Author: Jon Fetherston

The heartbreaking case of 10-year-old Braxtyn Smith of Bangor, who died in February 2024 after enduring severe and prolonged abuse, reached another major milestone this month as his father admitted responsibility for the child’s death. On June 11, Joshua Smith pleaded guilty to murdering his son. During the court proceeding, prosecutors spent nearly 18 minutes detailing the graphic evidence and extensive abuse Braxtyn suffered before Smith entered his guilty plea. The plea comes months after Braxtyn’s mother, Jem Bean, reached a separate agreement with prosecutors. In February, Bean pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter after originally being charged…

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that 19 Maine organizations will receive more than $16 million in federal funding to support economic development projects across the state. The $16,201,188 funding comes through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Fiscal Year 2026 Catalyst, Timber for Transit, and Forest Economy programs. “The NBRC has been an important partner in helping Maine’s rural communities make investments in projects that strengthen local economies and improve quality of life,” Collins and King said in a joint statement. “This funding will support critical infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, housing, childcare, transportation access, and forest economy projects…

The Portland City Council voted 7-2 on Monday night to reject a proposed Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program that supporters argued could have helped ease the city’s growing property tax burden by seeking voluntary contributions from some of Portland’s largest tax-exempt institutions. The proposal would have established a formal framework for requesting payments from major nonprofit organizations, hospitals, colleges, and other tax-exempt property owners that benefit from city services but do not pay property taxes on their properties. The debate comes as Portland continues to grapple with rising municipal costs, increasing demands on city services, and a growing…

Screenshot The Office of State Fire Marshal is investigating a structure fire in Stockton Springs that destroyed a home Sunday morning and has been determined to be incendiary in nature. On Sunday, June 14, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Stockton Springs Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 23 Cross Lane. When firefighters arrived, they found the home fully engulfed in flames. Crews were able to extinguish the fire, but the home was destroyed. Following the fire, local officials requested assistance from the Office of State Fire Marshal to investigate the cause and origin of the blaze.…

Vice President JD Vance is set to appear live and in studio on ABC’s daytime talk show The View on Tuesday, June 16, at 11 a.m. ET, marking his first-ever appearance on the program. The interview also makes Vance only the third sitting vice president to appear on the show. Vance is appearing on the program the same day his second memoir, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, is released. The book focuses on his conversion to Catholicism and how his spiritual journey has shaped his public service. https://twitter.com/TheView/status/2066630533845778832?s=20 All six of The View’s co-hosts, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar,…

President Donald Trump arrived Monday in Évian-les-Bains, France, for the 52nd G7 summit, following his announcement of a landmark framework agreement aimed at ending the U.S.-led war in Iran. The three-day summit of advanced economies is expected to be dominated by discussions over geopolitical conflict, global trade, and the reopening of critical supply lines disrupted by the war. At the center of the talks is the U.S.-Iran peace framework announced by Trump before his arrival. The agreement includes a joint memorandum of understanding with Tehran to halt the war in Iran and restore stability in the Persian Gulf. A major…

Nearly a week after Maine voters went to the polls, the final results in three major primary races remain undecided as state officials continue the ranked-choice voting tabulation process in Augusta. The races still pending include the Democratic primary for governor, the Republican primary for governor, and the Democratic primary for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. Each contest moved to ranked-choice voting after no candidate received more than 50 percent of first-choice votes on Election Day. The Maine Secretary of State’s Office began the ranked-choice tabulation process Friday, June 12, at the Maine Department of Public Safety headquarters in Augusta. State…

Oil prices are beginning to fall as the war in Iran appears to be winding down, raising hopes that drivers in Maine and across the country could soon see additional relief at the gas pump. Before the Iran war escalated in late February, Brent crude settled at $70.85 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, settled at $65.42 per barrel. At the same time, the national average for regular unleaded gasoline was just under $3 per gallon. Today, crude oil remains significantly higher than it was before the conflict. Brent crude is trading at roughly $83 per barrel,…

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that a long-negotiated peace agreement between the United States and Iran has been completed, marking what could become one of the most consequential diplomatic developments in the Middle East in years. In a post published Sunday afternoon on Truth Social, Trump declared that “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” adding that he had authorized the “toll free opening” of the Strait of Hormuz and the “immediate removal” of the United States naval blockade on Iran. Screenshot The announcement comes after weeks of escalating military tensions, backchannel diplomacy, and repeated warnings…

