
By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“The deteriorating healthcare in the United States and particularly rural America, and now with HR 1… it’s sort of a stress test on what's left of the healthcare system…People are definitely hurting, and looking for something better.” - Henk Goorhuis, board chair of Healthcare for All Maine, on the public response to the campaign to put universal healthcare on the 2027 ballot.

Abbie Ryder with Healthcare for All Maine collects petition signatures at a polling place at Biddeford High School during the June 9 primary election. (Photo by Lauren McCauley/ Maine Morning Star)
By Eesha Pendharkar
During last week’s primary election, supporters of the initiative collected more than 20,000 signatures, about a third of the amount a citizen-led referendum needs to get the question on the 2027 ballot.
By Emma Davis
Maine’s Department of the Secretary of State announced Tuesday that the winner of two legislative races will be determined through ranked choice voting tabulations and that there will also be three recounts.
By Lauren McCauley
“Rural Maine is my home, and I know firsthand that our rural communities have the people, the work ethic, and the ideas to build a stronger future,” said Gov. Janet Mills in a statement. “What they have not always had is the investment necessary to turn promise into progress.”
By Jonathan Shoreman
As election officials across the country steel themselves for the midterm elections in less than five months, President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail threatens to upend their preparations.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Republicans in US Senate left in dark by Trump on Iran deal, but want details and a vote | Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom
Special ed, civil rights to be shifted out of Trump’s shrinking Department of Education | Shauneen Miranda, States Newsroom
Surging stock market, Trump policies boost wealth for top 1% | Tim Henderson, Stateline
Dozens of New Hampshire lakes are at war with invasive plants. For most, it’s a losing battle. | Molly Rains, New Hampshire Bulletin
Federal judge partially blocks Idaho trans bathroom ban law with preliminary injunction | Laura Guido, Idaho Capital Sun
Calmer hurricane season expected in Atlantic as worries over federal response persist | Sam Gauntt, States Newsroom
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