Author: Jon Fetherston

LEWISTON, Maine – In Maine politics, controversies that once might have ended political careers now seem to generate little more than a brief news cycle and a shrug. On one side is Lewiston City Councilor, School Committee member, and State Rep. Scott Harriman, who publicly admitted in 2024 that he had urinated in downtown alleys and parking garages “several times,” while defending the need for more public bathrooms in Lewiston. On the other is Graham Platner, Democrats’ presumptive U.S. Senate nominee, who is again facing scrutiny after resurfaced Reddit posts reportedly included graphic references to porta-potties, vulgar military humor, and…

BANGOR, Maine – Former Gov. Paul LePage joined Maine’s Morning News on WVOM Wednesday morning, telling host Ric Tyler that Maine’s welfare fraud problem is “even worse” than he previously believed. https://www.wvomfm.com/episode/rewind-05-20-paul-lepage-for-congress-945 LePage, a Republican candidate for Congress and one of Maine’s most consequential conservative political figures in recent history, served two terms as governor from 2011 to 2019. During his time in the Blaine House, LePage made welfare reform, Medicaid oversight, tax cuts, and fiscal restraint central pieces of his administration. Those same issues were front and center again Wednesday. LePage said he met with Vice President JD Vance…

LEWISTON, Maine — One week after Lewiston voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposed $129.71 million school budget, the Lewiston City Council moved forward Tuesday night with a series of major fiscal votes tied to the city’s Fiscal Year 2027 municipal budget. The May 19 meeting centered heavily on final appropriations, utility spending, special revenue funds, and city support for local nonprofit and social service organizations as Lewiston continues to navigate public frustration over rising costs, taxes, and the broader financial direction of the city. The budget debate also comes as Lewiston residents continue to grapple with a controversial citywide revaluation of…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Gov. Janet Mills has ordered United States and State of Maine flags to be flown at half-staff on Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22, in honor of three fallen public servants. The flags will be lowered statewide from sunrise to sunset on the days of their respective memorial and funeral services. On Thursday, May 21, flags will be lowered in honor of the Honorable Gerald Talbot, Maine’s first Black legislator and a prominent civil rights leader, as well as Maine Game Warden Joshua Tibbetts, who died in the line of duty. Talbot’s legacy as a trailblazing…

SEARSMONT, Maine – State and federal investigators are continuing to treat the deadly fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont as an active and complex investigation, as crews work to safely clear debris from the damaged mill site. Maine State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that heavy machinery and cranes are being used to remove what remains of a collapsed storage silo so investigators can safely examine the debris underneath. The initial fire on May 15, 2026, reportedly began in a wood shavings packaging area before spreading to a…

AUGUSTA, Maine – The U.S. Department of Justice is threatening legal action against the State of Maine over a Bureau of Motor Vehicles policy that allegedly blocks federal law enforcement agencies from obtaining undercover license plates if those vehicles are used for civil immigration enforcement operations. https://twitter.com/themainewire/status/2056854310449811749?s=46 In a sharply worded letter addressed to Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, federal officials argued the policy is both “deeply dangerous” and “blatantly unlawful,” warning that it undermines ongoing investigations and places federal agents and their families at risk. According to the letter, Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles has reportedly refused to issue undercover…

WASHINGTON – Vice President JD Vance used a White House press briefing Tuesday to highlight the Trump administration’s fraud crackdown while also outlining the White House’s position on Iran, immigration, fentanyl, artificial intelligence and several other issues. Vice President JD Vance joked during the White House press briefing that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt should replace him as Vice President when his wife, Usha, gives birth to their baby later this year, as he fills in for her while she is on maternity leave. Vance said federal officials have identified “millions upon billions of dollars” in fraud across several…

SULLIVAN, Maine – Just when it seemed Graham Platner’s controversies had reached what some at The Maine Wire jokingly call a “Platner plateau” — the point where keeping track of the reasons voters are being told not to trust him becomes exhausting — another story dropped. And once again, the campaign of Maine’s presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate is being dragged back into the national spotlight. Platner, the oyster farmer, Marine veteran, and progressive candidate seeking to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, is facing renewed scrutiny after Fox News reported on graphic posts allegedly tied to his since-deleted…

LEWSITON, Maine – Matthew Theriault of Mid Valley Motors Towing and Recovery filed a harassment order Friday against Lewiston community activist Melissa Dunn, adding another layer to a controversy that has already consumed significant attention from police, elected officials, activists, and residents in Maine’s second-largest city. According to Theriault, Dunn refused to take the order from the police on Friday. Dunn has been a visible figure in the ongoing dispute surrounding the parking lots near the mosque and Miers on Bartlett Street in Lewiston. She has led what has been described as a Friday “safety squadron,” a group that has…

AUGUSTA, Maine – As Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor moved to restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the political battle over immigration enforcement in Maine is rapidly escalating, with several Democratic gubernatorial candidates and some city elected officials openly criticizing ICE operations and aligning themselves with sanctuary-style policies that federal officials say undermine public safety. Federal immigration officials are now warning that Maine’s political leadership is increasingly hostile toward immigration enforcement, creating dangerous divisions between local and federal law enforcement agencies. In a statement provided to the Maine Wire on Monday, ICE sharply condemned Maine politicians backing restrictions on cooperation with…

WATERVILLE, Maine – A Republican candidate for the Maine House says he was removed from an advisory role at a public technical school program after his campaign website listed his service on the committee, even though the information had reportedly been public for roughly seven months before anyone objected. Shawn Packard, a media professional and Republican candidate for State Representative, says he was dismissed from the Media Design Advisory Group at Mid-Maine Technical Center after serving officially on the committee for just over a year. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17fBR2716N But Packard’s relationship with MMTC goes back much further. Packard attended MMTC as a…

LEWISTON, Maine – The Lewiston School Committee met Monday night to take another run at its fiscal year 2027 budget after voters rejected the original proposal at the polls last week, forcing school officials to make deeper reductions before sending the spending plan back to taxpayers. The May 12 referendum failed 1,463 to 1,092, with Superintendent Jake Langlais noting that voters also indicated the budget was too high by a wide margin. “We know the initial budget was rejected, and so we have to keep that in mind,” School Committee Chair Phoenix McLaughlin said during the discussion. Langlais presented a…

