WILTON — From moose to mud to maple syrup, the climate crisis is hitting home in Maine with an ever-greater impact. For 66-year-old Russell Black, a third-generation farmer and a Republican state senator from Wilton, it’s something with which he’s reluctantly learning to live. “It just isn’t the way it used to be,” Black said […]
Steve Collins
Columnist
Steve Collins became an opinion columnist for the Maine Trust for Local News in April of 2025. A journalist since 1987, Steve has worked for daily newspapers in New York, Connecticut and Maine and served as the State House reporter for the Sun Journal since 2016. The Maine Press Association named him Maine's Journalist of the Year in 2022. Among his other awards are the Society of Professional Journalists’ 2016 Ethics in Journalism Award, the I.F. Stone Whistle-Blower Award in 2015 and the Bob Wallack Community Journalism Award from the New England Newspaper & Press Association. Steve is a founder and board president of Youth Journalism International, a charity that teaches students around the globe about news writing, media literacy and issues of the day. His wife, Jackie Majerus, serves as its executive director. Born in Massachusetts, he grew up in a military family that took him to Norway, Ohio and Virginia, where he earned a degree in history from the University of Virginia. He and Jackie live in Auburn. They have two adult children, two collies and not enough time.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Trump picks Bruce Poliquin to head federal firm charged with recovering failed investments
The former Maine congressman tapped to lead the Board of Securities Investor Protection Corp. that has recovered billions over the years from failed Wall Street firms.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Jared Golden pursues $12 billion solution to lead paint problem
Maine’s 2nd District congressman says it would be ‘more expensive to do nothing’ because removing lead paint everywhere would lead to big savings in health care and education.
Posted inElections, Lewiston-Auburn, Local & State, Politics
Eric Brakey takes aim at Golden’s 2nd District congressional seat
A Republican hopeful from Auburn formally declares his intention to win a U.S. House seat so he can take on what he views as an overreaching federal government.
Posted inElections, Lewiston-Auburn, Local & State, News, Politics
Paul LePage’s former press secretary eyes 2nd District U.S. House seat
Adrienne Bennett, who sounds like a sure-fire candidate, said Tuesday she’s made a decision about whether to jump into a GOP primary for the seat and will announce soon.
Posted inNation & World, Politics
Sens. King and Todd Young meet with Saudi crown prince
During a recent trip to the Middle East, Sens. Angus King and Todd Young met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to talk about a range of issues.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Politics
Sole Republican challenger to Sen. Collins quits amid party pressure
Fairfield’s Derek Levasseur said heavy pressure from Maine Republican leaders squelched his effort to snatch party backing from the 4-term senator in next June’s primary.
Posted inMaine Crime
In one of Maine’s most sensational killings, justice proved elusive
The 1922 slaying of Maine guide Otis Bean near Rangeley marked the first time a Franklin County woman ever faced a murder charge.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Politics
Susan Collins says her longevity in the Senate benefits Maine
If the Republican wins a fifth term next year, she would be in line to chair the powerful Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal spending.
Posted inElections, Lewiston-Auburn, Local & State, Politics
Jared Golden vows to remain neutral in Susan Collins’ U.S. Senate race
Maine’s 2nd District Democratic congressman said Wednesday he won’t take sides in the heated 2020 Senate race so he can preserve personal relationships important to serving Maine in Washington.