Monday - May 25, 2026
Public Policy Tipoffs Involving Maine Newsletter for Wednesday May 20, 2026 ( 36 items )  

AG Campbell Challenges U.S. Department Of Education Rule Limiting Access To Student Loans For Essential Professional Degree Programs
BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 19 -- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued the following news release: * * * AG Campbell Challenges U.S. Department Of Education Rule Limiting Access To Student Loans For Essential Professional Degree Programs * Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for stu  more

AG Nessel, Governor Whitmer Sue U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
LANSING, Michigan, May 19 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release: * * * AG Nessel, Governor Whitmer Sue U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs * Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education (PDF) over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students p  more

American Action Forum Issues Commentary: U.S. Natural Gas Market - Soaring AI Demand and Infrastructure Constraints
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The American Action Forum issued the following commentary on May 18, 2026, by Energy and Environmental Policy Director Shuting Pomerleau: * * * U.S. Natural Gas Market: Soaring AI Demand and Infrastructure Constraints Executive Summary * The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers is fueling a surge in U.S. electricity demand, positioning natural gas as a main baseload power source to meet the new demand; under a high-demand scenario, natural gas-fi  more

Ariz. A.G. Mayes Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 20 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 19, 2026: * * * Attorney General Mayes Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs Attorney General Kris Mayes today joined a coalition of attorneys general in suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degree p  more

Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration Over Attempt to Limit Student Loan Access for Healthcare Workers
SACRAMENTO, California, May 18 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release: * * * Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration Over Attempt to Limit Student Loan Access for Healthcare Workers * California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a coalition of 24 attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Education's final rule that narrows the federal definition of a "professiona  more

Attorney General Clark Sues Trump Administration Over New Federal Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
MONTPELIER, Vermont, May 19 -- Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark posted the following news release: * * * Attorney General Clark Sues Trump Administration Over New Federal Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs * The case marks AG Clark's 50th lawsuit against the Trump Administration Attorney General Charity Clark today joined a coalition of attorneys general and governors in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a   more

Attorney General James Sues to Stop Student Loan Cuts for Future Health Care Workers
ALBANY, New York, May 19 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release: * * * Attorney General James Sues to Stop Student Loan Cuts for Future Health Care Workers * New York Attorney General Letitia James today co-led a coalition of 24 other states and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump administration to stop unlawful restrictions on federal student loans for students pursuing careers in critical health care fields. In May, the U.S. Department of Educ  more

Attorney General Phil Weiser sues U.S. Department of Education over restrictions on student loan access for healthcare professionals
DENVER, Colorado, May 19 -- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued the following news release: * * * Attorney General Phil Weiser sues U.S. Department of Education over restrictions on student loan access for healthcare professionals * Attorney General Phil Weiser today co-led a coalition of 24 attorneys general and two governors in suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new final rule that would significantly limit federal student loan access for graduate students in critical h  more

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHALLENGES UNLAWFUL U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULE LIMITING ACCESS TO STUDENT LOANS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
CHICAGO, Illinois, May 19 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release: * * * ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHALLENGES UNLAWFUL U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULE LIMITING ACCESS TO STUDENT LOANS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE PROGRAMS * Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of states, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degrees, includi  more

Attorney General Rayfield Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
SALEM, Oregon, May 19 -- Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield issued the following news release: * * * Attorney General Rayfield Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs * Coalition challenges unlawful rule that could restrict access to advanced education and worsen workforce shortages Attorney General Dan Rayfield and a coalition of attorneys general are challenging the U.S. Department of Education (ED) over  more

Attorney General Tong Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
HARTFORD, Connecticut, May 19 -- Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued the following news release: * * * Attorney General Tong Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs * Coalition challenges unlawful rule that could restrict access to advanced education and worsen workforce shortages  Attorney General William Tong today joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. De  more

Avangrid and Puget Sound Energy Sign Contract for Washington Energy Project
ORANGE, Connecticut, May 20 -- Avangrid, an energy company, issued the following news release on May 19, 2026: * * * Avangrid and Puget Sound Energy Sign Contract for Washington Energy Project Companies executed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 199.5 MW Big Horn I in Klickitat County, Washington Avangrid to upgrade key components of Big Horn I to extend its life and improve performance * BICKLETON, Wash. -- Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and member of the Iberdrola  more

Cotton, Senators to Trump: Eliminate UN Agency that Employs Hamas-Terrorists
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release: * * * Cotton, Senators to Trump: Eliminate UN Agency that Employs Hamas-Terrorists Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), joined by 24 colleagues, sent a letter to President Trump requesting that his administration work with the United Nations (UN) to fully dismantle and eliminate the budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Numerous UNRWA employees have  more