PORTLAND, Maine – The City of Portland has selected Stantec to lead the development of Portland in Motion, a comprehensive long-range transportation plan intended to guide how people and goods move through the city over the next two decades. The project will be led by Stantec’s Urban Mobility team in Boston, with local support from the firm’s Portland office. City officials described the selection as a significant step toward developing a safer, more connected, and more sustainable mobility network for Portland residents, workers, businesses, and visitors. The plan is expected to create a citywide roadmap for transportation priorities over the…

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Fire Department is celebrating National Emergency Medical Services Week from May 17 through May 23, joining departments and agencies across the country in recognizing the lifesaving work of EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, and other pre-hospital care providers. This year marks the 52nd annual National EMS Week. The official 2026 theme is “Improving Outcomes, Together,” highlighting the critical role emergency medical personnel play in the broader continuum of health care and public safety. Portland’s Fire Department is the largest municipal EMS service in Maine. In 2025, the department responded to just under 15,000 emergency medical calls…

SEARSMONT, Maine – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has joined the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office in investigating the cause of the fatal explosion and mass-casualty fire at Robbins Lumber Inc. in Searsmont, a disaster that killed one firefighter, injured 11 others, and shut down the mill for the foreseeable future. Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal were joined Sunday morning by special agents from the ATF National Response Team. Fire investigators from both agencies will conduct a joint examination of the scene focused on determining the origin and cause of the fire and the…

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Sunday, declaring that the “clock is ticking” as peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing war remain stalled. https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2056058474954436923?s=20 In a Truth Social post on May 17, 2026, Trump warned Tehran that it must move quickly or face devastating consequences. “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!” Trump wrote. https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/2056097796424442290?s=20 The president’s comments came after he rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal, calling it “garbage” and “totally unacceptable.” Tehran had reportedly…

For months, Mainers were told not to believe what they were seeing. Vacant offices. Questionable billing. Nonprofits refusing to fully answer where money went. Politically connected organizations receiving taxpayer dollars. Elected officials staying quiet. Journalists being threatened for asking questions. Then Homeland Security visited Lewiston. https://twitter.com/G_CURLEY/status/2007957118805221881?s=20 Now, after Vice President JD Vance traveled to Bangor to speak directly about fraud, waste, and abuse in government programs, Maine has been pushed into the center of a national anti-fraud crackdown. https://twitter.com/TheMaineWire/status/2054973657915548127?s=20 For many residents, whistleblowers, and reporters who have been sounding the alarm, Vance’s visit did not create the controversy. It validated…

“We the People.” Those are not just the first three words of the United States Constitution. They are the foundation of the American experiment. They are a declaration that power in this country does not flow from a king, a ruling class, a bureaucracy, or a political machine. It flows from us. That is the point Maine people need to remember right now, because no one is coming to save us. Vice President JD Vance came to Maine on Thursday and did what too many state leaders, local officials, and legacy media outlets have refused to do: he validated the…

SEARSMONT, Maine – A firefighter was killed and multiple people were injured Friday morning after an explosion occurred during fire suppression efforts at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont. According to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, multiple fire departments responded at approximately 10:05 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, to a reported fire in one of the silos at Robbins Lumber, located at 506 Main Street. The Searsmont Fire Department was the first agency to respond, with numerous mutual aid departments assisting at the scene. When firefighters arrived, they found a fire inside the silo at the mill. While crews were working…

PORTLAND, Maine — TPUSA Faith’s “Make Heaven Crowded Tour 2026” came to the Portland Expo Center Friday night, bringing a faith-based, family-friendly Christian gathering to a city where critics had spent weeks trying to cast the event as controversial. Hosted by Calvary Chapel Greater Portland, the event featured former White House Press Secretary and Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany, Pastor Lucas Miles, and Pastor Travis Johnson, among many others. The Portland stop was part of TPUSA Faith’s national “Make Heaven Crowded Tour,” a Christian outreach effort focused on worship, testimony, evangelism, and encouraging believers to speak openly about their faith.…

LEWISTON, Maine — As Lewiston residents continue to confront shootings, youth violence and growing fear over public safety, Mayor Carl Sheline used a recent opinion column in the Lewiston Sun Journal to insist that Maine’s second-largest city is not in decline. For many residents, that message may sound less like leadership and more like denial. Sheline’s column came in response to longtime Lewiston-Auburn columnist Mark LaFlamme, who recently asked whether residents are beginning to give up on Lewiston after repeated incidents of gun violence and mounting frustration over the direction of the city. The mayor’s answer was firm: NO. “Lewiston is facing real…

SEARSPORT, Maine – A reported silo explosion in Searsmont on Friday morning triggered a massive emergency response, with first responders from multiple departments rushing to the scene amid reports of numerous injuries and a mass casualty incident. https://twitter.com/thelukereport/status/2055320827122368808?s=46 According to information shared by the MidCoast Region Scanner Page, the incident was reported at approximately 11:06 a.m. Initial reports indicated that a silo had exploded, prompting emergency officials to call in extensive mutual aid resources from surrounding communities. Scanner traffic and early reports from the scene indicated that at least seven ambulances and two LifeFlight helicopters were dispatched as emergency crews…

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump wrapped up a two-day diplomatic state visit to Beijing on Thursday, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a high-stakes effort to stabilize relations between the world’s two largest economies after months of intense economic rivalry. The summit concluded with a clear message: America is again leading from a position of strength. https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2055213171242086605?s=20 While long-running disputes between Washington and Beijing remain, Trump emerged from the visit touting progress on trade, energy, agriculture, and global security, while also pressing China on some of the most serious geopolitical challenges facing the United States and its allies. A…

BANGOR — Vice President JD Vance came to Bangor Thursday with a blunt message for Maine: the fraud problem is real, Washington is now watching, and taxpayers should demand accountability from every level of government. Speaking before a crowd in Bangor, Vance focused heavily on welfare fraud, Medicaid abuse, identity theft, illegal immigration, and what he described as a failure by state leaders to protect taxpayer-funded programs from exploitation. “This is about protecting the people who do things the right way,” Vance said, arguing that fraud does not just hurt taxpayers, but also the vulnerable Mainers who depend on public…