Another shooting rocked Lewiston early Sunday morning, adding to growing concerns from residents who say gun violence in the city is becoming a regular occurrence. According to the Lewiston Police Department, officers patrolling the downtown area around 2:40 a.m. on June 14 heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of Webster Street. Police responded and found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound outside 89 Webster Street. Authorities identified the victim as 23-year-old Leyla Isaak. Officers rendered emergency medical aid until paramedics arrived. Isaak was transported to Central Maine Medical Center with injuries police said are believed to be non-life-threatening.…

Firefighters are battling a massive structure fire Sunday on Atlantic Avenue at Wells Beach, where windy conditions and tightly packed homes are complicating efforts to contain the flames. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BTs6Z4WCe/?mibextid=wwXIfr The fire involves a three-story building in the area of 129 Atlantic Avenue, according to initial reports from the scene. Atlantic Avenue has been shut down entirely as crews work the active fire. Multiple mutual aid agencies have responded as firefighters try to keep the flames from spreading to nearby homes in the dense beach neighborhood. There was no immediate word on injuries, and the cause of the fire has not…

Sunday marked Flag Day, the annual observance honoring the adoption of the American flag, as well as the 80th birthday of President Donald J. Trump. Flag Day is observed each year on June 14, commemorating the day in 1777 when the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the national flag of the United States. The flag has long served as a unifying symbol of American history, freedom and national pride. On June 14, 1777, Congress passed a resolution establishing that the new national flag would feature 13 alternating red and white stripes, along with 13 white…

The Office of State Fire Marshal announced Sunday that 76-year-old Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury has died following his response to the massive fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont last month. According to the agency, Woodbury passed away Sunday morning, June 14, 2026, at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Woodbury was among the many firefighters and emergency responders who responded to the May 15 fire at Robbins Lumber, a blaze that drew a significant emergency response from agencies across the region. In a statement, the Office of State Fire Marshal said it was “saddened” to learn of Woodbury’s passing…

NEWBURGH, Maine — Maine State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday afternoon on Interstate 95 in Newburgh. According to Maine State Police, troopers responded at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, to a crash near mile marker 174, just north of the Exit 174 on-ramp. The preliminary investigation indicates that a female driver was traveling northbound in the passing lane when her vehicle left the roadway and rolled over several times. Police said the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and had to be extricated from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.…

The United States and Iran appear to be on the verge of a landmark framework agreement that could formally end the three-month war, though the two sides remain divided over when the deal will actually be signed. As of Sunday, June 14, 2026, President Donald Trump and Pakistan, the primary mediator in the talks, have said a memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be electronically signed today. Tehran, however, is urging caution. https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116743112402160988 Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have pushed back on reports of a Sunday signing, saying a final decision has “not yet” been made…

A far-left activist tied to Democrat U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing allegations after law enforcement sources and Lewiston residents say she stalked and harassed a federal Homeland Security Investigations agent through Lewiston streets after mistakenly believing the agent was connected to ICE enforcement operations. Multiple sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, identified the individual as Melissa Dunn, a controversial Lewiston activist known for anti-police rhetoric, confrontations with reporters, and her involvement with activist groups surrounding the mosque and MEIRS offices on Bartlett Street. Several local residents also identified…

U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks Thursday at the Maine Credit Union League’s Annual Convention in Portland, praising Maine’s credit unions for their long-standing role in supporting local families, protecting seniors from fraud, and investing in communities across the state. Hundreds of employees and representatives from more than 40 Maine credit unions attended the annual gathering. “For 88 years, the Maine Credit Union League has helped move our state forward. More than 750,000 individuals, families, and businesses are grateful for your commitment to their financial security and well-being,” Collins said. “Maine credit unions are valued partners of innovators, job creators,…

Nine men were arrested Tuesday during an undercover operation targeting individuals who police say came to Lewiston looking to engage people for prostitution. The Lewiston Police Department said the June 9, 2026, operation was conducted with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office. All nine men were charged with engaging a person for prostitution, a Class E crime. They were transported to the Androscoggin County Jail for processing. Those arrested were identified as: Hernriques Dianzenza, 36, of Lewiston, charged with engaging a person for prostitution. Roland Raubeson, 74, of Minot, charged with engaging a person…

A Cumberland County corrections officer was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this week, according to a June 12 media release from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Corrections Officer Billy Bassikissa Bounguiena was detained by ICE on Tuesday, June 9, in South Portland, the sheriff’s office confirmed. Bounguiena was hired by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in August 2024. According to the agency, he has been a “valued member” of the team, has had no disciplinary issues, and has “demonstrated dedication to his duties” while often working overtime. The sheriff’s office said Bounguiena successfully completed the same comprehensive background…