Dean Danielle M. Conway co-authors article in Bloomberg Law on AI in Legal Education
CARLISLE, Pennsylvania, May 19 -- Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law posted the following news: * * * Dean Danielle M. Conway co-authors article in Bloomberg Law on AI in Legal Education * CARLISLE, Pa.-Penn State Dickinson Law and School of International Affairs Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway co-authored an article in Bloomberg Law, "AI Legal Education Pushes Skills, Clinics, and Healthy Skepticism," with Richard E. Moberly, dean and Richard  more

Federal Register: Treasury Dept. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Issues Final Rule on Preemption Determination - State Interest-on-Escrow Laws
WASHINGTON, May 20 (TNSFR) -- The Department of the Treasury Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is issuing a preemption determination concluding that Federal law preempts State laws that restrict OCC-regulated banks' flexibility to decide whether and to what extent to pay interest or other compensation on funds placed in real estate escrow accounts; or assess fees in connection with such accounts. This preemption determination will provide much-needed clarity to banks and other stakeholde  more

Fertilizer Institute President Rosenbuschl Testifies Before Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee released the following written testimony by Corey Rosenbuschl, president and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute, Arlington, Virginia, from a May 12, 2026, hearing entitled "Perspectives on the Fertilizer Industry: Ensuring a Stable and Affordable Supply for American Producers": * * * Chairman Boozman, Ranking Member Klobuchar, and members of the Committee: Thank you for holding this hearing. Thank you also for the opp  more

FIRE sues DHS for information about alleged database of ICE protesters
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, May 19 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted the following news release: * * * FIRE sues DHS for information about alleged database of ICE protesters * WASHINGTON, May 19, 2026 -Americans deserve to know whether their government is maintaining a secret database of people who have criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies. Such a database would sweep in people simply exercising their First Amendment rights by peacefully pr  more

Heinrich, Lujan Demand Answers on How USDA's Restructuring Will Affect New Mexico Farmers, Ranchers, & Rural Communities
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release: * * * Heinrich, Lujan Demand Answers on How USDA's Restructuring Will Affect New Mexico Farmers, Ranchers, & Rural Communities * WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden raising concerns and demanding ans  more

Heinrich, Lujan Join Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Backing Resolution Affirming Abortion Pill as Safe, Effective
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release: * * * Heinrich, Lujan Join Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Backing Resolution Affirming Abortion Pill as Safe, Effective * FDA approved mifepristone for use over two decades ago "Law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer- reviewed evidence-based science." Washi  more

King: Outsourcing Shipbuilding to Asia "Worst Idea Since the Red Sox Traded Babe Ruth"
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. Angus S. King Jr., I-Maine, issued the following news release: * * * King: Outsourcing Shipbuilding to Asia "Worst Idea Since the Red Sox Traded Babe Ruth" * To watch or download the exchange click here WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns over the possibility that the Navy is considering manufacturing ships outside of the United States. In a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing including Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao  more

Maine House Democrats: Maine Becomes the 11th State to Allow Community Choice Aggregation
AUGUSTA, Maine, May 20 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release: * * * Maine becomes the 11th state to allow community choice aggregation A bill from Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, to address high electricity costs and give residents more local control over their power is now law. Gov. Janet Mills recently signed the measure. LD 2112 provides Maine towns and the Wabanaki Nations the option to purchase electricity at lower rates and from renewable sources, without taking ove  more

Md. A.G. Brown Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Unlawful Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 20 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 19, 2026: * * * Attorney General Brown Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Unlawful Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today co-led a coalition of 24 attorneys general and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in challenging a new U.S. Department of Education rule that unlawfully limits access to federa  more

Meet the 2026 Health Journalism Fellows
COLUMBIA, Missouri, May 19 [Category: Media] -- The Association of Health Care Journalists posted the following news: * * * Meet the 2026 Health Journalism Fellows * AHCJ is excited to announce the 2026 Health Journalism fellows. This group is a dynamic and diverse mix of passionate and dedicated journalists committed to illuminating the complexities of health care in today's world. This year, more than 60 fellows will receive registration, travel support and lodging to attend Health Journ  more

Meet the First Triton to Reach the NBA
LA JOLLA, California, May 19 -- The University of California San Diego campus posted the following news: * * * Meet the First Triton to Reach the NBA * Less than a year after earning his degree from UC San Diego in 2025, Hayden Gray became the first Triton to ever play in the NBA. Gray made his debut for the Utah Jazz last month in Los Angeles against the Lakers. He recently joined the Tritoncast podcast from LionTree Arena to talk about what it was like to play against future Hall of Famer   more

N.J. A.G. Davenport Sues to Protect Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 20 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 19, 2026: * * * AG Davenport Sues to Protect Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs Coalition Challenges Unlawful Rule That Could Restrict Access to Advanced Education and Worsen Healthcare Workforce Shortages * Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education ove  more

