Maine

Harvard Law professor and former presidential candidate Larry Lessig is pushing a Maine ballot measure that could lead to the overturning of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which allowed super PACs to raise unlimited funds. The case is set for oral arguments before an appeals panel on Wednesday, with the possibility of eventually reaching the U.S. Supreme Court. If successful, Lessig believes this could mark the beginning of the end for super PACs, reshaping campaign finance law in the United States.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:00 PM UTC

With fewer than 100 days until the 2026 midterm elections, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched a digital ad campaign targeting vulnerable House Democrats and Democratic candidates in 15 competitive districts across seven states who oppose President Donald Trump's tariffs. The ads, shared exclusively with CNBC, attempt to link Democratic opposition to tariffs with support for China, using the slogan 'China first. America last.' The NRCC described it as a 'modest ad buy' but did not disclose spending. The campaign comes as Republicans try to overcome Trump's low approval ratings and economic anxiety to retain their narrow House majority, though Democrats are widely favored to retake the chamber. Polling shows 60% of voters disapprove of Trump's economic handling and 73% view the economy as only fair or poor, while 70% say tariffs have led to higher prices.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:00 AM UTC

ICE agent David Brouillette, a former Maine police officer and Army veteran with a documented history of abuse and mental illness, fatally shot 26-year-old Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine. After the shooting, Brouillette allegedly asked his ex-wife to lie about his character, claiming self-defense. Relatives and court records reveal a pattern of domestic violence, threats, and mental health issues. ICE has not confirmed his identity, and the incident is under investigation, raising scrutiny of hiring practices.

8 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:09 PM UTC

A federal lawsuit filed in the Southern District of California alleges that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) illegally used facial recognition technology, license plate readers, and other surveillance tools to identify individuals observing and protesting immigration enforcement actions during the Trump administration. The plaintiffs, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and three individuals from Minnesota, South Carolina, and California, claim DHS retaliated by revoking their TSA PreCheck and Global Entry trusted traveler status. The suit cites incidents in Minneapolis where two observers were killed by federal agents in January 2026. It argues DHS violated the First Amendment, federal privacy law, and the Administrative Procedure Act by targeting peaceful observers and removing a 2023 facial recognition policy from its website without proper process. A DHS spokesperson denied that trusted traveler status is revoked for exercising First Amendment rights, citing low-risk traveler criteria.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:26 PM UTC

An ICE officer who fatally shot 25-year-old Colombian Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine on July 13 is undergoing an internal review, according to US President Donald Trump's border czar, Tom Homan. The review will examine the officer's security clearance and training, following reports from relatives that the army veteran had a history of serious mental health issues and violent behavior. Homan stated that if the allegations are true, the officer should never have passed the security check. The incident has raised questions about the hiring and screening procedures of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been rapidly expanding ICE under Trump's tightened immigration policies. According to the Associated Press, at least ten people have died during immigration enforcement operations since the start of Trump's new deportation campaign. Democratic members of Congress have demanded information on officer training and screening.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:29 AM UTC

An ICE officer who fatally shot 25-year-old Colombian Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine on July 13 is undergoing an internal review, focusing on his security clearance and training. US border czar Tom Homan stated that if allegations of the officer's history of serious mental health problems and violent behavior are true, he should never have passed the security check. The Department of Homeland Security initially claimed the officer acted out of concern for public safety after Guerrero tried to flee in his vehicle. The incident has raised questions about the screening of new ICE officers hired under President Trump's tightened immigration policy, as at least ten people have died in immigration enforcement operations since the campaign began. Democratic lawmakers have demanded information on officer training and screening procedures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:29 AM UTC

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, a Maine oysterman and Marine veteran, denied a sexual assault allegation from ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot, reported by Politico on July 6, 2026. Platner called the claim “false” and said his campaign is reflecting on the “best path forward.” The allegation follows prior reports of unsettling behavior and sexually explicit messages. Key endorsers Ro Khanna and Ruben Gallego withdrew support, intensifying calls for Platner to exit the race.

