Maine Beacon
@mainebeacon.bsky.social
Beacon is a news site by the Maine People’s Alliance. We shine a light on the experiences of everyday Mainers, educate readers on the impact of public policy and promote a progressive vision rooted in community, fairness and investing in our shared future.
“[ICE agents] don’t have some deep intelligence to go after the ‘worst of the worst,’ like they say,” said Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner as ICE detains people with no criminal records and Republicans complain about "name calling".
Republicans fuss over ‘name calling’ while ICE wreaks havoc - Maine Beacon
While ICE agents continue to harass and indiscriminately detain people shopping for groceries, dropping kids off at school, and otherwise living their lives, Maine Republicans say they’re upset with D...
mainebeacon.com
January 24, 2026 at 12:36 AM
“[ICE agents] don’t have some deep intelligence to go after the ‘worst of the worst,’ like they say,” said Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner as ICE detains people with no criminal records and Republicans complain about "name calling".
ICE activity is increasing across Maine, and residents are responding by organizing support networks for immigrant neighbors who are afraid to leave their homes. Volunteers are delivering food, driving children to school, and raising money for families who can’t get to work.
Mainers form immigrant support networks as ICE raids expand - Maine Beacon
As more ICE agents descend upon Maine, residents are forming support networks to show their immigrant neighbors they are not alone. Volunteers are driving children with immigrant parents to school, de...
mainebeacon.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:38 PM
ICE activity is increasing across Maine, and residents are responding by organizing support networks for immigrant neighbors who are afraid to leave their homes. Volunteers are delivering food, driving children to school, and raising money for families who can’t get to work.
As ICE agents continued to operate in Maine on Thursday, they have detained at least three people who seem to be just going about their lives, and to not be the master criminals the Trump administration claims to be targeting in Maine. Read the full story at the link below.
As ICE detains civil engineer, college student and mother of four, Mainers rally to protect at-risk neighbors - Maine Beacon
As ICE agents continued to operate in Maine on Thursday, they have detained at least three people who seem to be just going about their lives, and to not be the master criminals the Trump administrati...
mainebeacon.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:20 PM
As ICE agents continued to operate in Maine on Thursday, they have detained at least three people who seem to be just going about their lives, and to not be the master criminals the Trump administration claims to be targeting in Maine. Read the full story at the link below.
As ICE agents harass people and families across Maine, @strim.bsky.social looks to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for perspective in a moment marked by fear, anger and uncertainty. "I’m moved by King’s belief in all of us...to rise up in unity and tear down the systems that oppress and cage us."
Strimling: At a dark moment, remembering Martin Luther King’s fight for equity - Maine Beacon
Last week, my editor and I talked about what to write for this week’s column – and decided on a piece about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, whose birthday was observed on Monday. I wrote this piece, ...
mainebeacon.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:16 PM
As ICE agents harass people and families across Maine, @strim.bsky.social looks to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for perspective in a moment marked by fear, anger and uncertainty. "I’m moved by King’s belief in all of us...to rise up in unity and tear down the systems that oppress and cage us."
ICE agents are actively operating across Maine, with nearly 50 people detained so far. ICE is reportedly targeting about 1,400 people statewide. Advocates are urging people to make safety plans, know their rights, and report ICE activity to the Maine ICE Watch Hotline at (207) 544-9989.
ICE is officially surging in Maine. Here’s what you can do. - Maine Beacon
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies are officially out in droves in Maine right now. According to Fox News (whose reporters the agency brought with them into the area), ICE has already det...
mainebeacon.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:34 PM
ICE agents are actively operating across Maine, with nearly 50 people detained so far. ICE is reportedly targeting about 1,400 people statewide. Advocates are urging people to make safety plans, know their rights, and report ICE activity to the Maine ICE Watch Hotline at (207) 544-9989.
An expected influx of ICE agents to the state within the next couple of weeks has state leaders and advocates for Maine’s immigrant communities speaking out and preparing to protect our state’s most vulnerable people.
Read their statements and find resources by clicking the link below.
Read their statements and find resources by clicking the link below.
Advocates, leaders work to keep Maine communities safe from ICE - Maine Beacon
An expected influx of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to the state within the next couple of weeks has state leaders and advocates for Maine’s immigrant communities speaking out and prepari...
mainebeacon.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:40 PM
An expected influx of ICE agents to the state within the next couple of weeks has state leaders and advocates for Maine’s immigrant communities speaking out and preparing to protect our state’s most vulnerable people.
Read their statements and find resources by clicking the link below.