Owner of Blackstone-Based Environmental Services Company Sentenced for Submitting False Septage Disposal Records
BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 19 -- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued the following news release: * * * Owner of Blackstone-Based Environmental Services Company Sentenced for Submitting False Septage Disposal Records * BLACKSTONE -The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (AGO) announced that the owner of environmental services company Marchand Environmental, Michael L. Marchand, 55 of Blackstone, was sentenced today to two years in the House of Correction, suspended f  more

Patient Advocates, Legal Experts React to Supreme Court Denying Pharma Lawsuits Challenging Medicare Drug Price Negotiation
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Political] -- Public Citizen issued the following news release: * * * NEW: Patient Advocates, Legal Experts React to Supreme Court Denying Pharma Lawsuits Challenging Medicare Drug Price Negotiation * Following the Supreme Court's decision this morning to decline petitions from AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, and Boehringer Ingelheim challenging the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, Patients For Affordable Drugs and Pub  more

Seeking to Help More Americans Lower Their Energy Bills, Senators Collins, Reed Urge Administration to Release Weatherization Aid
WASHINGTON, May 18 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, issued the following news release: * * * Seeking to Help More Americans Lower Their Energy Bills, Senators Collins, Reed Urge Administration to Release Weatherization Aid * WASHINGTON, D.C. -In an effort to help residents save on their utility bills and make more homes energy efficient, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) are teaming up with seventeen of their colleagues, including Senator Angus King (I-ME), in urging   more

Sen. Collins Asks Acting AG for Anti-Weaponization Fund's Legal Basis
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on May 19, 2026: * * * Sen. Collins Asks Acting AG for Anti-Weaponization Fund's Legal Basis At a hearing to review the Department of Justice's (FY) 2027 budget request, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, questioned Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on the Administration's proposed Anti-Weaponization Fund. Sen. Collins as  more

Sen. Collins Questions Army Officials on Autonomous Vehicle Progress
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on May 19, 2026: * * * Sen. Collins Questions Army Officials on Autonomous Vehicle Progress At a hearing to review the 2027 budget request for the Army, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, asked the Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, and Vice Chief of Staff General Christoper LaNeve for an update on the Army's plan to develo  more

Sen. Collins Stresses Need for Job Corps, Quick H-2B Visa Processing to Labor Sec
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on May 19, 2026: * * * Sen. Collins Stresses Need for Job Corps, Quick H-2B Visa Processing to Labor Sec At a hearing to review the Department of Labor's (FY) 2027 budget request, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, emphasized to Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling that the Job Corps program has helped many young people in Main  more

Senate Confirms Nominees to Serve as U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine
WASHINGTON, May 18 -- Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, issued the following news release: * * * Senate Confirms Nominees to Serve as U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine * WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that the Senate has confirmed Andrew Benson to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine and David St. Pierre to serve as U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine. Earlier this year, the nominations of Judge Benson and Chief St. Pierre we  more

Senate Republicans Confirm 13 U.S. Attorneys, 8 U.S. Marshals
WASHINGTON, May 18 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: * * * Senate Republicans Confirm 13 U.S. Attorneys, 8 U.S. Marshals * WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) applauded the Senate's confirmation of 13 U.S. Attorneys and eight U.S. Marshals. The nominees were confirmed as part of a nominations package of 49 executive nominees, by a vote of 46-43. Under Grassley's leadership in the 119 th Congress, the Senate Judiciar  more

To Help Veterans Better Handle Inflation, King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Provide Annual Cost-of-Living Increase
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Sen. Angus S. King Jr., I-Maine, issued the following news release: * * * To Help Veterans Better Handle Inflation, King Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Provide Annual Cost-of-Living Increase * WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee (SVAC), is cosponsoring legislation to ensure veterans benefits are adjusted to reflect the increasing cost of living. The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026  more

UNE Launches Interdisciplinary Center to Advance AI-driven Education, Research, and Workforce Innovation
BIDDEFORD, Maine, May 20 -- The University of New England issued the following news: * * * UNE launches interdisciplinary center to advance AI-driven education, research, and workforce innovation The Center for Emerging Technologies at UNE will unite AI and other evolving technologies across academic programs, research, and University operations, while broadening experiential learning, industry partnerships, and applied research opportunities Alan Bennett From artificial intelligence and bi  more

Washington State Attorney General sues U.S. Department of Education over unlawfully limiting federal student loan access
OLYMPIA, Washington, May 19 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release: * * * WA sues U.S. Department of Education over unlawfully limiting federal student loan access * Washington and a multistate coalition have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degree programs, including many in healthcare and other critical workforce fields  more