88 reports · 12 sources · Updated Jul 26, 04:38 PM UTC

A family in Ogunquit, Maine, the LeBlancs, was fined by the town for erecting a giant metal rooster statue outside their restaurant. The family claims the rooster is a 'family crest' and a symbol of support for their daughter with autism, who loves roosters. The town, however, considers the statue to be an oversized sign or advertising for the restaurant, violating local zoning ordinances. The dispute has sparked debate over property rights, free expression, and municipal regulation. The family faces daily fines until the statue is removed or modified, and they are considering legal action. The case highlights tensions between personal expression and local land use laws.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 12:23 PM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed she secured a halt to such stops from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, ordering ICE traffic stops to resume. The incident highlights Collins's votes for $70 billion in new ICE funding and her opposition to a body camera amendment, making her politically vulnerable. Democrats plan to use the shooting to mobilize voters against Collins, portraying her as responsible for unchecked ICE abuses. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has a history of mental illness and domestic violence, raising questions about ICE recruitment under Trump and Stephen Miller.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed she secured a halt to such stops from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, insisting on continuing the tactic. The incident highlights Collins's political vulnerability, as she voted against requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras and supported $70 billion in new ICE funding without oversight. Democrats plan to use the shooting and Collins's votes against her in the upcoming election, framing her as responsible for enabling abusive enforcement practices. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has been described by relatives as mentally ill and violent, raising questions about ICE recruitment under Trump and Stephen Miller.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed credit for persuading Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to end such stops, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, ordering their continuation. The incident highlights Collins's votes for $70 billion in new ICE funding and her opposition to a body camera amendment for agents. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has been described by relatives as mentally ill and violent. Democrats plan to use the shooting to mobilize voters against Collins in the upcoming election, framing her as responsible for unchecked ICE abuses.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods are facing significant skepticism from Republican senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who said he has not heard the rationale for the move. Senators Mike Rounds and Bill Cassidy expressed concerns that the tariffs will raise prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Senator Susan Collins, facing a tough reelection in Maine, noted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada. Trump is using Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act as legal justification, but Senator Rounds questioned the legal basis after the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. The tariffs exclude energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals. The article notes that while businesses successfully sued to overturn previous tariffs, Republicans in Congress have historically refused to vote to overturn them, raising questions about the upcoming midterm elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:44 PM UTC

President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, excluding energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals, are facing backlash from Republican senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism, saying he hasn't heard the rationale. Senator Mike Rounds questioned the legal basis, noting the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. Trump justified the move as a response to Canadian trade 'discrimination' on cars, alcohol, and dairy, citing Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act. Senators Rounds and Bill Cassidy warned the tariffs would raise prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Senator Susan Collins, in a tough reelection campaign in Maine, highlighted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada. The article notes that while businesses successfully sued to overturn previous tariffs, Republicans in Congress previously refused to vote against them, raising questions about the upcoming midterm elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:44 PM UTC

President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, excluding energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals, are facing significant backlash from Republican senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism, stating he has not heard the rationale for the tariffs. Senator Mike Rounds questioned the legal basis, noting the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. Senator Susan Collins, facing a tough reelection in Maine, highlighted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada, particularly in blueberries, potatoes, lobster, and lumber. Senator Bill Cassidy warned the tariffs would translate into higher prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Trump justified the tariffs as a response to Canadian trade 'discrimination' on cars, alcohol, and dairy, citing Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act. The article notes that while businesses previously sued and overturned similar tariffs, Republicans in Congress have historically refused to vote against them, raising questions ahead of the midterms.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:44 PM UTC

The article covers the chaotic aftermath of Maine's Democratic Senate primary, where left-wing insurgent Graham Platner was disqualified, forcing party insiders to quickly rally behind alternative candidates. The race to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins became a three-week sprint, with candidates like Jordan Wood, Troy Jackson, and others jockeying for position. The piece details Wood's debate preparation, the controversy over debate formats, and the unusual dynamic of televised debates for a contest ultimately decided by only 601 delegates. The shooting in Lewiston shifted focus back to the stakes of the race, with Wood and others arguing Collins could have prevented the tragedy. The article highlights the insider-y nature of the selection process and the candidates' efforts to appeal to both delegates and the broader public.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:15 PM UTC

A new University of New Hampshire poll indicates that former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson (D) holds a slight lead over incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R) in a hypothetical general election matchup. The survey found 49 percent of likely voters supporting Jackson, while Collins trails. The poll highlights a competitive political landscape in Maine, a state known for its independent voters. The results suggest potential vulnerability for Collins, a long-serving Republican senator, as she faces a possible challenge from a well-known Democratic state legislator. The poll's margin of error and other methodological details were not fully provided in the excerpt, but the finding signals a tight race if Jackson decides to run.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:14 PM UTC