Read their statements and find resources by clicking the link below.
For the first podcast of the new year, Esther is joined by former podcast host Sen. Mike Tipping to preview the legislative session and talk about some priorities, including health care access, taxing the richest Mainers more fairly, and combating ICE’s terrifying tactics closer to home. Listen ⬇️
ICE’s unpopularity, taxing the rich and MLK with Sen. Mike Tipping - Maine Beacon
For the first podcast of the new year, Esther is joined by former podcast host Sen. Mike Tipping to preview the legislative session and talk about some priorities, including health care access, taxing...
mainebeacon.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:36 PM
For the first podcast of the new year, Esther is joined by former podcast host Sen. Mike Tipping to preview the legislative session and talk about some priorities, including health care access, taxing the richest Mainers more fairly, and combating ICE’s terrifying tactics closer to home. Listen ⬇️
"When [Republicans in Congress] say we shouldn’t renew the ACA subsidies because we shouldn’t be giving money to health insurance companies, immediately ask them to do the one thing that will actually solve that problem—co-sponsor Medicare for All," Ethan Strimling writes in his column this week.
Strimling: Mainers want Medicare for All - Maine Beacon
As Republican lawmakers continue to block all efforts to renew the subsidies that would reduce health care costs for tens of thousands of Mainers, not to mention millions of Americans, one thing they ...
mainebeacon.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:58 PM
"When [Republicans in Congress] say we shouldn’t renew the ACA subsidies because we shouldn’t be giving money to health insurance companies, immediately ask them to do the one thing that will actually solve that problem—co-sponsor Medicare for All," Ethan Strimling writes in his column this week.
Open enrollment for health insurance through the marketplace ends Jan. 15 and help is still available for Mainers unsure of which plan to choose. Healthcare navigators said it is important to get coverage despite the uncertain future of enhanced tax credits.
Read the full story at the link below.
Read the full story at the link below.
With two days to ACA enrollment deadline, many Mainers uncertain - Maine Beacon
Open enrollment for health insurance through the CoverME.gov website ends Jan. 15 and help is still available for Mainers unsure of which plan to choose. Trained marketplace navigators said it is impo...
mainebeacon.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Open enrollment for health insurance through the marketplace ends Jan. 15 and help is still available for Mainers unsure of which plan to choose. Healthcare navigators said it is important to get coverage despite the uncertain future of enhanced tax credits.
Read the full story at the link below.
Read the full story at the link below.
Despite higher-than-expected revenues, Maine is facing growing economic risks. Policy analyst James Myall lays out how federal policy changes could weaken the job market, cut food and health care assistance, and leave the state to fill the gaps.
Budget pressures facing lawmakers in January — and how to address them - Maine Beacon
December’s semi-annual revenue forecast for Maine’s general fund reported higher-than-expected revenues for the near future, predicting $250 million more over the next two years than the previous fore...
mainebeacon.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Despite higher-than-expected revenues, Maine is facing growing economic risks. Policy analyst James Myall lays out how federal policy changes could weaken the job market, cut food and health care assistance, and leave the state to fill the gaps.
Maine Medical Center nurses overwhelmingly approved a new three-year union contract Wednesday night, securing new safety measures, staffing changes, and a 21% pay increase over the life of the agreement. mainebeacon.com/maine-med-nu...
Maine Med nurses approve contract with new safety and staffing protections - Maine Beacon
Nurses at Maine Medical Center overwhelmingly voted Wednesday night to ratify a new three-year union contract after nearly four months of bargaining. The agreement includes new workplace safety measur...
mainebeacon.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Maine Medical Center nurses overwhelmingly approved a new three-year union contract Wednesday night, securing new safety measures, staffing changes, and a 21% pay increase over the life of the agreement. mainebeacon.com/maine-med-nu...
With an open governor’s race, a Senate showdown, and a high-stakes referendum ahead, Maine is heading into a political year unlike any other. Opinion columnist @strim.bsky.social explains why this moment matters, and why giving up isn’t an option.
Strimling: Why Mainers should have hope in the tumultuous year ahead - Maine Beacon
I am by nature an optimistic person about what we can accomplish through politics – and I believe that the arc of the moral universe ultimately bends toward justice. These days, maintaining that optim...
mainebeacon.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:07 PM
With an open governor’s race, a Senate showdown, and a high-stakes referendum ahead, Maine is heading into a political year unlike any other. Opinion columnist @strim.bsky.social explains why this moment matters, and why giving up isn’t an option.
