Ads in Maine Make Misleading Tax Claims About Jackson

Outside groups accuse Democratic challenger Troy Jackson of supporting higher taxes on Social Security, gasoline and groceries, but a review of his proposals and legislative record reveals important omissions as he challenges Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

In the Maine Senate race, ads from pro-Republican groups give Democratic candidate Troy Jackson the nickname “Taxin’ Jackson,” but they make misleading claims about his proposal for Social Security taxes and his votes on some other issues.

The ads say that Jackson “wants to raise Social Security taxes,” with one adding, “hurting our seniors.” But Jackson’s proposal would affect high-income earners who are still working. He wants to remove the cap on the maximum amount of income subject to Social Security payroll taxes.

The ads also claim that Jackson voted in the state Legislature to increase Mainers’ taxes on such items as gasoline and groceries, but cite votes in favor of taxes or fees that did not directly pertain to those items. 

One of the ads, from Defending Main Street PAC, says “it’s tough to make a living when you pay so much in taxes” and blames Jackson before making several claims about alleged tax increases that he backed.

No. 2 Vanderbilt Rallies Past No. 8 Alabama Soccer 2-1, Remains Unbeaten in SEC Showdown

Kiley Kukan scores early for the Crimson Tide, but Megan Hinnenkamp's second-half winner lifts the Commodores in a top-10 Southeastern Conference matchup.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. | No. 2 Vanderbilt rallied from an early deficit to defeat No. 8 Alabama 2-1 Sunday night at Alabama Soccer Stadium, preserving its unbeaten record in a Southeastern Conference showdown between two nationally ranked programs.

The Crimson Tide (13-3-0, 6-2-0 SEC) struck first in the 19th minute when Kiley Kukan converted a long pass from Melina Rebimbas, firing a shot into the net to give Alabama a 1-0 advantage.

Vanderbilt (14-0-1, 7-0-1) responded just before halftime. Courtney Jones converted a penalty kick in the 44th minute after the Commodores drew a foul inside the box, sending the teams into the break tied at 1.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Megan Hinnenkamp scored to put Vanderbilt ahead 2-1. The Commodores protected their narrow lead despite Alabama's late offensive pressure.

Alabama coach Wes Hart praised his team's effort against one of the nation's top programs.

"We ran into a good team today. I thought we played well, I was not disappointed," Hart said. "I thought our effort was fantastic. All the way until that final whistle we were pressing them."

The Crimson Tide generated opportunities to equalize in the closing minutes, including chances for Rebimbas and Larkin, but could not break through Vanderbilt's defense.

Hart acknowledged that second-half turnovers contributed to Vanderbilt's attacking opportunities, although he credited Alabama for its response.

"Vanderbilt is an excellent team. There is a reason why they are undefeated — very solid, very organized and very stingy defensively," Hart said.

Kukan's goal was her second of the season, with both coming against SEC opponents. She previously scored the game-winner against Texas A&M on Sept. 24.

Rebimbas recorded her team-leading ninth assist of the season on Kukan's opening goal, continuing her role as one of Alabama's primary offensive playmakers.

For Vanderbilt, the victory extended its unbeaten start to 15 matches and strengthened its position in the SEC standings.

Despite the setback, Alabama remained 6-2 in conference play and continued to demonstrate its ability to compete against nationally ranked opposition.

The Crimson Tide will look to rebound in its regular-season home finale against Tennessee.

Alabama hosts Tennessee on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. CDT at Alabama Soccer Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

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-- By Ana Cintron-Thomas

© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.

Auburn Swimming and Diving Earns Three SEC Weekly Honors After Georgia Tech Tournament Sweep

Zoey Zeller, Zetta Grace Bartee and Gabriel Machuco receive first career SEC awards as Tigers defeat Kentucky, Georgia Tech and George Washington.

AUBURN, Ala. | Three Auburn swimming and diving athletes earned Southeastern Conference weekly honors after helping the Tigers sweep three dual meets and capture the Georgia Tech tournament championship.

Senior Zoey Zeller was named SEC Female Swimmer of the Week, while freshmen Zetta Grace Bartee and Gabriel Machuco received SEC Female Freshman Athlete of the Week and SEC Male Freshman Athlete of the Week honors, respectively.

All three earned the conference recognition for the first time in their careers after Auburn defeated George Washington, No. 20 Kentucky and Georgia Tech.

Zeller, a native of Gilroy, California, delivered one of Auburn's strongest performances in the championship-clinching meet against Georgia Tech, winning the 200-yard breaststroke in a personal-best 2 minutes, 8.45 seconds.

The performance ranks sixth on Auburn's all-time list and makes Zeller the fourth-fastest swimmer in program history in the event. Her time also ranks fifth nationally this season.

