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Maine Enacts 'ICE Out of Policing' Law Limiting Local Law Enforcement Collaboration with Federal Immigration Agencies

Maine Enacts 'ICE Out of Policing' Law Limiting Local Law Enforcement Collaboration with Federal Immigration Agencies

The state of Maine has enacted a new law, effective July 29, 2026, titled 'ICE Out of Policing.' This legislation significantly restricts the ability of state and local law enforcement agencies to use their resources to assist federal immigration enforcement agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The law was passed in response to increased ICE activity in Maine, which included violent arrests during 'Operation Catch of Day' in January 2026 and the killing of Johan Duran Guerrero in Biddeford in July 2026. Federal immigration agencies have historically relied on local government collaboration through formal contracts for detention, notifications of immigrant releases from jails, and the issuance of detainers to hold individuals for federal custody. The ACLU of Maine, which advocated for the law, submitted FOAA requests to county jails to assess their compliance, finding that some had already implemented new policies while others still maintained ...

South Portland Teen Entrepreneur Establishes Thriving Curbside Bakery

South Portland Teen Entrepreneur Establishes Thriving Curbside Bakery

South Portland Teen Entrepreneur Establishes Thriving Curbside Bakery

Maine's 'Ever After in the Woods' Bookstore Operates on Limited Monthly Schedule

Maine's 'Ever After in the Woods' Bookstore Operates on Limited Monthly Schedule

Maine's 'Ever After in the Woods' Bookstore Operates on Limited Monthly Schedule

Rep. Kevin Mullin Introduces AV Emergency Response Coordination Act to Standardize Autonomous Vehicle Incident Protocols

Rep. Kevin Mullin Introduces AV Emergency Response Coordination Act to Standardize Autonomous Vehicle Incident Protocols

Representative Kevin Mullin, a Democrat from South San Francisco, has introduced the AV Emergency Response Coordination Act. This proposed legislation aims to establish standardized emergency response protocols for autonomous vehicles (AVs) and create a 24/7 hotline. The hotline would allow public officials to communicate directly with AV businesses during incidents. The bill comes as cities like San Diego are experiencing the deployment of robotaxi services, leading to concerns from local authorities regarding safety and regulatory input. The San Diego City Council recently passed a resolution opposing the rapid rollout of robotaxis, citing potential job losses for traditional drivers, safety concerns such as AVs blocking intersections or impeding first responders, and a lack of local regulatory control. Despite this, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria continues to support the deployment of AVs, viewing them as an additional asset for transportation options.

Economic frustration tests Trump’s standing with rural voters, new AP-KFF poll finds

Economic frustration tests Trump’s standing with rural voters, new AP-KFF poll finds

About half of rural American voters believe the economy is worse off now than when President Donald Trump returned to office

Democrats Accuse Senator Susan Collins of Corruption Following ProPublica Report on Alleged Pay-to-Play Scheme

Democrats Accuse Senator Susan Collins of Corruption Following ProPublica Report on Alleged Pay-to-Play Scheme

Democrats in Maine are accusing Republican Senator Susan Collins of corruption after a ProPublica report suggested she directed federal funds to a contractor who significantly contributed to her 2020 reelection campaign. The report details allegations from Martin Kao, former CEO of Navatek, a Hawaiian defense contractor, who is currently serving a prison sentence for money laundering, bank fraud, and defrauding the federal government. Kao pleaded guilty in 2022 to illegally funneling over $150,000 to a super PAC supporting Collins through a shell company. ProPublica's investigation, based on Kao's statements to federal investigators and internal company emails, claims that Collins' office steered millions in government contracts to Navatek while her campaign sought donations from Kao and his network. Collins, who was the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee at the time and now chairs it, allegedly used her influence to secure these contracts. Her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, ...

Rep. Andre Carson Participates in Congressional Black Caucus Transportation Braintrust to Address Community Access and Future of Transportation

Rep. Andre Carson Participates in Congressional Black Caucus Transportation Braintrust to Address Community Access and Future of Transportation

Representative Andre Carson, a Democrat, recently participated in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Transportation Braintrust, an event focused on the theme of 'Connecting Communities to Opportunities.' The braintrust, co-founded by COMTO and the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, aims to ensure community voices are integrated into transportation policy. The event featured a panel discussion moderated by actress and talk show host Claudia Jordan, with participants including COMTO Chair Dr. Lester Woods, Christopher Coes, CEO of America FWD, Veronica Davis, CEO of Northway Strategies, Terry Travis, Co-Founder of EV Noire, and Joell Gamble Copeland, Chief Economist of General Motors. Discussions highlighted the need for innovation in transportation systems, with Coes likening current systems to 'Windows 95' needing an 'iPhone' upgrade. The event also emphasized the importance of engaging young people in the transportation industry through initiatives like COMTO's internship program, which prepares individuals for...

U.S. citizen injured in Illinois after ICE agents mistook him for fugitive, tried to arrest him

U.S. citizen injured in Illinois after ICE agents mistook him for fugitive, tried to arrest him

A man was left bloodied and injured in an encounter with immigration enforcement agents in a Chicago suburb

On This Day: The 1938 New England Hurricane Devastated the Northeast

On This Day: The 1938 New England Hurricane Devastated the Northeast

The 1938 New England Hurricane stands as a stark reminder of nature's destructive power, particularly when its full intensity is underestimated. Th...

Federal Minimum Wage Remains at $7.25 as State Rates Vary Significantly

Federal Minimum Wage Remains at $7.25 as State Rates Vary Significantly

The federal minimum wage in the United States has been set at $7.25 per hour since 2009. This rate translates to approximately $1,257 per month. When compared to an American single-person's basic monthly cost of living, estimated at $2,522, the federal minimum wage covers only 49.8% of these expenses. This benchmark highlights a significant disparity, especially when contrasted with minimum wage coverage in other countries. For instance, Mexico's minimum wage, despite being 42% of the U.S. federal minimum in dollar terms, covers a similar percentage of a single person's basic costs (49.6%) due to significantly lower living expenses. The federal standard is notably lower than many state-level minimum wages, such as Maine's $15.10 per hour in 2026, and is a mere 27.6% of the average American net salary, a ratio far below that seen in several Latin American nations.

Bangor International Airport Closes Runway for Critical Repairs

Bangor International Airport Closes Runway for Critical Repairs

Bangor International Airport in Maine has closed its runway for critical repair work, effective from 8 a.m. Monday until 3 p.m. Thursday. The closure will prevent all flights from taking off or landing at the airport during this period. According to WGME Staff, the repair work primarily involves repaving the runway, a task that can only be completed under favorable weather conditions. This essential maintenance is being undertaken to ensure the continued safety and operational efficiency of the airport's facilities. Passengers who have flights scheduled during this closure period are advised to contact their respective airlines directly for updated information regarding their travel plans, as there will be significant disruptions to air traffic.

Price of gas, diesel fuel continue to soar

Price of gas, diesel fuel continue to soar

The price of crude oil continues to soar. Gas prices are high, again, and diesel fuel cost is causing truckers to sit some rigs.