A new community-driven pedestrian safety campaign is set to launch this summer in Portland, Lewiston, and Auburn as state officials respond to a rise in pedestrian fatalities and serious crashes across Maine. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, is designed to encourage safer driving behavior and increase awareness of pedestrians in some of Maine’s busiest urban areas. The campaign was officially launched during a press conference Thursday in Portland. According to the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, Portland, Lewiston, and Auburn have been disproportionately represented in statewide pedestrian crash data in recent years. State…

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Elon Musk is on the verge of becoming the first trillionaire in history, with some reports saying the billionaire entrepreneur has already crossed the unprecedented threshold after SpaceX’s massive public offering. Reuters reported Thursday that Musk became the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s record-breaking $75 billion initial public offering pushed his net worth above $1.1 trillion. Other wealth trackers were more cautious. Business Insider, citing Bloomberg, reported that Musk’s fortune had climbed to roughly $971 billion, leaving him about $29 billion short of the trillion-dollar mark. Either way, the milestone marks a staggering new chapter in the…

LEWISTON, Maine – A 16-year-old male is facing multiple charges, including Conspiracy to Commit Murder, after Lewiston Police officers recovered two loaded handguns during an arrest Wednesday morning on Walnut Street. According to the Lewiston Police Department, officers were conducting an investigation into suspicious activity in the area of Walnut Street at approximately 10:30 a.m. on June 10, 2026, when the juvenile fled from officers on foot. Police pursued the suspect and quickly apprehended him. During the arrest, officers say a loaded .45 caliber pistol fell from the juvenile’s waistband as officers took him into custody. After securing the suspect,…

PORTLAND, Maine – Portland parking meter rates will increase beginning July 1, 2026, as the city looks to raise additional revenue and manage demand for limited downtown parking spaces. Under the new rates, parking meters will increase by 50 cents to $2.50 per hour. In the downtown area bounded by Middle, Pearl, Commercial and Union streets, as well as all of Commercial Street, rates will increase to $3 per hour. The city will also extend parking meter enforcement by one hour. Metered parking will be in effect Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays and major holidays…

WASHINGTON – Hopes for a major diplomatic breakthrough in the three-month conflict between the United States and Iran sent global stock markets soaring Friday while crude oil prices dropped sharply to their lowest levels in nearly two months. The sudden market shift followed comments from President Donald Trump, who said planned U.S. military strikes were called off after negotiators reached what he described as a preliminary framework agreement approved by “all parties.” Trump has since suggested a formal agreement could potentially be signed within days. Negotiations have intensified around a proposed 60-day Memorandum of Understanding aimed at extending a fragile…

BOSTON, Massachusetts – The Massachusetts Republican Party is sharply criticizing Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey after she publicly endorsed Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner, arguing the decision raises serious questions about her judgment and political priorities. In a blistering statement released June 10, the Massachusetts Republican Party accused Healey and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of abandoning their own rhetoric on extremism and accountability by backing a candidate whose campaign has been engulfed in controversy for months. “By embracing Nazi tattoo enthusiast Graham Platner, Ed Markey and Maura Healey have exposed the hollowness of their own rhetoric,” the statement read.…

SACO, MAINE – A long-simmering contract dispute between the Saco School Department and Thornton Academy erupted into public Wednesday as school officials, trustees, parents, and community members packed a tense Saco School Board meeting over the future of the city’s historic relationship with the academy. https://www.facebook.com/SacoSchoolDept/videos/1217882651401346 Although negotiations between the two sides have been taking place largely behind closed doors since 2024, the disagreement became highly public in June 2026 after both sides released competing public letters accusing the other of misrepresenting the status of negotiations and the future of Saco students attending Thornton Academy. At the center of the…

WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed U.S. Senator Susan Collins for reelection, marking a notable political moment in a relationship that has often been defined by public disagreements and political friction. Speaking during a White House event, Trump acknowledged that he and Collins have frequently clashed over policy and votes during his presidency. Still, he made clear that he views the veteran Maine senator as the Republican Party’s best chance to hold the seat in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. “She does [have my endorsement]…

