Matt Gagnon discussed the recent budget approval in Augusta, where Democrats passed a $11.3 billion two-year budget without Republican support. The budget will be sent to Governor Janet Mills for approval. Republicans criticized the lack of bipartisan involvement and the budget’s imbalance, citing over $100 million in unaccounted MaineCare costs. The budget was enacted 76-66 in the House and 18-17 in the Senate. Gagnon highlighted historical bipartisan budgeting practices and criticized the current Democratic approach, suggesting it has created a cycle of mistrust and intransigence among Republicans, potentially leading to a state government shutdown if a compromise isn’t reached.
Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell formed Thursday in the Pacific Ocean, both of which were expected to become hurricanes in the next few days, the National Hurricane Center said.
A new study suggests that El Ninos — the natural climatic chaos agent that pops up periodically and spikes global temperatures — are getting stronger because of human-caused climate change.
Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents have died after being infected with measles, the first U.S. deaths this year related to the contagious virus. State health officials announced the deaths Tuesday. They did not reveal any details about the people who died, other than that they lived in Lancaster County, west of Philadelphia.