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Kevin Warsh as the 17th chair of the Federal Reserve, approving President Donald Trump’s nominee in a 54–45 vote that marked the most divisive confirmation for a Fed chair in Senate history. Warsh is set to officially take over the central bank’s top post on Friday, May 15, when Jerome Powell’s term as chair expires. The final vote broke sharply along partisan lines, with Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania the only Democrat to join Republicans in backing Warsh’s confirmation. Wednesday’s vote followed a separate 51–45 vote on Tuesday confirming Warsh to a…

PORTLAND, Maine – TPUSA Faith is bringing its “Make Heaven Crowded Tour” to the Portland Expo Center on Friday, May 15, placing Portland in the middle of a national conversation over faith, free speech, public facilities, and conservative Christian outreach. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Portland Expo Center, 239 Park Ave., Portland, Maine, with doors opening at 5 p.m. The gathering is being co-hosted by Calvary Chapel Greater Portland and is described by organizers as a night of worship, preaching, prayer, and gospel outreach. TPUSA Faith has called the tour a “gospel-centered…

WASHINGTON – Vice President JD Vance announced a sweeping federal crackdown on Medicaid, Medicare, hospice and home health care fraud Wednesday, just hours before traveling to Maine, where he is expected to address fraud concerns during remarks at Bangor International Airport. Vance is scheduled to speak at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Bangor International Airport, where his comments are expected to focus on the fraud concerns that have drawn increasing attention in Maine. Vance was joined at Wednesday’s press conference by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Andrew Ferguson, executive director of the federal anti-fraud task force, as the Trump administration laid…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins pressed the heads of the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration during a federal budget hearing over the continued spread of illegal marijuana grow houses in Maine, warning that the operations are often tied to money laundering, transnational crime, human trafficking concerns, and the destruction of badly needed housing. Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned FBI Director Kash Patel and DEA Administrator Terrance Cole during a hearing reviewing federal law enforcement agencies’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget requests. Collins said the problem remains serious in Maine, where local sheriffs and law enforcement officers…

Vice President JD Vance, welcome to Maine. Thank you for coming! Thank you for acknowledging what too many elected officials, bureaucrats, and legacy media outlets have tried to ignore: Maine has a fraud problem, and it is not small. For years, taxpayers have been forced to fund a broken system while politically protected operators, questionable providers, and paper-thin oversight have allowed abuse to grow in plain sight. Gateway Community Services. Paradise Residential. Luna Home Care. Legit Home Care. Autism services overbilling. These are not just names on paperwork. They are warnings. They are symptoms of a system that has failed…

LEWISTON, Maine – Lead Maine Founder and Executive Director Laurel Libby, a Republican state representative, hosted a ranked-choice voting forum Tuesday night aimed at helping Maine voters understand how to navigate the state’s complicated voting system ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial primary. More than 100 attendees took part in the forum, asking questions as speakers walked through the mechanics of ranked-choice voting, ballot-marking scenarios, exhausted ballots, recount concerns, and voter intent. The forum featured Trent England, founder and executive director of Save Our States and co-chairman of the Stop Ranked Choice Voting Coalition, along with Jason Savage, executive director of…

AUGUSTA, Maine – A contentious public hearing began Tuesday over a challenge to the Maine Girl Dads ballot initiative, a citizen-led referendum effort that could appear before Maine voters in November 2026. The initiative, officially titled “An Act to Designate School Sports Participation and Facilities by Sex,” would require public schools to separate school sports participation, bathrooms, and locker rooms based on biological sex. The hearing, conducted by the Maine Secretary of State’s Office, began on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, after a Cumberland County Superior Court order directed the office to review a challenge to the validity of signatures gathered…

GORHAM — A growing controversy is unfolding in Gorham after absentee ballots for the June 9, 2026 school budget validation referendum were mailed to voters before the Gorham Town Council had even finalized or approved the budget amount appearing on the ballot. The issue surfaced Tuesday night after residents discovered absentee voters had already received official ballots referencing a May 12 Town Council meeting that, at the time the ballots were mailed, had not yet occurred. “This picture is an outrage,” one resident wrote after sending a copy of the ballot to The Maine Wire. “The voter received this in…

LEWISTON, Maine – Lewiston voters on Tuesday rejected a proposed $130 million school budget, sending district officials back to the table after a high-turnout election shaped by concerns over rising taxes, a recent citywide revaluation, and growing frustration over the direction of Maine’s second-largest city. The vote was 1,463 no to 1,092 yes. The proposed school budget failed at the ballot box despite already including significant reductions. The spending plan represented an 8 percent increase over the previous year and was driven by inflation, staffing costs, and specialized education needs. The rejection comes as Lewiston continues to face broader challenges,…

WASHINGTON – Multiple Maine airports will receive more than $13.6 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins announced. Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the $13,647,939 in funding will support runway, apron, planning, and land-acquisition projects at airports across the state. “As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to ensure we make investments that benefit the State of Maine, allowing airports across our state to make much-needed improvements, some of which are long overdue. Ensuring that transportation needs across…

LEWISTON, Maine – Lewiston voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide the fate of a $129.71 million public school budget in a city already struggling with crime, shootings, litter and rising pressure on taxpayers. The referendum vote, scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, will determine whether the Lewiston Public Schools budget for the upcoming school year moves forward or is sent back to local officials for another round of cuts and revisions. All voting will take place at the Longley School gym, located at 145 Birch Street. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parking is available…

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing Wednesday evening for a high-stakes three-day state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a trip that comes as the war in Iran threatens to overtake nearly every other item on the diplomatic agenda. The visit, set for May 13 through May 15, marks the first time a U.S. president has traveled to China in nearly a decade. Trump last visited Beijing during his first term in 2017. The summit was originally planned for April but was delayed as the war in Iran escalated and the administration struggled to keep…

LEWISTON, Maine — Lewiston police have charged a 21-year-old man with multiple felonies after officers responded Sunday afternoon to reports of gunfire near Ash Street and Howe Street, the latest violent incident in a city already grappling with public safety concerns. According to the Lewiston Police Department, officers were called to the area at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, after gunfire was reported in the neighborhood. When officers arrived, they located numerous shell casings. Witnesses told police that two groups of teens and young adults had been shooting at one another. No injuries were reported in the shooting.…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Gerald Talbot, a major figure in Maine’s civil rights history and the first Black person ever elected to the Maine Legislature, died May 9, 2026. He was 94. Talbot leaves behind a legacy that reshaped Maine politics, civil rights advocacy, public education, and community leadership. Over the course of his life, he became known not only as a historic figure, but as a trailblazer whose work helped move Maine toward a broader promise of fairness and equal treatment under the law. Elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 1972, Talbot broke one of the state’s most…