WASHINGTON – Direct conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated dramatically, pushing the Middle East into a highly volatile phase after a fragile two-month ceasefire effectively collapsed. President Donald Trump has initiated multi-night military strikes against Iranian infrastructure while also pressing for a final peace agreement, creating a tense and uncertain moment in the region. U.S. Launches Heavy Strikes Near Strait of Hormuz U.S. Central Command carried out a second consecutive night of heavy airstrikes against targets near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, hitting areas including Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Minab and Sirik. The strikes followed the…

PORTLAND, Maine — Portland Police officers responded to nearly 1,500 calls for service during the first week of June, according to the department’s latest weekly public safety report. From June 1 through June 7, officers handled 1,479 calls across the city. The department said the weekly release is part of its continued effort to provide transparency to the public by sharing call volume, select incidents, arrest data, and other law enforcement activity. Weekly arrest logs and daily media logs are also available through the city’s police statistics page at portlandmaine.gov/PDstats. The latest numbers offer a snapshot of the volume and…

SULLIVAN, Maine – An apparent digital oversight by Graham Platner’s U.S. Senate campaign has opened the door for a new opposition website targeting the Democratic candidate by name. https://grahamplatner.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23925506813&gbraid=0AAAABD2iqx4EUg5YchYPreQhJmo6fU8rb&gclid=CjwKCAjwuanRBhBSEiwAY5y6V8Eh9BCT-JE45lybvpOT-BpBL9W7QpyWuCIMY_AZv-Etwt7kKBY6ZRoCJPEQAvD_BwE The website, published at GrahamPlatner.org, is not operated by Platner’s campaign. Instead, the page is paid for by SLF PAC and states that it is “not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.” The site brands Platner as “untrustworthy, unhinged, and unfit for Maine,” and lays out a series of attacks on his record, public statements, background, and past controversies. The page appears to capitalize on a simple but potentially costly…

POLAND, Maine — The Maine Office of State Fire Marshal is investigating an alleged arson attempt in Poland after a man was accused of trying to set his grandfather’s vehicle on fire last week. According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, the incident occurred Friday, June 5, at a residence on Estes Way in Poland. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from state fire investigators after learning that 23-year-old Trevor Brown of Poland was allegedly attempting to ignite the vehicle. Investigators determined that Brown allegedly poured gasoline in and around the vehicle before using a torch to ignite a piece…

WASHINGTON – The conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel has entered a dangerous new phase after a weekend breakdown of the fragile ceasefire that had been in place since early April, setting off a chain of direct military confrontations across the Middle East. The latest escalation was compounded by direct fighting between the United States and Iran, as well as renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran, raising concerns that the regiomay be sliding toward a broader war despite President Donald Trump’s continued push for a diplomatic resolution. https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116723479960785181 The U.S. military launched strikes against Iranian military targets after…

PORTLAND, Maine — A Portland man is facing multiple aggravated drug trafficking charges after Maine Drug Enforcement Agency agents executed a search warrant Tuesday as part of a month-long investigation into suspected cocaine base trafficking in the city. According to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, agents assigned to the Cumberland District Task Force arrested 38-year-old Abdikeyr Mohamud of Portland following an investigation centered on alleged drug sales taking place at a residence on Kensington Street. Authorities said agents executed a search warrant on June 9 at 38 Kensington Street in Portland after receiving neighborhood complaints and conducting an investigation into…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine’s 2026 primary elections delivered decisive victories in some races while triggering the state’s ranked-choice voting system in several of the night’s most competitive contests, setting the stage for days of additional ballot tabulations before final nominees are officially declared. With no candidate surpassing the required 50 percent threshold in both gubernatorial primaries and the Democratic contest for Maine’s open Second Congressional District seat, election officials are now preparing for the state’s ranked-choice voting (RCV) redistribution process. The marquee race of the night, however, was settled outright. Platner Wins Democratic Senate Primary Democratic voters overwhelmingly backed progressive…

LEWISTON, Maine – Just weeks after Lewiston property owners received revaluation notices, residents are now being warned of another increase hitting their wallets: higher water and sewer rates. According to a public hearing notice issued by the City of Lewiston Water Division, the city is seeking approval from the Maine Public Utilities Commission for revised water rates that would take effect August 17, 2026. City officials say the proposed increase is necessary to cover operational and maintenance costs, along with rising debt service and depreciation expenses. The notice states the city has not increased water rates in five years, with…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Republican lawmakers are sharply criticizing the Mills administration after Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Dale Doughty informed Gov. Janet Mills that the state may need to cut roughly $400 million in road and bridge projects over the next three years, a move Republicans say exposes years of poor budgeting and misplaced priorities in Augusta. The warning sent shockwaves through Maine’s construction and transportation industries after details of the looming cuts became public last week. Republicans said the development was not unexpected, pointing to an April letter from Transportation Committee Commissioner Dale Doughty that outlined growing funding concerns…

