Agent Orange and other powerful herbicides were used near the Gagetown military base in New Brunswick starting in the 1960s.
Maine Legislature
Maine teachers call on lawmakers to raise their minimum salary
A bill before the Legislature would increase the minimum teacher salary from $40,000 to $50,000 by the 2027-28 school year. Another proposal would establish a minimum wage for education technicians and support staff.
Tensions rise as Legislature prepares to debate gun safety in wake of Lewiston shooting
A partisan fight over the hearing process for Gov. Janet Mills’ proposal to expand background checks on firearm sales and increase access to crisis mental health care suggests a bipartisan compromise may be elusive even after the mass shooting.
Lawmakers support funding for African American, Wabanaki studies in schools
The Maine House of Representatives voted to pass a bill Thursday that would provide grant funding and support.
Maine attorney general’s office could get dedicated civil rights unit
A bill sponsored by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross would create a dedicated unit to investigate complaints and establish a panel to ensure best practices are followed.
Critics blast Republican bill targeting foreign nationals as ‘blatantly racist’
Rep. John Andrews, R-Paris, is proposing a state-level anti-racketeering law and a prohibition against certain foreign nationals purchasing property in Maine in response to illegal marijuana growing operations.
Dozens of Maine lawmakers call on Cabela’s, Kittery Trading Post to stop selling military-style rifles
The letters referencing the semi-automatic weapons commonly referred to as assault rifles were spearheaded by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach.
Ban on paramilitary training camps barely clears first hurdle in Maine House vote
The bill passed the Democratic-controlled House 66-60 with 6 Democrats joining unified opposition from Republicans and 24 lawmakers absent.
Mills moves to update yellow flag law, expand gun sale background checks
Gun reform activists say the governor’s proposals don’t go far enough to address gun violence.
Maine lawmakers consider requiring insurance to cover non-prescription birth control
A bill proposed following the FDA’s approval of the first over-the-counter daily birth control pill also would apply to other non-prescription contraceptives such as condoms and the morning-after pill.