By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“Some of these industries are so integrated that it’s hard to harm the U.S. without harming Canada, and it behooves no one.” - Patrick Woodcock, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, on the Trump administration’s trade war with the state’s northern neighbor.
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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
Healthcare is the biggest variable: since Congress allowed tax credits for marketplace health plans to expire, some families saw much more than the average $4,300 increase, while those with employer-sponsored health insurance have not seen such dramatic price hikes. But other increases — such as gas and heating oil — are more ubiquitous, and expected to add more than $2,000 to household budgets by the end of the year.
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins is not spending the weeks leading up to the election introducing herself to voters or telling them where she stands on issues. She’s sticking to how she’s long campaigned, highlighting what she’s already done for specific communities, and distancing herself from Trump.
ECONOMY
By Kaitlyn Budion
Members of the Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission met Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in the trade war, and what they can do to support Maine businesses.
INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
By Emma Davis
The Penobscot Nation received 11,000 acres of ancestral land back this week, the first phase of what is expected to be one of the largest land returns ever between a U.S.-based nonprofit and a tribe.
OTHER TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
LePage, Dunlap confirmed to debate twice in October | Emma Davis
Fed raises interest rates for first time in 3 years, battling persistent inflation | Ashley Murray, States Newsroom
Group renews petition effort to put transgender sports on next year’s ballot | Eesha Pendharkar
With vote-by-mail court fight settled, attention shifts to protections at the polls | Jacob Fischler, States Newsroom
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