provided $250 million to Maine schools this year for some of the most vulnerable students.
Maine, 21 other states get restraining order to halt medical research funding cuts
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the National Institutes of Health directive, which Sen. Susan Collins also opposes, calling it ‘poorly conceived.’
New administration sparks uncertainty for Brunswick PFAS spill cleanup
Local officials are waiting for what comes next at the federal level while they continue to grapple with a toxic chemical spill.
Maine group wins court order pausing Trump restrictions on birthright citizenship
A judge in New Hampshire has agreed to block enforcement while he considers a challenge from advocates, including the ACLU of Maine, who argue the order is unconstitutional.
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.
Frey, 12 other state attorneys general pledge lawsuit challenging Musk’s Treasury access
Thirteen attorneys general, including Maine’s Aaron Frey, announce their intention to file a lawsuit aimed at keeping Elon Musk and his team from having access to national payment systems.