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100-year-old giant grocery chain closes stores in 4 states

100-year-old giant grocery chain closes stores in 4 states

Independent grocery owners closed stores for inadequate sales, retirement, and undisclosed reasons.
Detroit Free PressDetroit Free Press
Michigan food retailers want out of the bottle return business

Michigan food retailers want out of the bottle return business

Bottles and cans coming back to stores for 10-cent deposit returns often contain drink syrups and fermenting alcohol. That attracts bugs and worse, retailers say.
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States Plan New 'Climate Superfund' Legislation Despite Federal Ruling Against New York Law

States Plan New 'Climate Superfund' Legislation Despite Federal Ruling Against New York Law

Multiple state lawmakers across the U.S. are preparing to introduce new 'climate superfund' legislation in upcoming sessions, aiming to compel polluters to finance climate change mitigation efforts. This initiative persists despite a recent federal judge's ruling that effectively blocked New York's climate superfund law. Legislators in California, Illinois, and Massachusetts, who previously sponsored similar bills, have expressed continued interest in advancing these proposals. Massachusetts State Rep. Steven Owens (D) is looking to 'future-proof' his bill, while California Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D) plans to re-introduce legislation focused on making 'big polluters' pay their fair share. Illinois General Assembly Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D) believes the New York ruling does not apply to Illinois and intends to move forward with their bill. These efforts follow the enactment of similar policies in Vermont and New York in 2024, though many other states' attempts to pass such legislation in 2026 did n...
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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 ...
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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.
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South Portland Teen Entrepreneur Establishes Thriving Curbside Bakery

South Portland Teen Entrepreneur Establishes Thriving Curbside Bakery

South Portland Teen Entrepreneur Establishes Thriving Curbside Bakery
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Governor Janet Mills Vetoes Maine Data Center Moratorium Bill Amid National Debate

Governor Janet Mills Vetoes Maine Data Center Moratorium Bill Amid National Debate

Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, vetoed a bill earlier this year that would have established the first statewide moratorium on data centers in Maine. This action comes as a national movement against the rapid proliferation of data centers gains momentum, with activists pushing for state and local regulations due to environmental and economic concerns. The veto by Governor Mills contrasts with efforts in other states, such as New York, where state lawmakers passed a similar moratorium bill, though Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to sign it, opting instead for a one-year pause via executive order to develop regulations. The broader context includes President Trump's support for AI companies, which has fueled a surge in data center construction, despite growing public opposition. A recent survey indicated that three-quarters of Americans oppose data centers, a significant increase from the previous year.
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Dirty Water Bagels in Marfa Receives High Customer Praise

Dirty Water Bagels in Marfa Receives High Customer Praise

Dirty Water Bagels in Marfa Receives High Customer Praise
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Spurwink Opens 24/7 Crisis Center in Lewiston for Behavioral Health Support

Spurwink Opens 24/7 Crisis Center in Lewiston for Behavioral Health Support

The Lewiston Crisis Center, operated by the nonprofit Spurwink, has recently opened in Lewiston, Maine, offering 24/7 support for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies or substance use issues. This facility aims to provide a low-stress alternative to traditional emergency interventions, such as emergency rooms. The center is equipped with private rooms, lockers, a laundry room, and access to showers, designed to offer a comfortable and home-like environment. Patients can stay for up to 23 hours and can be referred by law enforcement or hospitals. Rebecca Patkus, Vice President of Regional Outpatient and Community Services at Spurwink, highlighted that the center addresses a gap in care, serving teens and adults who may not require an emergency room but need immediate support. The center accepts MaineCare and other insurance, and no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
The List WireThe List Wire
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.
AP NewsAP News
ICE agent shoots and wounds man in Austin, Texas, officials say

ICE agent shoots and wounds man in Austin, Texas, officials say

Local authorities say a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has shot and wounded a man in Austin, Texas
TheStreetTheStreet
After nearly 50 years, convenience store chain sells every location

After nearly 50 years, convenience store chain sells every location

Loyal customers relied on this stop for gas, snacks and more. Now they're left wondering what happens next.