At a “Tax the Rich” town hall, U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner and Maine legislators called for raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy and highlighted bills to reform the state tax code, fund education, and track rape kits. Read more about the event below!
Graham Platner’s ‘Tax the Rich’ town hall puts spotlight on 3 Maine tax and health care bills - Maine Beacon
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner brought together state lawmakers and a frontline nurse Tuesday night for a “Tax the Rich” town hall, where they called for raising taxes on the ultra we...
mainebeacon.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:00 PM
At a “Tax the Rich” town hall, U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner and Maine legislators called for raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy and highlighted bills to reform the state tax code, fund education, and track rape kits. Read more about the event below!
Voting-rights groups say they’re preparing for more attacks on elections after the Trump administration sued 18 states, including Maine, to force them to hand over voter registration data such as driver’s license information and partial Social Security numbers. Read more below!
Voting rights groups brace for more federal interventions in 2026 - Maine Beacon
Voting-rights groups say they’re bracing for continued attacks on state elections in 2026. The Trump administration has now filed lawsuits against 18 mostly Democrat-led states, demanding access to vo...
mainebeacon.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Voting-rights groups say they’re preparing for more attacks on elections after the Trump administration sued 18 states, including Maine, to force them to hand over voter registration data such as driver’s license information and partial Social Security numbers. Read more below!
Maine Rep. Reagan Paul praised Trump for "taking down" former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and wrote he should “now do Janet Mills and Tim Walz.” Paul's extremist post is a direct and dangerous incitement to violence, political researcher Andy O'Brien noted.
Reagan Paul’s Venezuela ‘kudos’ is a call to violence, says analyst - Maine Beacon
Rep. Reagan Paul gave Pres. Donald Trump a “kudos” on Facebook for “taking down” former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and encouraged him to “now do Janet Mills and Tim Walz”. The raid on Maduro ...
mainebeacon.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Maine Rep. Reagan Paul praised Trump for "taking down" former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and wrote he should “now do Janet Mills and Tim Walz.” Paul's extremist post is a direct and dangerous incitement to violence, political researcher Andy O'Brien noted.
About 65,000 Mainers rely on ACA marketplace coverage, but with premiums expected to soar and enrollment already down 7%, health advocates fear many — particularly adults ages 50 to 64 — will drop insurance and skip needed care.
Maine small businesses, older adults struggle to cover new ACA premiums - Maine Beacon
Health care advocates in Maine warn the loss of enhanced tax credits through the Affordable Care Act will create significant challenges for the state’s network of small businesses and nonprofits. Abou...
mainebeacon.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:57 PM
About 65,000 Mainers rely on ACA marketplace coverage, but with premiums expected to soar and enrollment already down 7%, health advocates fear many — particularly adults ages 50 to 64 — will drop insurance and skip needed care.
Western and Northeastern Maine have seen little economic progress since 2001, even as Portland has grown. A new Maine Center for Economic Policy report says smarter policies could close the gap, if lawmakers choose to act. Click below to read the story and check out the full report!
Rural Maine is falling behind as policy decisions favor urban growth, report finds - Maine Beacon
A new report from the Maine Center on Economic Policy finds that while Portland and the area surrounding it has been experiencing major economic growth, the western and northern parts of the state are...
mainebeacon.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Western and Northeastern Maine have seen little economic progress since 2001, even as Portland has grown. A new Maine Center for Economic Policy report says smarter policies could close the gap, if lawmakers choose to act. Click below to read the story and check out the full report!
Maine’s winter logging season is here, but new tariffs are shaking the industry. From $500,000 machines to falling pulpwood demand, loggers say trade policies are driving up costs, shutting down markets, and threatening family businesses across the forest products supply chain.
Maine loggers are used to hard times. Then came the tariffs. - Maine Beacon
The dirt roads in the northern corner of Oxford County froze early this year, marking the unofficial start of the winter logging season in Maine. The hardened roads make it possible for loggers such a...
mainebeacon.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Maine’s winter logging season is here, but new tariffs are shaking the industry. From $500,000 machines to falling pulpwood demand, loggers say trade policies are driving up costs, shutting down markets, and threatening family businesses across the forest products supply chain.
Health care advocates say Republican lawmakers are deliberately dismantling the health care system to protect tax breaks for their ultra-wealthy donors. After more than $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts and the loss of ACA subsidies, over 30,000 Mainers could lose coverage.