AUGUSTA, Maine – As Maine’s June 9 primary comes to a close, campaign signs have once again become a familiar part of the political landscape. They are posted along roadsides, clustered at intersections, planted in front yards, and lined up near polling locations. For voters, the signs can feel like little more than political wallpaper. For candidates, they are often treated as a visible test of strength, organization, and momentum. But whether campaign signs actually win elections is a more complicated question. Political science research suggests that yard signs and roadside signs rarely decide a race on their own. They…

WASHINGTON – The situation in the Middle East escalated sharply this week after the military conflict between Israel and Iran shattered a fragile April ceasefire, pulling President Donald Trump into tense, high-stakes diplomatic maneuvering as the region appeared to move closer to a broader war. The latest round of violence began when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles targeting northern Israel. Tehran cited recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon, as the catalyst for the attack. Israel’s air defense systems intercepted the majority of the incoming missiles, limiting the immediate impact of the barrage. But despite…

NEWRY, Maine – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins addressed the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Maine’s 105th State Convention in Newry on Saturday, praising Maine veterans for their service in uniform and their continued work in communities across the state. More than 100 people attended this year’s convention, including members and leaders of the VFW and VFW Auxiliary, along with representatives from VA Maine, Maine Veterans’ Homes, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, Honor Flight Maine, and Maine Paws for Veterans. “It is always an honor to salute the heroes who have served our nation in uniform and who continue…

PORTLAND, Maine — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner delivered a combative and deeply anti-establishment speech Sunday evening at the Elks Club in Portland, lashing out at President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Senator Susan Collins, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and what he described as a political system dominated by billionaires, corporations, and defense contractors. The rally, held before a crowd of supporters in Portland, featured Platner portraying himself as a working-class outsider fighting against entrenched political and economic power structures in Washington. “Politics is about power,” Platner told the crowd. “And in this country, power comes from two…

By Jon Fetherston There was a time in American politics when character mattered. Not perfection. Not ideological purity. Not whether someone made mistakes in life. Americans have always believed in redemption. But voters also once believed there were certain lines that could not be crossed by people seeking high office. Today, apparently, even those lines no longer exist. Because somehow, unbelievably, Graham Platner is being seriously discussed as a potential United States senator from Maine. And the question every voter should be asking is simple: How? More importantly…why? This is not about partisan politics. This is not about Democrats versus…

OLD Orchard Beach, Maine – Republican firebrand and Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan traveled to Old Orchard Beach on Friday to throw his support behind former Maine Governor Paul LePage as LePage ramps up his campaign for Maine’s Second Congressional District seat. The event, held at Dunegrass Country Club, drew Republican activists, donors, and supporters eager to hear from two of the GOP’s most recognizable conservative voices. Maine Republican Party Chairman Jim Deyermond opened the event by praising LePage’s rise from poverty in Lewiston to the Blaine House and now, potentially, Congress. Deyermond recounted LePage’s difficult childhood, describing how he fled…

LEWISTON, Maine – Another juvenile has been arrested in Lewiston while allegedly carrying a loaded handgun, the latest incident fueling growing alarm over escalating youth violence and gun crime in Maine’s second-largest city. According to Lewiston Police, officers on patrol shortly after 2 a.m. on June 5 encountered a juvenile on Webster Street who was allegedly violating the city’s curfew ordinance. As officers began investigating, the juvenile fled on foot, police said. During the pursuit, officers observed the suspect throw away a .45-caliber handgun he had allegedly been carrying through the neighborhood. Police were able to apprehend the 17-year-old male…

LEWISTON, Maine – A former Lewiston city councilor is facing growing criticism after a local educator was temporarily placed on administrative leave following the circulation of what critics say was a misleadingly edited video clip from a recent community forum on gun violence. Former Councilor Safiya Khalid publicly posted accusations against the educator after the individual spoke during Wednesday night’s community conversation on youth violence in Lewiston, an event organized to address the city’s ongoing surge in shootings involving juveniles. In a social media post, Khalid claimed the teacher “referred to children in a way that I find deeply disturbing…