AUGUSTA, Maine — The battle over girls’ sports, school bathrooms, locker rooms, and the meaning of sex under Maine law is headed back before state officials Tuesday, as opponents of the Maine Girl Dads ballot initiative seek to block the measure from reaching voters in November. A hearing is scheduled for May 12, 2026, on challenges to the citizen initiative known as “An Act to Designate School Sports Participation and Facilities by Sex.” The proposal was advanced by Protect Girls Sports in Maine, the ballot committee associated with the Maine Girl Dads movement. If approved by voters, the measure would…

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran’s latest response to a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war, calling Tehran’s counteroffer “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” as negotiations over the conflict appeared to hit another wall. Trump said he “did not like” the response submitted by Iranian representatives, though he did not detail every provision he found objectionable. The rejection came after Iran reportedly delivered a lengthy counter-proposal through Pakistani intermediaries that demanded an end to the war, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and recognition of Iranian control over the Strait…

LEWISTON, Maine — Another violent incident unfolded Sunday in Lewiston, where police are investigating what appears to be an intentional hit-and-run involving a stolen vehicle on Bartlett Street. According to information surrounding the case, one man allegedly used a stolen vehicle to intentionally run down another man before fleeing the area. Authorities believe the victim suffered serious injuries, but as of Sunday, police reportedly had not yet located him. The disturbing incident adds to growing public concern in a city already grappling with shootings, drug activity, violent crime, and ongoing public safety issues. Details remain limited, but early information indicates…

PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland Police Department will recognize National Police Week from May 12 through May 18, honoring law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty while recognizing the service, sacrifice, and commitment of those who continue to protect their communities. National Police Week is dedicated to honor, remembrance, and peer support, bringing together law enforcement officers, survivors, and citizens to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. “Police Week is a time for our community and our profession to pause and reflect on the extraordinary dedication of our officers,” said Portland Police…

LEWISTON, Maine – Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones brought his campaign to Lewiston on Saturday for a community cleanup aimed at improving areas of the city that residents say have been overwhelmed by trash, needles, discarded debris and public safety concerns. Jones, who is seeking to become Maine’s next governor, joined volunteers for the cleanup effort Saturday morning between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The event drew participation from groups including Rubbish Doctor and Town Farm Recovery’s Barriers to Bridges, according to the Jones campaign. https://twitter.com/LocalPoliticsis/status/2053208776228950114?s=20 By the end of the cleanup, volunteers had collected four truckloads of garbage, including…

CANARY ISLANDS –  Federal health officials are monitoring a rare hantavirus outbreak linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship, but they are not treating the situation as a broad public health emergency or warning of an expanded outbreak. The ship is now located near Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, where passengers are being screened and repatriated under strict public health protocols. Reuters reported Sunday that European health officials are treating all passengers aboard the vessel as high-risk contacts as a precaution while they disembark and return to their home countries through arranged transport rather than commercial travel. No one from…

NEW YORK – Andrew Ferguson, co-chair of President Donald Trump’s federal anti-fraud committee with Vice President JD Vance, appeared Saturday on Fox News’ Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany and hinted that a major announcement is coming this week in the administration’s war on fraud. https://twitter.com/SatAmericaFNC/status/2053121712007397688?s=20 Ferguson said next week would be a “big, big week on the anti-fraud front,” describing what appears to be a cross-agency, all-of-government approach to rooting out fraud across programs that have been bleeding taxpayer dollars. For Maine, that should set off alarms in Augusta. President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ferguson have already identified…

LEWISTON, Maine — As gunfire continues to erupt across Lewiston and residents grow increasingly fearful for their safety, Lewiston Police Chief Carly Conley is taking a far more visible and aggressive role in addressing the violence than many of the city’s elected leaders. Over the past several weeks, Lewiston has seen a troubling increase in shootings, including incidents involving juveniles and children. Residents have repeatedly packed city council meetings demanding answers, stronger policing, and immediate action as concerns over public safety intensify across the city. But while Mayor Carl Sheline and Scott Harriman, who simultaneously serves as a state representative,…

BANGOR, Maine – As Maine’s 2026 governor’s race heats up, one issue continues to loom over Augusta: MaineCare fraud, improper payments, overbilling, weak oversight, and whether taxpayer dollars are being protected. On Friday, WVOM’S The Maine’s Morning News with Ric Tyler and Paul Wolfe asked why Democratic candidates for governor are not being pressed harder on the issue during debates. That question has been at the center of months of reporting by The Maine Wire, which has aggressively covered alleged MaineCare fraud, provider overbilling, audit findings, internal DHHS communications, federal scrutiny, and growing concerns that Maine taxpayers may be footing…

LEWISTON, Maine – A survivor-led nonprofit organization says more than $84,000 has now been directly distributed to victims and survivors of the October 25, 2023 Lewiston mass shooting, following a donation effort sparked earlier this year by a local nonprofit organization. According to a statement released Thursday, VictimsFirst collected and disbursed a total of $84,772.82 to families of those killed, survivors who were wounded, and others impacted by the shootings at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar & Grille. The effort began after decided on March 3 to transfer its $65,521.79 grant from the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund to …

PORTLAND, Maine – The 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary debate opened with two notable absences Thursday night, as CBS 13 moderator Greg Lagerquist said Robert Wessels did not meet the debate’s polling threshold and Bobby Charles qualified but chose not to attend. The candidates on stage were former Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason, healthcare executive Jonathan Bush, former fitness executive Ben Midgley, tech entrepreneur Owen McCarthy, and real estate businessman David Jones. The debate quickly turned unpredictable when Jones used his opening statement to announce a ranked-choice voting alliance with Midgley. “If you are voting for me, please give me your…

LEWISTON, Maine — Lewiston police are investigating after a 14-year-old boy was shot Thursday afternoon on Avon Street. The Lewiston Police Department responded to 4 Avon St. at approximately 4:30 p.m. on May 7, 2026, after receiving reports of screaming and multiple gunshots. According to witnesses, several teenagers were seen fleeing the area. When officers arrived, they located a 14-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was transported to Central Maine Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition. Police have detained several teens and recovered three firearms so far. City councilor Bret Martel said…

