Maine News Friday

Press Herald -  A $200 billion funding request from the Trump administration to continue operations in Iran — launched in February with joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes — is higher than expected, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said. Collins, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, told reporters in Washington, D.C., that the request made by the Pentagon to fund the ongoing conflict “is considerably higher than I would have guessed.”  Portland officials are facing growing backlash over plans to host a Turning Point USA Faith gathering at the Portland Expo in May, but are defending their decision — as of now — to allow the event to proceed. Critics argue the city was intentionally misled by Calvary Chapel Greater Portland, which secured the venue under the guise of a local outreach event before it turned into a stop on the group’s “Make Heaven Crowded” tour

Court-appointed lawyers will be paid on time after Gov. Janet Mills signed an emergency bill into law, giving $21 million to the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services. The commission had previously warned that it would run out of money later this month to reimburse private attorneys representing low-income criminal defendants and parents who risk losing custody of their children to the state.

Elder abuse, theft, a ‘hostile takeover’: What’s fueling the dispute between 2 Westbrook historical societies?

Lawmakers advance bill to reform Maine’s school funding formula

Why Angus King and a Utah Republican are worried about a rural home program 

Millions of pounds of food donated across Maine

Maine may spare some scam victims from paying taxes on losses

Plan to boost child care in Maine gains support, but funding remains uncertain

Wolfe's Neck Center - For a limited time, when you book 5 nights in our Cove Cabin, you’ll receive 2 additional nights free. That’s a full week to enjoy the coast, take part in a hands-on class, stop by the dairy barn and explore the trails around campus at your own pace. Cove Cabin offers a comfortable, laid-back retreat with a galley-style kitchen, open living and dining space, and room for everyone. The downstairs bedroom includes a queen bed and bunk beds, while a sleeping loft above provides two additional twin beds, making it an easy fit for families or small groups. Offer ends March 23. Valid for stays enjoyed any time during the 2026 season. To book - (207) 865-9307 

Maine Morning Star- "Apartment owners shouldn’t be dragged into the middle of the fight between the Fed and the state over immigration. That’s not the job of apartment owners, and they don’t have the expertise to figure out who’s right and who’s wrong." – Dan Bernier with the Central Maine Apartment Owners Association, on legislation

Mills for Maine  -  Governor Mills has a record of stepping up and delivering for Mainers. On day one as Governor, Janet Mills expanded health care to more than 100,000 Maine people. She has fought for education, fully-funded schools for the first time in Maine history, guaranteed access to free school meals and made community college free for all Maine students. While Senator Collin's pivotal vote for Brett Kavanaugh stripped reproductive healthcare away from 1/3 of all American women, Governor Mill's was committed to expanding reproductive care across the state. And as Trump's tariffs push housing prices even higher, Governor Mills has made the biggest investment in housing in Maine history.