Congressional Black Caucus Backs Maxine Waters as Democrats Face Leadership Battle Over Powerful House Committee

Rep. Yvette Clarke pledges unwavering support for Waters as Illinois Democrats Sean Casten and Bill Foster emerge as potential challengers for the top Democratic position on the House Financial Services Committee.

WASHINGTON | The Congressional Black Caucus is rallying behind Rep. Maxine Waters as the veteran California Democrat faces a growing leadership challenge that could reshape the Democratic Party's direction on financial regulation, economic policy and generational change in Congress.

Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, declared the organization's unwavering support for Waters to remain the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, positioning the influential caucus as a major political force in an increasingly competitive leadership contest.

The endorsement comes as Democrats confront an internal debate over whether experience and institutional knowledge should outweigh demands for younger leadership in some of the House's most powerful committees.

“Given Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ deep expertise and leadership as the former chair and current ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee—the first woman and first Black woman to serve in both positions—she is uniquely positioned to lead the Committee in the 120th Congress,” Clarke said in a statement.

“The Congressional Black Caucus is unwavering in its support of Congresswoman Waters’ bid to lead the Committee.”

Waters Faces Growing Challenge From Illinois Democrats

Waters, 88, has served as the committee's top Democrat since 2013, establishing herself as a prominent voice on banking oversight, consumer financial protection, housing affordability and Wall Street accountability.

But her lengthy tenure is drawing scrutiny from Democrats seeking a leadership transition.

Why Young Men Are Gambling on the American Dream — and Losing More Than Money

As housing costs climb, wages struggle to keep pace and financial security feels increasingly unattainable, a generation of young American men is turning to sports betting, cryptocurrency and prediction markets in search of a shortcut to prosperity. The growing appetite for financial risk is raising troubling questions about economic opportunity, consumer protection and Washington's responsibility.

The new American gamble: When getting rich feels easier than getting ahead for generations, the American Dream rested on a familiar promise: Work hard, save consistently, purchase a home and build a more secure future. But for a growing number of young American men, that traditional path to prosperity appears increasingly out of reach.

In its place, a different financial philosophy is taking hold — one built around sports betting apps, cryptocurrency speculation, prediction markets and the possibility that a single successful wager could accomplish what years of disciplined saving cannot.

The calculation is deceptively simple: If $10,000 cannot buy a house, perhaps it can finance a gamble that turns into $100,000.

It is a seductive proposition in an economy where housing affordability remains a formidable obstacle and financial advancement can feel disconnected from the traditional rewards of employment.

Yet beneath the promise of overnight wealth lies a more complicated story about economic anxiety, technological innovation, regulatory decisions and the psychological consequences of a generation increasingly skeptical that conventional financial rules still work.

Trump-backed Freedom Fuel gas stations face scrutiny over fuel theft allegations, ownership and safety violations

A discount gasoline network promoted by President Donald Trump is facing questions about its business operations after a nearly $4 million fuel dispute, regulatory penalties and lawsuits involving companies connected to its operators.

WASHINGTON | A network of discount gas stations promoted by President Donald Trump as an example of private businesses helping Americans cope with rising fuel prices is facing increased scrutiny over allegations of unpaid fuel, regulatory violations and questions about the companies operating the stations.

Freedom Fuel Network, which began operating in Pennsylvania and New Jersey this summer before expanding to Detroit, attracted national attention after Trump praised its promotional gasoline prices of $3.47 per gallon — a reference to his position as the nation's 47th president.

But behind the patriotic branding and White House endorsements, the network's business relationships have become the subject of legal disputes and questions about how its operators could sustain prices significantly below those of competing retailers.

Auburn Stuns No. 1 Georgia 27-24 on Alex McPherson's Last-Second Field Goal

Byrum Brown rushes for 115 yards, Cody Sigler forces decisive fumble as Tigers end 21-year drought at Sanford Stadium with historic SEC upset.

ATHENS, Ga. | Alex McPherson kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired, and Auburn stunned No. 1 Georgia 27-24 on Saturday at Sanford Stadium after forcing a critical fumble in the final minute of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry.

The victory marked Auburn's first win at Georgia since 2005 and just its second road triumph over a top-ranked opponent in program history, the first since 1994.

Auburn (4-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) overcame an early 14-point deficit, scored 24 unanswered points and survived a late Georgia comeback before delivering the decisive blow.

With the game tied at 24, defensive lineman Cody Sigler forced Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton to fumble, and Sylvester Smith-Reed recovered at Auburn's 44-yard line. The Tigers advanced to the Georgia 19, setting up McPherson's game-winning kick.

"When they turned it over, I knew my guys were going to get me into range," McPherson said. "Just go out and execute and have their back."

The kick secured Auburn's first walk-off field goal in regulation since Wes Byrum's game-winner against Oregon in the 2010 national championship game.

Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown delivered a dual-threat performance, completing 15 of 26 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown while rushing 26 times for 115 yards and another score.

