Matt Gagnon discussed the recent budget vote in Maine, highlighting the Democrats’ push for income tax hikes despite initial hesitation within their caucus and Janet Mills’ campaign promises against broad-based tax increases. The House and Senate agreed on a $11.3 billion state budget, including a $1.30 increase in the cigarette tax and Medicaid funding. Six House Democrats joined Republicans to initially defeat the budget amendment, which later passed 75-73. Sophie Warren was the sole Democratic opponent. The budget, expected to be signed by Mills, includes a $320.6 million spending plan over five years, with a net cost of $118.1 million.
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.