On the morning of Tuesday, June 2 — exactly one week before the June 9 primary, and with in-person absentee voting underway across the state — Maine’s Central Voter Registry experienced an unannounced and surprise update. In several towns, the work spilled into the start of the voting day. In Scarborough, three voters who arrived when Town Hall opened at 7 a.m. were told they could wait or come back later, according to media reports on the disruption. The clerk there did not get a workaround from the state until after the Secretary of State’s office opened at 8 a.m.,…

PORTLAND, Maine – Prominent Democratic leaders Shenna Bellows, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Hannah Pingree have publicly embraced Graham Platner as a trusted ally, a champion for working families and the kind of leader Maine needs in Washington. Their endorsements came after Platner’s offensive Reddit history and Nazi-associated tattoo had already become public. Then the controversies kept coming. A new report from The New York Times has placed Platner’s past relationships and alleged treatment of women under renewed scrutiny, adding to an expanding list of controversies surrounding the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate. The Times based its report on interviews with…

LEWISTON, Maine — More than a hundred residents, law enforcement officials, elected leaders, educators, and gubernatorial candidates gathered Wednesday night at Calvary Chapel of Lewiston for an emotional and often blunt community conversation about the growing wave of youth gun violence in the city. The forum, organized by the Maine Wire and hosted by Calvary Chapel Pastor Aaron Davis, featured residents sharing stories of fear, frustration, heartbreak, and anger over repeated shootings involving juveniles in Lewiston. Again and again throughout the evening, speakers returned to several recurring themes: a lack of accountability for violent juveniles, absent parenting, failures within Maine’s…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Republican gubernatorial candidate Garrett Mason held a press conference Wednesday at the Maine State House, unveiling what he described as the early framework for the first budget of a future Mason administration while sharply criticizing the rapid growth of state spending under Gov. Janet Mills. Speaking at the Legislative Welcome Center in Augusta, Mason was joined by lawmakers with experience on the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, including Sen. Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin) and Rep. Jack Ducharme (R-Madison). Mason said the next governor cannot afford to wait until after Election Day to begin preparing a state budget, arguing that Maine’s…

LEWISTON, Maine – Republican candidate for governor Ben Midgley held a press conference Wednesday at Val’s Drive-In in Lewiston, where he pushed back against criticism from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nirav Shah and outlined his vision for rebuilding Maine’s economy. Speaking before supporters and members of the media, Midgley accused Shah of dismissing his economic proposals without understanding them, saying the former Maine CDC director had referred to his plans as “fantasy math” despite never hearing the details. “I am the detailed guy,” Midgley said, contrasting his own economic platform with what he described as “Chat GPT fluff plans” reliant…

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Police Department reported 160 motor vehicle stops, more than 100 911 hang-up calls, and 16 arrests for criminal trespass as part of its latest weekly calls for service report. The department releases weekly calls for service numbers as part of what it describes as a continued effort to provide transparency to the public. The weekly report includes top arrest charges, top calls for service, and selected incidents from the previous week. Weekly arrest logs and daily media logs are also available through the city’s police statistics page at portlandmaine.gov/PDstats. According to the latest numbers released…

LEWISTON, Maine – The Lewiston City Council voted Tuesday night to formally censure Ward 3 Councilor Scott Harriman for what council leadership described as escalating unprofessional conduct during official city meetings, marking the third censure against Harriman during his time in office. The resolution accused Harriman of interrupting fellow councilors, disregarding council rules, and allegedly directing obscene language toward another councilor during a recent workshop session. The contentious debate exposed deep dysfunction inside Lewiston city government, with councilors openly accusing one another of harassment, retaliation, selective enforcement, and repeated misconduct while residents blasted the council from the podium. Harriman denied…

WASHINGTON – Hostilities between the United States and Iran have intensified in recent days, with fresh exchanges of military strikes taking place even as the Trump administration continues efforts to negotiate a deal to end the conflict. The war has now spilled directly into neighboring Gulf nations, further complicating ceasefire talks and raising new concerns about the broader regional impact of the conflict. Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting U.S. allies in the region, including significant attacks reported in Bahrain and a deadly strike that hit a terminal at Kuwait International Airport. https://twitter.com/usmilitryy/status/2061989478328381947?s=46 The U.S. military responded with…

BUCKSPORT, Maine – A proposal to begin Bucksport Town Council meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance has sparked debate among local officials and residents, with supporters calling it a traditional expression of patriotism and opponents warning it could inject unnecessary division into municipal government. The issue came before the town’s regulatory review committee on May 14, where committee members voted unanimously, 3-0, to table the proposal rather than send it to the full Town Council for consideration. https://www.youtube.com/live/1lE_-VJBmp4?si=bt_AE1mUhblHbCik The proposal was introduced by Council member Teri Doty after residents asked why the Pledge of Allegiance was not already included as…