LEWISTON, Maine – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Lewiston man from Angola during a targeted operation on May 6, ICE Boston said in a statement to The Maine Wire. ICE identified the man as Israel Gomes Pessoa-Amaral, whom the agency described as a criminal illegal alien from Angola. According to ICE, Pessoa-Amaral’s criminal history includes pending charges for failure to submit to arrest or detention and refusing to stop. He also has a prior arrest for failure to appear. ICE said Pessoa-Amaral entered the United States illegally on Aug. 10, 2024, during what the agency described as the Biden…

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Republican race for governor is heating up as the June 9 primary approaches, with Jonathan Bush, Ben Midgley and Garrett Mason trading fire with Bobby Charles over debates, records and who should face voters directly. Bush is challenging Charles to a one-on-one debate, arguing that Maine voters deserve to hear directly from both candidates before they cast ballots. Charles, described by the Bush campaign as the front-runner, has not agreed to the proposed one-on-one matchup and has instead been spending time with supporters. “This ain’t rocket science… will Bobby Charles say if he’s going to debate…

LEWISTON, Maine – For months, Lewiston residents have packed city council chambers demanding action over shootings, stolen firearms, juvenile violence, drug trafficking, and deteriorating public safety conditions across Maine’s second-largest city. Residents have and continue to speak emotionally about fear, frustration, and what many describe as a growing sense that parts of Lewiston are slipping out of control. Families have repeatedly voiced concerns about shootings, illegal firearms, drug activity, violence, public disorder, and deteriorating quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the city. https://twitter.com/TheMaineWire/status/2050176421297872922?s=20 But many residents now say something unusual happened earlier this year when federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement…

SOUTH PORTLAND — In an unusual move in Maine’s Republican gubernatorial primary, Jonathan Bush announced that fellow GOP candidate Robert Wessels will serve as his Congressional District 2 Grassroots Chair, even as Wessels remains in the race for governor. The announcement came ahead of tonight’s WGME/BDN gubernatorial debate and before Wessels was set to hold an event with another rival in the race, Bobby Charles, adding another layer of intrigue to a primary that appears to be getting more interesting by the hour. Wessels, of Paris, said he is not ending his campaign, but will encourage his supporters to consider…

BANGOR, Maine — Collins for Senator released its first television advertisement of the 2026 campaign cycle, focusing on U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ work to secure federal funding for the reconstruction of the Eastport Breakwater after its collapse in 2014. The ad features Chris Gardner, executive director of the Eastport Port Authority, who describes the impact of the breakwater’s collapse and Collins’ role in helping rebuild a critical piece of Washington County’s waterfront infrastructure. The Eastport Breakwater collapsed in December 2014, bringing much of the city’s waterfront economy to a halt and threatening the livelihoods of commercial fishermen, lobstermen, cargo workers,…

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Police Department released its latest weekly calls-for-service numbers as part of what the department described as a continued effort to provide transparency to the public. The department publishes weekly calls for service, select calls from the previous week, weekly arrest logs, and daily media logs through its online police statistics page at portlandmaine.gov/PDstats. According to the latest numbers, Portland officers conducted 204 motor vehicle stops last week, making traffic enforcement the most common call type reported by the department. The next highest category was 911 hang-up calls, with officers responding to 119 such incidents. Police…

BANGOR, Maine – Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles pushed back forcefully against a Bangor Daily News report during an interview with Ric Tyler on Maine’s Morning News on WVOM, Thursday morning, accusing the paper of publishing a politically motivated “hit piece” as the 2026 Republican primary moves closer. Charles, who served from 2003 to 2005 as Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, said the report relied on watchdog findings while ignoring the broader context of his work during wartime. “This is that funny season,” Charles said. “I’m going to call it the season of fake…

Do you understand ranked-choice voting? If not, LEAD Maine says you are not alone. LEWSITON, Maine – With Maine’s June 9 primary election approaching, LEAD Maine is planning a seminar next Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. aimed at helping voters better understand the ranked-choice voting system that will be used in the upcoming primary. The event, titled “Ranked-Choice Voting Decoded,” is being promoted by LEAD Maine and State Rep. Laurel Libby, (R-Auburn), who serves as the organization’s executive director. Libby posted an update encouraging Mainers to RSVP for the May 12 event. Ranked-choice voting, often referred to as RCV,…

PORTLAND, Maine – Republican candidates for governor squared off Tuesday night in a televised primary debate hosted by WMTW Maine’s Total Coverage, with anchor Jon Chrisos moderating the forum ahead of Maine’s June 9, 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary. The debate featured Jonathan Bush, David Jones, Garrett Mason, Owen McCarthy, Ben Midgley and Robert Wessels. One Republican candidate, Bobby Charles, did not appear — an absence that became a recurring issue as candidates discussed taxes, spending, welfare reform and childcare. The debate centered heavily on Maine’s affordability crisis, with candidates taking aim at Augusta’s growing budget, high taxes, welfare spending, DHHS…

PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland Police Department continued its push toward community-focused policing Tuesday morning, hosting a “Coffee with a Cop” event at the Portland Public Library, where residents had the opportunity to engage directly with officers and department leadership. The informal gathering, part of a broader outreach strategy, brought together community members, officers, and Chief Mark Dubois for open conversation about public safety, quality of life issues, and the department’s evolving role in the city. Speaking with the Maine Wire, Dubois emphasized the importance of face-to-face interaction between law enforcement and the public. “Community policing is critical,” Dubois said,…

President Donald Trump has temporarily paused a major U.S. naval operation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing “great progress” in negotiations toward a possible agreement with Iran, a move that sent stock markets higher Wednesday morning and pushed oil prices sharply lower. WASHINGTON – The operation, dubbed “Project Freedom,” was launched in early May as a U.S.-led effort to guide commercial and neutral vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping lanes. Trump announced the pause on May 5, saying the United States would temporarily halt the active escort mission to allow diplomacy…

LEWISTON, Maine— Residents packed Lewiston City Hall chambers Tuesday night as public frustration over the city’s long-awaited property revaluation collided with a proposed school budget that would increase spending by 8 percent. Before the meeting, residents held a rally outside City Hall, where anger over the recent revaluation and the threat of higher tax bills spilled into the public square. Inside the council chambers, many residents used public comment to raise concerns about the impact of new property assessments, municipal spending, and the growing burden on homeowners. The revaluation, Lewiston’s first citywide reassessment in nearly 40 years, has sparked significant…

