By Lauren McCauley | Editor

“I know how to stretch $1, but it just feels a little bit like it'll kind of evaporate by the time it gets here. It's not that I'm not grateful, but it's kind of like a Band-Aid on a bullet hole.” - Hazel Willow, on the $300 affordability checks being mailed to Mainers with lower incomes.

A handwritten sign on a wall explains how to make sure eligible Mainers receive their affordability checks.

Fairfield resident Kathleen Anderson has been helping people in her affordable senior housing community file their taxes so that they are able to receive the $300 affordability checks being mailed to Mainers with lower incomes. (Photo courtesy of Kathleen Anderson)

ECONOMY

By Emma Davis

Despite being eligible for the “affordability checks,” which were a cornerstone of the latest state budget, Mainers who are solely reliant on Social Security or disability will not receive them unless they file taxes, which they otherwise aren’t required to do. 

ECONOMY

By Kaitlyn Budion

Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said Friday that roughly $170 million in local goods will be impacted by the proposed Canadian tariffs, with more than half of that coming from the forest product sector. 

ELECTION 2026

By Lauren McCauley

Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ campaign said she has agreed to four debates against Troy Jackson, though the Democratic challenger has yet to sign on.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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