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – With just eight days remaining before Maine’s June 9 Republican gubernatorial primary, candidate Jonathan Bush released his final television ad Monday, leaning into his outsider message and drawing a contrast with one of his Republican opponents. The ad, titled “Join Me,” will begin airing statewide on June 1, according to the campaign. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6WmB7PJj9A “If you need a lobbyist in D.C., Bobby Charles might just be your guy,” Bush says in the ad. “But if you want a conservative businessman who will shake up Augusta, then vote for me.” Bush, a businessman and political outsider, uses the…

AUGUSTA, Maine — Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones publicly ranked his full ranked-choice voting ballot Monday during a press conference with media and supporters, making him the only candidate in the race to do so publicly, according to his campaign. Jones began by addressing his own place on the ballot before speaking about each of the candidates he ranked. He explained his reasoning openly and said the process reflected his campaign’s emphasis on transparency. “The Maine Democrats gave us Ranked Choice Voting,” Jones said. “Today, we are going to beat them at their own game, right here, in front of…

LEWISTON, Maine — Five juveniles have been charged in connection with a retaliatory shooting on Pierce Street, Lewiston Police announced Monday, just days before a scheduled community conversation on gun violence in the city. The community conversation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, located at 777 Main St. in Lewiston. The event is being hosted by Pastor Aaron Davis, Jon Fetherston, and Ben Midgley. Police said officers responded to the area of 125 Pierce Street at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after receiving numerous reports of gunshots in the neighborhood.…

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices has voted to open an investigation into an anonymous website targeting Republican gubernatorial candidate Ben Midgley, escalating a dispute inside the already heated GOP primary for governor. The commission voted Wednesday to investigate midgleyexposed.com, a website that attacked Midgley and included a disclaimer stating that it was not paid for or authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Midgley’s campaign filed the complaint, arguing that the website contained a false disclosure statement and was connected to the campaign of Republican gubernatorial rival Bobby Charles. The website has since…

BANGOR, Maine – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R) joined families, friends, and members of the Bangor community Tuesday to welcome home more than 60 Maine veterans returning from Washington, D.C., after a trip organized by Honor Flight Maine. The veterans traveled to the nation’s capital to visit the memorials built in honor of the men and women who served in America’s wars. For many, the trip offered a powerful opportunity to reflect on their military service alongside fellow veterans, while receiving the kind of public gratitude that some never experienced when they first returned home. “It was deeply moving to…

AUGUSTA – Maine lawmakers are calling for a formal investigation into the Maine Community Foundation after alleging that millions of dollars donated for victims of the Lewiston mass shooting were diverted away from survivors and distributed to nonprofit organizations. In a sharply worded letter to the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee, lawmakers accused the foundation of possible deceptive practices, conflicts of interest and self-dealing in its handling of the Lewiston victims fund. The letter was signed by State Rep. John Eder, State Rep. Quentin Chapman, Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart and Assistant Senate Republican Leader Matthew Harrington. Rep. Chad Perkins was…

CORNISH, Maine – An 18-year-old Cornish man has been arrested in connection with a suspicious fire that damaged a residence on Old Pike Road earlier this week, according to the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal. On Saturday, May 30, 2026, Pather Joyce, 18, of Cornish, was arrested on a warrant charging him with one count of arson and one count of failing to control or report a dangerous fire. The charges stem from a fire that occurred at 32 Old Pike Road in Cornish on the night of May 25. At approximately 10:47 p.m. that night, the Cornish Fire…

PORTLAND, Maine — Drivers and pedestrians in downtown Portland may have done a double take over the weekend when the city’s iconic Time and Temperature Building flashed an unexpected message across the skyline: “POOK” and “I LUV POOK.” The message was a viral and heartwarming tribute to Pookie, a beloved Bull Terrier and prominent online canine star whose devoted owner, known on social media as @mistermainer, purchased space on the historic rooftop sign to publicly declare his affection. Pookie has built a following on TikTok and Instagram through the kind of goofy antics that make dogs internet famous: moody facial…

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has sent a proposed peace framework with Iran back to Tehran for revisions, demanding stricter terms as negotiations continue over ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed agreement, aimed at stopping the fighting and restoring commercial passage through one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, remains under review by Iranian officials. But Trump has made clear that he is not prepared to accept a deal that fails to impose stronger limits on Iran’s nuclear ambitions or provide tighter controls over any future release of frozen Iranian assets. The president has…