HAMPDEN, Maine – The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 78-year-old Douglas Dunphy of Hampden, who has been missing since January. The Hampden Police Department began investigating Dunphy’s disappearance on Jan. 15, 2026, and requested assistance from the Maine State Police the following day. Due to the facts and circumstances of the case, Major Crimes Unit North was assigned to assist Hampden police. Over the following weeks, the Hampden Police Department, Bangor Police Department, Maine Warden Service, and Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North worked together…

WARREN, Maine – Three people were transported to the hospital after an early-morning fire broke out Thursday at a multi-unit rental building in Warren. Warren Fire and Rescue responded to 288 Main Street at approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026, for a reported structure fire. The building, which is divided into three rental units, is believed to be the oldest structure in that area of Warren. All three units were occupied at the time of the fire, but all occupants were able to escape. Three occupants from the unit affected by the fire were transported by ambulance to Pen…

AUBURN, Maine — Former Lewiston City Councilor Iman Osman’s legal troubles remain active as his attorney, Allan E. Lobozzo, pushes to dismiss felony gun-related charges—while a broader cloud of political and personal controversy continues to surround the former elected official. Osman is facing charges including receiving stolen property and theft by unauthorized taking, tied to allegations that firearms or explosive devices were taken from two separate estates between late 2023 and October 2024 before ultimately ending up in his possession. During a recent hearing in Androscoggin County Superior Court, Lobozzo argued the case should be dismissed prior to trial. Prosecutors…

LEWISTON, Maine — Lewiston taxpayers are expected to rally outside City Hall tonight as anger over the city’s first property revaluation in nearly four decades collides with a proposed $128 million school budget, rising public safety concerns, and growing frustration with City Hall leadership. The rally is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Lewiston City Hall, ahead of tonight’s City Council meeting. For many residents, the issue is larger than a tax bill. It is about whether working families, seniors, and longtime homeowners can afford to remain in a city where residents say they are already dealing with crime, shootings, litter,…

Dion raised concerns that the ordinance could leave rank-and-file city workers exposed if they are intimidated by federal agents. PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland City Council on Monday night finalized a new ordinance expanding restrictions on how city employees may cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, placing Maine’s largest city alongside Lewiston and other municipalities that have moved to limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The ordinance passed in a 7-1 vote, with Mayor Mark Dion casting the lone vote in opposition. The new rules are set to take effect in 30 days. The measure broadens Portland’s existing…

PORTLAND, Maine – Portland police are investigating a death reported Monday morning at Shalom House, a residential facility located at 503 Woodford Street. According to the Portland Police Department, detectives from the department’s Criminal Investigations Division and evidence technicians were on scene processing the property as part of the ongoing investigation. Police said there is no danger to the public at this time. The department has not yet released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the death, including the identity of the deceased, the cause of death, or whether foul play is suspected. Shalom House is a Portland-based nonprofit organization…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Former Republican gubernatorial candidate and current state senator James Libby has endorsed fellow Republican Jonathan Bush in the race for governor, offering a strong show of support as the GOP primary field continues to take shape. Libby, who previously sought the governorship himself, said in a statement that his perspective on the race has evolved, pointing to Bush as the candidate best positioned to lead the state forward. “Once I thought I was the best candidate for Governor. Now I know that there is a man who will give us more,” Libby said. “Jonathan’s circle of contacts…

PORTLAND, Maine — Ten candidates for Maine governor appeared Monday evening at Amanda Rowe Elementary School in Portland for a student-led forum that placed Maine’s public schools, falling test scores, immigration enforcement, youth homelessness, and school funding at the center of the 2026 race. The candidates in attendance were Democrats Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, Angus King III, Hannah Pingree, and Nirav Shah; Republicans David Jones and Robert Wessels; and independents Ed Crockett, John Glowa, and Derek Levasseur. The forum was moderated by students and structured around formal parliamentary rules, with candidates limited to timed responses. Students delivered policy briefings before…

LEWISTON, Maine – Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones will be in Lewiston on Saturday for a volunteer cleanup event aimed at addressing visible trash and debris in the city. Jones’ campaign is partnering with The Rubbish Doctor, a Lewiston-based junk removal company, for what he described as a voluntary community cleanup effort. The Town Farm out of Polland, will also be in attendance. “As you may have gathered by now, I’m not exactly one to sit on the sidelines,” Jones said in a campaign announcement. “You’ve seen the photos of Lewiston. You’ve seen the problem. I’m sick of just talking…

LEWISTON, Maine – The Lewiston Police Department provided an update on recent enforcement actions tied to ongoing public safety concerns in the city, following the arrest and detention of seven juveniles Friday in connection with last week’s violent assault. Police said officers continued proactive enforcement efforts throughout the weekend. Early Saturday morning, officers recovered a stolen handgun from two juveniles. Both were charged with Receiving Stolen Property, a Class B offense, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon, a Class D offense. They were also issued conditions of release. Later Saturday evening, officers conducting foot patrols confiscated another firearm. One individual was…

Portland, Maine – Graham Platner has built his U.S. Senate campaign around the image of an average Maine working man. But that carefully crafted message is now facing new scrutiny, as questions surrounding Platner’s background, online history, and campaign finances continue to pile up. Platner, who has leaned heavily into his identity as an oyster farmer, has presented himself as a working-class outsider running against the political establishment. But critics argue that image leaves out key details: that his oyster farm is more hobby than business, that he comes from a family with wealth and connections, that he has a…

RUMFORD, Maine – A Rumford family and their two dogs escaped safely from an early-morning duplex fire Thursday after functioning smoke detectors alerted them to the danger, according to fire officials. The Rumford Fire Department responded at approximately 4:55 a.m. on April 30, 2026, to a reported smoke investigation at 501 Virgin Street in Rumford. As crews were preparing to respond, additional 911 calls came in reporting heavy fire coming from the building. Firefighters arrived a short time later and found heavy fire conditions on the first, second, and third floors of the duplex. One side of the building was…

GLENBURG, Maine – A Glenburn homeowner suffered minor injuries Saturday evening after a MAP gas container ignited near a wood stove, sparking a basement fire that drew a response from several area fire departments. The Glenburn Fire Department responded at approximately 7:02 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, to a reported residential structure fire. When firefighters arrived, crews acted quickly to contain the fire to the basement area, preventing it from spreading to the rest of the residence. Officials said there was no additional fire extension beyond the basement. The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to respond to determine…

