Signed into law earlier this month, the bill sets a new lifetime borrowing limit for professional degrees at $200,000. The average University of New England medical student borrowed more than $300,000 last year.

The funding is for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which supports low-income families and rural communities with after-school programs and summer learning opportunities.

An estimated $25 million in grant funding is being withheld from Maine public schools for six programs supporting teacher development, adult literacy, after-school programs and more.

The UMaine System Board of Trustees has approved a pilot to accelerate degree programs for older students. While 120 credits are required to earn a traditional degree, adult learners may now earn certain bachelor's degrees with 90 credits.

The leadership at the boarding school vehemently denies the allegations.

The state Department of Education has announced its proposed priority list for school construction projects, but officials say there's still a long way to go before construction.

The U.S. Department of Education is withholding an estimated $25 million in grant funding from Maine public schools "to ensure resources are spent in accordance with the President's priorities."

District leaders say declining enrollment, the difficulty of maintaining school infrastructure, and the increasing local cost of education are all contributing factors.

Maine will lose more than $3 million in grant funding used to hire or retain 14 school mental health professionals in the fall, Attorney General Aaron Frey said.

The settlement is effective today, July 1st, and allows colleges and universities to pay athletes directly in addition to providing them with athletic scholarships.