Brown became just the second Auburn quarterback in the past 40 years to rush for 100 yards against Georgia, joining former Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton.

Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC) appeared headed toward another convincing victory after scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions.

Auburn Swimming and Diving Rolls Past Georgia Tech 462-324 as Three Tigers Deliver Historic Performances

Zoey Zeller, Zetta Grace Bartee and Lora Komoroczy crack Auburn's all-time top-25 lists as Tigers dominate women's competition and secure men's victory in Atlanta.

ATLANTA | Auburn swimming and diving delivered a commanding performance against Georgia Tech, winning 462-324 as three Tigers recorded times among the fastest in program history.

Auburn's women dominated their matchup 293-99, while the men's team secured a 225-169 victory. Zoey Zeller, Zetta Grace Bartee and Lora Komoroczy highlighted the competition with performances that earned places in Auburn's all-time rankings.

Komoroczy led the Tigers in the women's 100-yard backstroke, winning in 51.74 seconds, the 24th-fastest performance in program history. It marked her ninth appearance on Auburn's all-time top-25 performance list.

Ellis Fox finished third in 53.51, followed by Maggie McGuire (55.26) and Annika Finzen (55.28), giving Auburn four of the top five finishers.

No. 14 Tennessee Stuns No. 6 Alabama 26-10 as DeSean Bishop Powers Volunteers to SEC Victory

Bishop scores twice in second half, Tennessee forces four turnovers and holds Crimson Tide to 201 yards in rivalry showdown at Neyland Stadium.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | DeSean Bishop rushed for two second-half touchdowns, and No. 14 Tennessee forced four turnovers to defeat No. 6 Alabama 26-10 on Saturday at Neyland Stadium, handing the Crimson Tide its second loss of the season in the 109th meeting between the Southeastern Conference rivals.

Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 SEC) controlled the game from the opening possession, outgaining Alabama 347-201 and shutting out the Crimson Tide in the second half. The Volunteers built a 12-10 halftime lead behind four field goals from Cooper Ranvier before Bishop delivered the decisive touchdowns.

Alabama (5-2, 3-2) struggled to establish offensive consistency, committing four turnovers and managing just one touchdown against a Tennessee defense that kept quarterback Keelon Russell under pressure throughout the afternoon.

Russell completed 19 of 29 passes for 147 yards with two interceptions. He provided Alabama's only touchdown on a 19-yard scramble in the second quarter but could not generate another scoring drive after halftime.

Alabama Softball Sweeps Fall Doubleheader With Shutout Wins Over Jones College, West Alabama

Crimson Tide outscore opponents 17-0 as Kaitlyn Pallozzi strikes out 14, Mari Hubbard homers and Alabama's pitching staff dominates at Rhoads Stadium.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. | Alabama softball continued its impressive fall exhibition schedule Saturday, sweeping a doubleheader with shutout victories over Jones College and West Alabama at Rhoads Stadium.

The Crimson Tide defeated Jones College 10-0 in a 10-inning contest before completing the sweep with a 7-0 victory over West Alabama, combining strong pitching, timely hitting and error-free defensive play.

Alabama's pitching staff held both opponents scoreless across 17 innings, highlighted by Kaitlyn Pallozzi's dominant performance against West Alabama. Pallozzi struck out 14 batters and allowed just two hits in a seven-inning complete-game shutout.

Against Jones College, Kailey Plumlee worked six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts before Vic Moten added four shutout innings in relief, striking out four.

Alabama coach Patrick Murphy praised his team's execution on both sides of the ball.

"The defense was awesome," Murphy said. "We've only had one error so far this fall, so I'll take that any day."

The Crimson Tide established control early against Jones College when Torynn Slaughter delivered an RBI single in the first inning. Alabama added two runs in the second, including a solo home run from Mari Hubbard, before Paige Stanfield's RBI double made it 4-0 in the third.

No. 22 LSU Blanks No. 16 Mississippi State 31-0 as Sam Leavitt Throws Four Touchdowns

Leavitt passes for 289 yards, Jackson Harris catches two touchdowns and LSU's defense delivers its first home shutout of an SEC opponent since 2006.

BATON ROUGE, La. | Sam Leavitt threw four touchdown passes, including two to Jackson Harris, and No. 22 LSU dominated No. 16 Mississippi State 31-0 on Saturday at Tiger Stadium, delivering its first home shutout against a Southeastern Conference opponent in nearly two decades.

Leavitt completed 31 of 38 passes for 289 yards without an interception, directing an efficient LSU offense that scored touchdowns on its first three possessions. The Tigers' defense was equally impressive, forcing an interception and repeatedly denying Mississippi State on fourth down.

The shutout marked LSU's first at home against an SEC opponent since a victory over Kentucky on Oct. 14, 2006.

LSU seized control early when Leavitt capped an eight-play, 60-yard opening drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Eugene Wilson III, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead with 9:57 remaining in the first quarter.