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Police Department has launched a new Constable Program, adding a uniformed, non-law-enforcement presence in the city’s downtown, parks, and public spaces as Portland continues to confront problems at bus stops, open-air drug use, homelessness, and ongoing issues around Preble Street, Monument Square, and the post office. The program, announced April 22, was previously referred to as the Urban Rangers program. It will operate under the department’s Community Policing Division and will be led by Marty Ney, a retired Portland Police officer who returned to the department in recent months. Ney retired in 2022 after 22…

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Sunday that countries around the world have asked the United States to help free ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical Middle East waterway now at the center of the war with Iran and the global spike in fuel prices. Trump said the new effort, called “Project Freedom,” will begin Monday morning, Middle East time, and is intended to guide neutral ships and crews safely out of restricted waters. The president said the vessels belong to countries that are not involved in the Middle East conflict and called the operation a humanitarian…

AUBURN, Maine — Republican gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Bush spent a busy Saturday on the campaign trail in Auburn, drawing supporters to back-to-back stops that underscored what his campaign says is growing grassroots momentum. Bush began the morning with a breakfast stop at Rolly’s Diner, where supporters gathered for pancakes and conversation before heading to a packed campaign event at JT Reid’s Gun Shop. JT Reid owner John Reid hosted a luncheon for Bush and spoke to attendees about the Republican candidate’s campaign. Reid also invited Democratic gubernatorial candidates to visit the store, meet voters, and take questions directly from the…

President Donald J. Trump said he will soon review a plan submitted by Iran, signaling skepticism that the proposal will meet U.S. expectations as the conflict enters a critical stage. “I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can’t imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years,” The statement concluded with his now signature close: “Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.” A War…

NEW YORK – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) took aim at Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner during an appearance on Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany, arguing that Platner represents what Kennedy described as the far-left faction now driving the Democratic Party. Kennedy said the Democratic Party is increasingly controlled by what he called the “woke wing,” the “Karen wing,” and the “socialist wing,” naming Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Sen. Bernie Sanders as leading figures. “Mr. Platner is a member,” Kennedy said. https://twitter.com/sgtnewsnetwork/status/2050639294444830843?s=20 The Louisiana Republican accused that wing of the party…

Dania Beach, Florida – Spirit Airlines has shut down operations, ending more than three decades in the air after the budget carrier failed to secure a proposed $500 million federal bailout. The airline announced early Saturday that it had begun an “orderly wind-down” effective immediately, canceling all flights and leaving passengers across the country scrambling for answers. Spirit employed roughly 17,000 workers and operated hundreds of daily flights before its collapse. The shutdown follows Spirit’s second bankruptcy in less than two years, rising fuel costs, heavy debt, and failed rescue talks with the Trump administration. The airline had reportedly been…

“Welcome thy stranger.” “Love thy neighbor.” Those are the words Maine Democrats like to repeat, until the person asking questions works for The Maine Wire. That is the reality of Maine politics in 2026. This reporter has been removed from or blocked at so many Democratic events that it has become difficult to keep count. At a Somali rally in Lewiston, was every media outlet excluded? No. Just The Maine Wire. At the Democratic convention in Portland, was every media outlet excluded? No. Just us. “Just so you know, you are not welcome here.” https://twitter.com/MikeyAdams420/status/2050328232902217729?s=20 That was the message. This…

PORTLAND, Maine – The five Democrats running for governor took the debate stage Thursday night in a statewide “Commitment 2026” debate broadcast by WMTW, WABI, and WAGM, making their pitch to Maine voters as they try to keep the Blaine House blue after Gov. Janet Mills (D) leaves office. The debate was moderated by WMTW’s Terry Stackhouse, with additional questions from WABI News Director John Small and WAGM News Director Kelly O’Mara. The candidates, former Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah, former Senate President Troy Jackson, former House Speaker Hannah Pingree, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and businessman Angus King…

LEWISTON, Maine — Fear is rising in Lewiston as reports of repeated gunfire incidents rattle neighborhoods, but when confronted directly during a live broadcast Thursday afternoon, some of Maine’s most visible political figures, including a U.S. Senate candidate, a gubernatorial candidate, a mayor, and a state representative, stayed silent. Police shut down sections of several streets Thursday night after another round of gunfire was reported in neighborhoods around College Street. Officers were called at approximately 9 p.m. for reported gunfire in the area of Nichols Street before blocking off sections of Nichols Street and nearby roads while officers searched side…

PORTLAND, Maine – A dispute over next week’s WGME-TV Republican gubernatorial debate is intensifying after candidate Robert Wessels said he was excluded from the stage, prompting fellow Republican Ben Midgley to call for his inclusion and candidate Bobby Charles to announce he will boycott the event. Wessels accused the Portland-based station of sidelining his campaign after, according to Wessels, WGME labeled him “not significant enough” to participate. “WGME is trying to silence my campaign,” Wessels wrote on social media. “Either way, they’ve labeled my campaign as ‘Not significant enough’ to participate in their upcoming debate.” Wessels also suggested the decision…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner issued a statement Thursday praising Gov. Janet Mills’ public service and signaling his intention to unify Democrats following her decision to suspend her campaign for U.S. Senate. In a written statement released shortly after Mills announced she was stepping aside from the race due to financial constraints, Platner thanked the governor for her decades of service to Maine. “Janet Mills has dedicated her career to this beautiful state. We are all eternally grateful for her service to Maine as Governor, Attorney General, district attorney, and in the legislature,” Platner said. Platner…

Hours before two of Maine’s leading Democratic candidates were prepared to speak with supporters on Lisbon St. in downtown Lewiston, a Bartlett St. shooting sent shockwaves through the community leading to a lockdown at the public school system. It was a shooting in a city where gun violence — the majority of it committed by youths who are never charged or named — has become common place. Lewiston Public Schools Superintendent Jake Langlais notified families Thursday afternoon that a firearm had been discharged on Bartlett Street, the latest in a long-running string of shooting incidents on what police data show…

