The Most Easterly Published Newspaper in the US

Published the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month

Sign in Free newsletter

Politics & Government

2017

Commissioners OK 8% jump

Washington County Commission Chair Chris Gardner explains that the county's drug-related crimes are one of the "biggest drivers" of the almost 8% increase in the Washington County fiscal year 2018 budget. The county commissioners approved the budget at their November meeting.

2017

Medicaid expansion and casino top November ballot questions

Maine voters will face on the November 7 ballot four referendum questions, including citizen's initiatives for Medicaid expansion and a southern Maine casino.

2017

Senator hears healthcare fears

Over 20 Downeast healthcare organization leaders and providers met with U.S. Senator Angus King at Eastport Health Care (EHC) on the morning of July 5 to voice their concerns about the Senate's proposed legislation that would replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

2017

Downeast prison fate depends on budget decisions

The fate of the Downeast Correctional Facility (DCF) is still in limbo. Rep. Will Tuell of East Machias explains that there are three versions of the state budget and each with its own variation of funding the Washington County-based prison.

2017

Prison embroiled in political tug-of-war

Six days after the sudden and unexpected news on May 19 from Governor Paul LePage and the Department of Corrections that the Downeast Correctional Facility (DCF) in Bucks Harbor would be closed on June 10, the legislature appears to be set on course to reassert its role in the budget

2017

Legislative panel opposes UT school choice, transparency bills

Trescott and other area unorganized territory parents who were hanging their hats on a possible legislative remedy to the school choice issue will be disappointed in the votes taken by the legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee members on May 5.

2017

Immigration enforcement bills draw fire from diverse groups

Three bills sponsored by Rep. Lawrence Lockman of Amherst about immigration and the intersection of local and federal law enforcement were rolled into one public hearing held by the legislature's Judiciary Committee on April 20 because of the large number of people present to testify.