DRUG OPERATION-POLICE
Former prosecutor admits tipping off former deputy to probe
BANGOR, Maine (AP) — A former prosecutor is acknowledging tipping off a former deputy of an investigation in a massive marijuana operation in western Maine. Kayla Alves, of Farmington, pleaded guilty Tuesday to tampering with documents under an agreement with federal prosecutors. Alves’ attorney contends she was unaware of the alleged criminal operation and was merely doing a favor for her neighbor. Prosecutors will recommend that she serve no more than six months in prison, while her attorney will recommend no jail time. Alves was a Franklin County assistant district attorney before her firing.
MAINE LEGISLATURE
Masks no longer required as Maine Legislature gathers
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers are reconvening without a mask requirement for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Legislative leaders lifted the mask mandate effective this week, and the full Legislature is gathering for the first time since then on Wednesday. The vote to lift the requirement by the Legislative Council comes as hospitalizations decline in Maine. A universal masking recommendation for public schools and child care providers was also lifted on Wednesday.
RUSSIAN GOLD-SANCTIONS BILL
Maine senator joins push to stop Russia from selling gold
BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Maine’s independent senator is joining a push to clamp down on Russia’s ability to sell gold reserves. Sen. Angus King is working with Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee and Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire on the effort. King said Tuesday the Stop Russian GOLD Act would apply secondary sanctions to any American entities that knowingly transact with or transport gold from Russia’s central bank holdings. King says the sanctions would also apply to U.S. entities that sell gold physically or electronically in Russia.
STUDENT DEBT FORGIVENESS
Maine university wipes about $2M in student debt
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — One of Maine’s public universities has forgiven about $2 million in student debt accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic. University of Southern Maine officials said Tuesday the move forgave the debts of more than 750 students. The university says it excused all student debt acquired between spring 2020 and summer 2021. The school also capped debt forgiveness for fall 2021 at $2,225. Officials with the university said the school would use $2 million in federal pandemic relief money to pay for the debt relief.
CHILD PROTECTION REFORMS
Maine lawmakers advance several child protection bills
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Several bills have advanced in the Maine Legislature in attempts to extend support to families and invest at least $2.6 million into child protection programs following a recent increase in child deaths. The Portland Press Herald reports that the four bills endorsed Monday would establish a pilot program to provide legal representation to families who are involved in child safety investigations. The bills also would increase supervision over child protection services. All of the bills will face a vote in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
SUPREME COURT NOMINATION
Sen. Collins, key vote on Supreme Court, praises Jackson
WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson is winning praise from a key Senate Republican. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine praised Jackson Tuesday after meeting with her for more than an hour and a half at the Capitol. She said she likes Jackson’s “thorough, careful approach.” The praise from Collins raised hopes among Democrats that she could be a Republican vote in favor of confirming her. The Maine senator is perhaps Democrats’ best hope for winning Republican support, as Supreme Court confirmations have become sharply partisan in recent years. Jackson would be the first Black woman in the court’s more than 200-year history.