AUBURN, Maine – Former Lewiston City Councilor Iman Osman, whose brief time in elected office collapsed under the weight of criminal charges and questions over whether he actually lived in the ward he was elected to represent, is scheduled to appear Friday morning in Androscoggin County Superior Court. Osman is expected in court on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., where his attorney has filed a motion to dismiss the case. Motions to dismiss are common pretrial filings in criminal cases and do not, by themselves, determine guilt or innocence. Osman was indicted by an Androscoggin County grand jury…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Democratic gubernatorial front-runner Dr. Nirav Shah wasted little time Thursday morning throwing his support behind Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, issuing an endorsement just minutes after Gov. Janet Mills announced she was suspending her campaign for the U.S. Senate, citing a lack of financial resources. Mills revealed Thursday that her Senate campaign could not continue due to funding shortfalls, saying she lacked “the one thing that political campaigns unfortunately require today: the financial resources.” Within minutes of that announcement, Shah took to social media to publicly endorse Platner, signaling a rapid consolidation among Democrats following Mills’…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Nicholas “Cornpop” Blanchard just scored a major First Amendment victory over the Augusta School Board. After roughly a year of being cut off, restricted, and silenced during public comment, Blanchard took the fight to federal court , and won. https://twitter.com/pwa1776/status/2049474784631595077?s=46 “This wasn’t just a win for me, it was a win for every parent in Maine who has been silenced for advocating for their children,” Blanchard said in a statement to The Maine Wire. “I only hope one of my heroes, who helped shape me early in my activism, Shawn McBride, is looking down proud. It’s men…

AUGUSTA, Maine— State Rep. Deqa Dhalac’s time in Augusta politics is effectively winding down, but the questions surrounding her past ties to Gateway Community Services are not going away. Wednesday marked the final day of regular State House business for the South Portland Democrat, who announced earlier this year that she would not seek reelection. Dhalac, a former South Portland mayor and two-term member of the Maine House, still technically remains in office until the end of her term, but her days as an active lawmaker in Augusta are nearing their end as the legislative process is over for the…

PORTLAND, Maine – As Maine Democrats prepare to welcome Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the keynote speaker at this weekend’s Democratic convention in Portland, explosive new allegations from a Minnesota whistleblower, coupled with sweeping federal raids, are intensifying scrutiny of fraud scandals that have rocked Walz’s home state. According to reporting by the New York Post, a former Minnesota state trooper turned fraud investigator testified that state officials attempted to suppress findings related to widespread childcare assistance fraud, and that the investigative unit he worked in was ultimately shut down after Walz took office in 2019. The whistleblower, identified as…

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Senate Democrats voted Wednesday to adjourn sine die, ending the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature before 5 p.m. and effectively killing bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening legislative oversight of state agencies and programs. The move brought the session to a close “without day,” meaning lawmakers declared their work complete and ended the session. In doing so, the Senate’s procedural maneuver left LD 127 in the possession of the House, preventing the bill from reaching final enactment. LD 127, “An Act to Strengthen Legislative Oversight of Government Agencies and Programs by Reaffirming the Legislature’s Access…

Are you angry yet? Are you paying attention? Because you should be. The Maine Democratic Party is bringing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to Maine as the featured speaker for its Victory Banquet during the party’s May 1–2 state convention in Portland. That is not just a political booking. It is a message. And Maine taxpayers ought to understand exactly what that message says. Walz is not arriving from some model of clean government and competent oversight. He is coming from Minnesota, a state now synonymous with sprawling public-benefit fraud scandals, federal raids, Medicaid scrutiny, childcare fraud investigations, autism-service investigations, and…

PORTLAND, Maine – The four Democrats running for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District nomination took the debate stage Tuesday night, televised on WMTW, offering voters a clear look at a primary field running sharply to the left on health care, foreign policy, and trade. With just six weeks until primary day, Jordan Wood, Joe Baldacci, Matt Dunlop, and Paige Loud used the televised debate to argue who would be best positioned to take on former Republican Gov. Paul LePage, who is unopposed for the GOP nomination. The seat is open after Democratic Congressman Jared Golden announced he would not seek reelection,…

LEWISTON, Maine – Lewiston taxpayers are furious after receiving new property revaluation notices showing massive increases in assessed values, setting off a political firestorm just as the City Council prepares to take up the city budget. For many homeowners, the numbers were staggering. One property owner shared a city notice showing a proposed new assessment of $474,100, up from a 2025 assessment of $198,500. Another resident said their reassessment “MORE than tripled,” warning that if the city’s mill rate remains near $20, their tax bill could jump by $2,571. The notices have triggered immediate backlash from residents who say the…

PORTLAND, Maine – Portland police released their latest weekly calls for service numbers Tuesday as part of the department’s ongoing effort to provide greater public transparency. The department’s April 28 report included top arrest charges, top calls for service, and several selected incidents from the previous week. Weekly arrest logs and daily media logs are also available through the city’s police statistics page. According to the department, the top arrest charge for the week was warrants, with seven arrests. Criminal trespass accounted for six arrests, followed by unlawful possession of drugs and violating conditions of release, each with five. Assault…

PORTLAND, Maine – After more than a year of planning, controversy, and mounting public opposition, the Portland City Council voted Monday night to expand the required buffer between large music venues, a decision that appears likely to halt the proposed 3,300-seat Portland Music Hall project and could set the stage for legal challenges. The marathon meeting stretched late into the evening and included roughly three hours of public comment before councilors approved a 750-foot buffer between large entertainment venues by a narrow 5-4 vote. City staff previously warned that a buffer of that size would effectively kill the proposed venue,…

AUGUSTA, Maine — Following his fiery, no-holds-barred address at the Maine Republican Party Convention, businessman David Jones is entering the final weeks of the GOP gubernatorial primary with a direct message to voters: the race is not about elected officials or political insiders in Augusta, but about the Maine families who pay their salaries and bear the cost of their policies. With the June 9 primary just weeks away, Jones is seeking to frame himself as the outsider candidate in the race, arguing that the same political establishment he says has failed Maine families does not want him in the…

AUGUSTA — Two firefighters were injured Monday morning after an accidental fire that began while someone was working on a generator spread to a nearby home and barn on Church Hill Road in Augusta. The Augusta Fire Department responded to the reported structure fire at approximately 9:18 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026. According to the initial investigation, the fire began while an individual was working on a generator next to the residence. While attempting to start the generator, a spark ignited the fuel, causing the fire to spread to the nearby home and barn. The fire has been determined…