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recorded over 43,000 arrests in June 2026, the highest monthly total under the Trump administration, with a daily average of 1,593 arrests in early July. The surge is part of an expanded deportation effort, though less than a third of detainees have criminal convictions, and 40% face only non-criminal immigration violations. The Department of Homeland Security highlighted arrests of 15 immigrants previously convicted of serious crimes. Meanwhile, federal judges, including Trump appointees, have ordered bond hearings for about 2,000 detainees per month, challenging mandatory detention policies. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the policy's legality in October. Enforcement has led to fatal shootings during traffic stops in Texas and Maine, prompting a brief pause before President Trump ordered operations to continue with body cameras. Notable arrests include a Nigerian nun and an Alaska state attorney from China.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:00 AM UTC

Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, the likely Democratic nominee to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in 2024, stated in an interview that he would not support Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as the party's leader in the Senate. Jackson argued that the Democratic Party needs a different approach to win back working-class voters and improve its messaging. This signals potential internal dissent within the party over leadership and strategy ahead of a competitive Senate race in Maine.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:33 PM UTC

This analysis examines President Donald Trump's job approval rating trajectory in mid-2026, ahead of the midterm elections. After starting his second term at 52%, Trump's approval fell to a low of 38% in late May before recovering slightly to 40%. The article notes that while the decline has halted, a rebound is unlikely due to resurgent negative issues: renewed conflict with Iran (17 U.S. service members killed since February), rising gas prices to $4 per gallon, and controversy over ICE traffic stops after two fatal shootings by agents. Republicans, defending narrow majorities, are encouraged by slight improvement in generic ballot polling but face traditional midterm headwinds. Trump is currently underwater by 22 points, worse than his 20-point deficit at the lowest point of his first term. The piece warns that policy decisions may squander goodwill from the World Cup and America 250 celebrations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:40 PM UTC

The New Republic analyzes the Maine Senate race where Democrat Troy Jackson, a logger and former state senator, has become the presumptive nominee to replace disgraced Senator Graham Platner. Political analyst David Farmer outlines three keys for Jackson to defeat incumbent Republican Susan Collins: 1) boosting Democratic turnout in the midterm, potentially galvanized by the recent ICE killing of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero; 2) winning over independents in Portland and suburbs, where a third-party candidate siphoned votes from Democrat Sara Gideon in 2020; and 3) appealing to undecided female voters by highlighting Collins's role in confirming Justice Kavanaugh, who helped overturn Roe v. Wade. Jackson has consolidated party support after opponents dropped out, but faces an uphill battle against Collins, who overperformed polls in 2020.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:13 PM UTC

The New Republic's analysis focuses on Maine's U.S. Senate race, where Democrats have rallied around former State Senator Troy Jackson as the presumptive nominee to replace disgraced Democrat Graham Platner. Political analyst David Farmer outlines three keys for Jackson to defeat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins: 1) boosting Democratic turnout in the midterm, aided by recent ICE-related killing of a Mexican national in Biddeford; 2) winning over independents in Portland and suburbs, where a third-party candidate siphoned votes from Democrat Sara Gideon in 2020; and 3) targeting undecided female voters by emphasizing Collins's role in confirming Justice Kavanaugh and the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Jackson's quick consolidation of party support and his strong showing in Portland's June gubernatorial primary are seen as positive signs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:13 PM UTC

Following two fatal shootings by ICE agents during vehicle stops in Maine and Texas within a week, ICE temporarily halted vehicle stops for Enforcement and Removal Operations. The pause came after the killing of Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin ordered the suspension for retraining, but President Trump overruled it on Truth Social, insisting traffic stops continue. At least 11 fatal shootings have occurred under Trump’s second term. Critics from both sides condemned the policy.

