
By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“I think Mainers recognize that decisions that are being made in Washington are having a direct impact on their household budgets.” - Garrett Martin, president and CEO of Maine Center for Economic Policy.

Across the country, food costs have increased by 4% since 2024, the Joint Economic Committee found. That means an average household has to spend an extra $310 for groceries compared with two years ago. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)
ECONOMY
By Eesha Pendharkar
The average Maine household has paid an average of $4,300 more for goods and services since President Donald Trump began his second term, according to an analysis released last week, which attributes much of that increase to the war in Iran, tariffs and rising healthcare costs.
GOVERNMENT
By Eesha Pendharkar
The group aiming to limit what sports and school facilities transgender students can access is renewing its signature collection effort, aiming to get a referendum question on next year’s ballot.
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
Republican Paul LePage announced on Monday that he accepted invitations to debate on WMTW on Oct. 1 and on WABI on Oct. 15, after Democrat Matt Dunlap agreed to those forums last week.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Iran war cost tops $40B and billions more monthly, budget analysis finds | Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom
Census data shows US poverty rate drops to lowest on record, but experts are cautious | Shalina Chatlani, Stateline
Pa. announces two measles deaths, bringing total to four in ongoing outbreak | Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Doctors say children of immigrants are missing healthcare | Nada Hassanein, Stateline
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