Mainers brace for health-care premium spike as GOP dismantles system - Maine Beacon
Maine health care providers warned unprecedented cuts to Medicaid and the loss of Affordable Care Act subsidies will harm all families, no matter their insurance status. More than 30,000 Mainers are e...
mainebeacon.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Health care advocates say Republican lawmakers are deliberately dismantling the health care system to protect tax breaks for their ultra-wealthy donors. After more than $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts and the loss of ACA subsidies, over 30,000 Mainers could lose coverage.
Maine is set to limit local police involvement in federal immigration enforcement with a new law sponsored by Rep. Deqa Dhalac. The law won’t take effect until the summer of 2026, but advocates say it’s a crucial step to protect immigrant communities.
New ICE non-cooperation law ‘sends a far-reaching message’ - Maine Beacon
A bill aimed at preventing Maine law enforcement agencies from participating in federal immigration enforcement, LD 1971, will become law when the legislature reconvenes in January. But it won’t take ...
mainebeacon.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Maine is set to limit local police involvement in federal immigration enforcement with a new law sponsored by Rep. Deqa Dhalac. The law won’t take effect until the summer of 2026, but advocates say it’s a crucial step to protect immigrant communities.
A federal grant that supports some of Maine’s most essential anti-poverty programs is facing possible elimination. The Community Services Block Grant helps community action agencies provide heating assistance, food support, early education, and transportation, especially in rural areas.
Future of Maine block grant funding for low-income programs uncertain - Maine Beacon
Advocates for rural and low-income families in Maine say a critical source of federal funding is at risk. The Trump administration has called for the elimination of the Community Services Block Grant,...
mainebeacon.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:43 PM
A federal grant that supports some of Maine’s most essential anti-poverty programs is facing possible elimination. The Community Services Block Grant helps community action agencies provide heating assistance, food support, early education, and transportation, especially in rural areas.
Lewiston City Councilor Scott Harriman won the Lewiston Democratic Caucus, securing the party’s nomination in the Feb. 24 special election for House District 94. He says his campaign is focused on housing, healthcare, childcare, and protections for immigrants and refugees.
Scott Harriman secures Democratic nomination in Lewiston House special election - Maine Beacon
Lewiston City Councilor Scott Harriman won the Lewiston Democratic Caucus on Saturday, securing the party’s nomination in the Feb. 24, 2026, special election for House District 94. Harriman says that ...
mainebeacon.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Lewiston City Councilor Scott Harriman won the Lewiston Democratic Caucus, securing the party’s nomination in the Feb. 24 special election for House District 94. He says his campaign is focused on housing, healthcare, childcare, and protections for immigrants and refugees.
Graham Platner joins the podcast to talk populist politics, movement-driven organizing, and how his campaign differs from Gov. Janet Mills in the Democratic Senate primary. Click the link below to listen to the full episode!
Podcast: Graham Platner on building a movement larger than his U.S. Senate campaign - Maine Beacon
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner joins our host Cate Blackford this week on the podcast to chat about why he’s jumping into politics and what a true populist agenda looks like to him. P...
mainebeacon.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Graham Platner joins the podcast to talk populist politics, movement-driven organizing, and how his campaign differs from Gov. Janet Mills in the Democratic Senate primary. Click the link below to listen to the full episode!
The U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to reach an agreement on two competing plans to tackle rising health insurance costs. Sen. Susan Collins voted to advance both plans, including the GOP's bill, which would have raised costs and imposed new abortion restrictions.
Collins votes to advance bill that would leave health care costs soaring - Maine Beacon
The U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to reach an agreement on two competing plans to tackle rising health insurance costs. Sen. Susan Collins voted to advance both Republican and Democratic plans, later...
mainebeacon.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to reach an agreement on two competing plans to tackle rising health insurance costs. Sen. Susan Collins voted to advance both plans, including the GOP's bill, which would have raised costs and imposed new abortion restrictions.
A new investigation found that Genesis HealthCare (which owns 11 nursing homes in Maine from Kennebunkport to Orono) spent years delaying or avoiding payments to families who sued over severe neglect and deaths, even as regulators repeatedly cited safety and staffing problems.
How delays and bankruptcy let a nursing home chain avoid paying settlements for injuries and deaths - Maine Beacon
Nancy Hunt arrived at an emergency room from a Genesis HealthCare nursing home in Pennsylvania in such dreadful shape, including maggots infesting her gangrened foot, that the hospital called an elder...
mainebeacon.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:40 PM
A new investigation found that Genesis HealthCare (which owns 11 nursing homes in Maine from Kennebunkport to Orono) spent years delaying or avoiding payments to families who sued over severe neglect and deaths, even as regulators repeatedly cited safety and staffing problems.