12 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:00 AM UTC

This analysis examines the collapse of Graham Platner's U.S. Senate campaign in Maine, which ended after a rape accusation surfaced. Platner, a political novice and Marine veteran, had been championed by progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren despite a history of scandals including Nazi tattoos, sexting, and abuse allegations. The article explores how Democratic operatives failed to properly vet Platner, skipping a standard background check due to infatuation with his working-class image. Critics argue the party's embrace of Platner revealed disdain for blue-collar voters, treating his flaws as 'authenticity.' The piece concludes that Democrats need to find a clear purpose rather than just scandal-free candidates, as the race could decide Senate control.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:40 PM UTC

The article analyzes the collapse of Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign in Maine, who withdrew after a rape accusation and revelations of past scandals including Nazi tattoos, sexting, and abuse claims. It critiques Democratic elites for failing to vet Platner properly, being seduced by his 'working-class oysterman' image, and defending his problematic history as 'authenticity.' The piece argues the party must learn lessons about candidate vetting and finding a clear political purpose beyond opposing Trump, as the race could decide Senate control.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:40 PM UTC

The article analyzes the collapse of Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign in Maine. Platner, a political novice and oysterman, was initially celebrated by progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren as an authentic working-class voice. However, his campaign unraveled due to a series of scandals including troubling Reddit posts, a Nazi chest tattoo, sexting, physical abuse allegations, and a rape accusation. The article explores how Democratic operatives failed to properly vet Platner, skipping standard background checks. It critiques the party's tendency to romanticize blue-collar authenticity while overlooking serious character flaws. The piece concludes that Democrats need to find a clear purpose beyond opposing Trump, rather than simply seeking scandal-free candidates.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:40 PM UTC

Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, blamed 'hateful rhetoric' against ICE for potential bloodshed, claiming critics comparing ICE to Nazis embolden violence. He expressed fear of burying an ICE agent, though no ICE agents have died in Trump's second term. The article contrasts this with ICE killings of US citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota, and legal immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine. Homan denied mistakes in these shootings, arguing victims failed to comply with law enforcement. The piece also cites ICE violence, including tackling a person at Las Vegas airport and shooting a clergyman with a pepper ball, as well as racial profiling accusations and a Supreme Court ruling allowing consideration of race in operations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:52 PM UTC

Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, stated on July 20, 2026, that 'hateful rhetoric' against ICE will lead to bloodshed and potential agent deaths, accusing critics of comparing the agency to Nazis. The New Republic article counters that ICE has killed U.S. citizens and legal immigrants this year, including Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, with no ICE agent deaths in Trump's second term. Homan denied mistakes in the Minnesota shootings, claiming victims failed to comply with law enforcement. The article also highlights ICE violent incidents, such as tackling a person at Las Vegas airport and shooting a clergyman with a pepper ball, alongside racial profiling accusations upheld by the Supreme Court.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:52 PM UTC

Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, blamed 'hateful rhetoric' against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for potential bloodshed, warning that an ICE agent could be killed. Speaking outside the White House, Homan accused critics of comparing ICE to Nazis and misrepresenting the agency's work. The article counters by detailing ICE killings of US citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota, and legal immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine, noting no ICE agents have died in Trump's second term. It also cites ICE violent incidents, including tackling a person at Las Vegas airport and shooting a clergyman with a pepper ball, as well as racial profiling allegations. In a separate statement, Homan denied mistakes in the Minnesota shootings, suggesting victims caused their own deaths by failing to comply with law enforcement. The piece criticizes Homan for prioritizing hypothetical agent deaths over actual civilian casualties.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:52 PM UTC

Tom Homan, Donald Trump's border czar, denied that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made mistakes during deadly shootings in Minnesota, instead blaming the victims for their own deaths. Speaking outside the White House, Homan claimed that two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot and killed while protesting ICE's Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, would be alive if they had complied with law enforcement. Homan's remarks came amid Democratic lawmakers withholding Department of Homeland Security funding over alleged ICE errors. The article notes that since Trump launched a mass deportation scheme, ICE agents have shot and killed 11 people, including recent incidents in Maine and Houston where victims were legally in the U.S. or had eyewitnesses disputing official accounts.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:47 PM UTC

Tom Homan, Donald Trump's border czar, denied that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents made mistakes during deadly shootings in Minnesota, instead blaming the victims for their own deaths. Speaking outside the White House, Homan claimed that two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were protesting ICE operations in Minneapolis, would be alive if they had complied with law enforcement. He argued that non-compliance justifies lethal force, a stance criticized as ignoring legal norms. The article notes that since Trump's return to office, ICE agents have shot and killed 11 people, including recent incidents in Maine and Houston where victims were legally present in the U.S. Homan's remarks come amid Democratic lawmakers withholding Department of Homeland Security funding over alleged operational mistakes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:47 PM UTC