Maine’s legislature considers a data center moratorium as lobster industry struggles with declining catches and rising costs.
Voters in Texas began early voting for key Senate primaries on March 3, with incumbent John Cornyn facing strong challenges from pro-Trump candidates Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt. Polls show Paxton leading, but the race remains competitive, with potential runoffs and significant campaign spending shaping the outcome.
Senator Susan Collins, 73, has announced her bid for a sixth term amid a tough primary and Democratic efforts to flip her seat. Her support for Trump and recent controversies over her voting record and judicial nominations have heightened her political vulnerability in Maine, a key battleground state.
The 'Housing for the 21st Century Act' passed without a White House-backed investor ban, despite efforts from the Biden administration. The debate centers on whether limiting large institutional investors can make homes more affordable amid rising prices and low sales. The White House views the bill as incomplete without this restriction.
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis filed an emergency application with the U.S. Supreme Court to halt a Manhattan judge's ruling that her district is unconstitutional, citing concerns over voting rights and redistricting just weeks before the upcoming election. The case highlights ongoing legal battles over district boundaries and voting rights in New York.
On Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026, a 32-year-old man in Pierce County, Washington, stabbed and killed four people outside a home before being shot dead by police. The attack occurred amid reports of a no-contact order violation that had not yet been served. The victims and suspect's identities remain undisclosed as investigations continue.
Recent avalanches across Europe have caused at least 127 deaths this season, with Italy, France, and Austria most affected. In the US, backcountry skiing accidents near Lake Tahoe and Maine have resulted in fatalities and injuries. Experts link the high death toll to unstable snowpack driven by climate change.
Maine's lobster catch has fallen annually since 2021, reaching its lowest since 2008 at 78.8 million pounds in 2025. Factors include warming oceans, market uncertainty, and regulatory pressures, impacting the state's key industry and economy.
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Minnesota, alleging violations of Title IX by allowing transgender girls to compete in girls' sports and access to gender-specific spaces. The case reflects broader federal efforts to restrict transgender participation in school athletics, with ongoing legal and political debates.
The Department of Justice is investigating California and Maine prisons over policies allowing transgender women to be housed with female inmates. The probe follows allegations of sexual assaults and a high-profile rape case involving a trans inmate, raising concerns about safety and legal compliance.
Several US states are implementing or considering temporary bans on new data center construction, citing concerns over resource use, pollution, and infrastructure. Maine has approved a moratorium, while others like Georgia are moving toward similar measures. The federal government is also contemplating a nationwide pause.
Governor Janet Mills has vetoed a bill that would have paused large data center development in Maine until late 2027. She supports a moratorium but objects to the bill's lack of an exemption for a project in Jay, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs. Mills plans to issue an executive order to examine data center impacts.
Democratic leaders are pressing candidates to forgo super PAC support and rely on party resources, outlining a push to reduce big-money influence. The topic follows Illinois primary spending and reflects ongoing debates within the party about money in politics.