
By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“The federal government cannot force Maine officials to support immigration operations that many Mainers view as tyranny and abuse.” - Emma Bond, staff attorney with the ACLU of Maine, arguing in support of the Maine Secretary of State’s decision not to issue covert license plates to federal immigration agents.

U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, speaks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 29, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
POLITICS
By Lauren McCauley
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins announced Tuesday that she would oppose the confirmation of Todd Blanche for attorney general.
GOVERNMENT
By Kaitlyn Budion
Ihe Maine Supreme Court Tuesday ruled against nonprofit Penquis, ending a years-long debate over the state’s contract for Medicaid non-emergency transportation.
IMMIGRATION
By Lauren McCauley
A coalition of Maine-based attorneys and legal nonprofits are arguing that the state had the right to deny federal immigration agents covert license plates and that the lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump’s administration should be dismissed.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Blanche nomination for attorney general advanced by US Senate panel on party-line vote| Ashley Murray, States Newsroom
Maine set to lose $68.4 million as US Senate stopgap fails to renew state transportation funding | Jacob Fischler, States Newsroom
West Nile risk level rises in Rhode Island as virus found in more mosquitoes | Alexander Castro, Rhode Island Current
AG nominee tells faith leaders he will take action to restrict abortion drug access | Kelcie Moseley-Morris, Stateline
Missouri voters reject income tax phaseout, initiative petition changes | Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent
‘Vote no’ camp declares victory with Kansas voters rejecting constitutional amendment by wide margin | Kansas Reflector staff
Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary too close to call | Ben Solis, Michigan Advance
Thanks for reading Top of the Morning. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.