Controversial Nominee Faces Scrutiny: Maine Lawyer Advances in Bid for 1st Circuit Court Amid Public Outcry

Portland, Maine — A Maine attorney known for his involvement in several high-profile political cases has advanced in his bid to join the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. Joshua Dunlap, who received his nomination from former President Donald Trump in July, passed an initial review by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Dunlap’s nomination has garnered support from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, who played a role in evaluating his qualifications through an advisory committee. However, uncertainty looms over when the full Senate will vote on Dunlap’s confirmation, as the process has … Read more

Maine Secures $2 Million in AmeriCorps Funding Following Successful Legal Settlement

Augusta, Maine — Maine will retain approximately $7 million in funding for AmeriCorps following a settlement in a federal lawsuit. The state reached an agreement that allows it to keep federal dollars originally allocated for community service programs. This funding is crucial for various local initiatives aimed at tackling pressing social issues. The dispute arose after the federal government sought to rescind funds, claiming the state had not complied with certain guidelines. However, state officials contested this decision, arguing the importance of these resources for Maine’s community service efforts. The settlement resolves the discrepancies and … Read more

Power Play in Maine: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Engages Controversial Lawyer Marc Elias as Gubernatorial Campaign Heats Up

Washington, D.C. — Prominent election attorney Marc Elias recently triggered a wave of speculation in political circles when he shared a story highlighting Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ dismissive response to the U.S. Department of Justice. The Justice Department had sought access to Maine’s voter registration data, and Bellows reportedly told officials to “go jump in the Gulf of Maine.” However, what drew less attention was that Bellows’ gubernatorial campaign has enlisted Elias’s services, paying his law firm at least $8,000, according to recent campaign finance disclosures. Interest in Bellows’ decision to hire Elias … Read more

Maine AG Joins Lawsuit Challenging Trump’s Funding Cuts in a Bid to Protect State Resources

Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey has joined a coalition of states in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict federal funding. The legal action claims that the administration has overstepped its authority and unlawfully reduced funding previously allocated by Congress to various states. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha emphasized in a statement that, prior to the current administration, federal agencies typically did not discontinue grants without substantial justification. This lawsuit is part of a broader trend of legal challenges filed by a group of Democratic attorneys general across the country. The suit … Read more