By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“The more we keep saying ‘local control,’ the more we're expecting small municipalities to pass muster when they don’t have the resources.” – Amy Johnson, co-director of the Maine Education Policy Research Institute, on how state policy limits the ability to address declining test scores.
Troy Jackson, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York salute supporters after a joint campaign appearance at the State Theatre in Portland on Oct. 22, 2026. (Photo by Jim Neuger / Maine Morning Star)
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
Seated next to Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Troy Jackson in Portland, Democratic U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York described his attempt to oust longtime Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins as a battle about class.
EDUCATION
By Eesha Pendharkar
All three candidates for governor are concerned about Maine students’ declining test scores. But not all of them are willing to change the key policy experts say is holding the state back from widespread academic reform.
HEALTH CARE
By Jennifer Shutt
The price health insurance companies charge for employer-sponsored plans increased again this year, as did the deductible many people must pay before those plans begin covering most healthcare costs, according to a survey released Thursday by the nonpartisan health organization KFF.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Dems in Congress say they’re wary Trump won’t accept results of election | Jonathan Shorman, States Newsroom
Analysis: Trump deportations near 1M, but few are criminals | Tim Henderson, Stateline
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