PORTLAND, Maine – Just how well is Graham Platner’s campaign going? That question has become harder to ignore as the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate continues to face mounting scrutiny over a string of controversies, awkward campaign moments, and growing questions about whether his campaign is beginning to unravel. The latest issue came after Platner’s wife appeared in a campaign video that critics quickly described as rambling, inaccurate, and ineffective. Rather than steadying the campaign, the video appeared to raise more questions about why the campaign felt the need to put her forward in the first place. https://twitter.com/ConservBrief/status/2061105986450952576?s=20 The video comes…

WELLS, Maine – Conservative political activist Scott Presler visited Wells, Maine, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as part of a grassroots pressure campaign urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, commonly known as the SAVE Act. https://twitter.com/ScottPresler/status/2060791722871812533?s=20 The “Pass the SAVE America Act” rally was held at 113 Sanford Road in Wells and featured Presler alongside Jenny Beth Martin of Tea Party Patriots Action. The event marked the latest stop in a national conservative campaign aimed at forcing Senate action on the election integrity measure. Presler’s visit to Maine placed direct political attention on U.S.…

PORTLAND, Maine — In case you missed it, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is not just having a bad week. He is having the kind of campaign meltdown that makes even seasoned political operatives reach for the exits. Platner, the progressive oyster farmer and military veteran trying to unseat U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, has spent months attempting to sell himself to Maine voters as an authentic working-class outsider. But the campaign now looks less like a political movement and more like a rolling opposition research file. The latest controversy involves reports of a sexually suggestive Kik account allegedly tied…

PORTLAND, Maine – Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing fresh scrutiny after a sexually suggestive profile tied to him was discovered on Kik, a messaging application that anti-exploitation groups have described as a haven for online predators and child exploitation. The account, operating under the username “phustle0331,” appears to mirror usernames Platner has previously used on other platforms, including the Reddit handle “P-Hustle,” which Platner has publicly acknowledged belonged to him. Platner’s private Instagram account also reportedly used the same “Phustle0331” username. The Kik profile includes a photograph of a man appearing to be Platner standing naked in…

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Protect Girls Sports in Maine ballot question committee says more than 3,300 public comments submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office helped force revisions to the proposed wording of its 2026 citizen initiative. The committee called the total “historic,” saying it represents the highest number of public comments ever recorded for a Maine citizen initiative by a wide margin. The announcement comes after Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ office revised the proposed ballot question following public criticism that the original language strayed from the intent of the proposed legislation. The committee said the new wording now…

LEWISTON, Maine – Lewiston City Councilor and state Rep. Scott Harriman is facing a third formal censure by the City Council after allegedly interrupting a fellow councilor during a recent workshop and using obscene language during the exchange. The proposed resolution, requested for council consideration by Mayor Carl Sheline and Council President David Chittim, centers on Harriman’s conduct during the May 12 City Council workshop. According to the resolution, Councilor Susan Longchamps held the floor when Harriman interrupted her and engaged her directly without being recognized by the presiding officer. During that exchange, the resolution states, Harriman was heard using…

LEWISTON, Maine – Reports of gunfire on Bartlett Street late Thursday night are raising new concerns in a city already grappling with a recent string of shootings and public safety fears. Reports began coming into The Maine Wire around 9:45 p.m. Thursday that multiple gunshots had been heard near 256 Bartlett Street, in the parking lot area between MEIRS and the mosque. Sources familiar with the incident described a chaotic scene involving what they said was a high-speed chase that ended near the mosque. “High speed chase of kids in car that ran to mosque,” one source told The Maine…

AUBURN, Maine — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R) joined Auburn officials and first responders Thursday for the groundbreaking of the city’s new public safety building, a project she said will strengthen emergency services and provide police and fire personnel with the modern facilities they need to serve the community. The new facility will replace one of Auburn’s outdated emergency response stations, which no longer meets modern safety, health, and accessibility standards. Auburn Fire Chief Robert Chase, Police Chief Jason Moen, City Manager Phil Crowell, members of the city’s Fire, Police, and EMS departments, and other local officials joined Collins at…

By Jon Fetherston Shenna Bellows wants to be governor of Maine. That ambition carries a simple question: Why should Maine people trust her with even more power? Is it because she respects voters? Because she values fairness? Because she believes ordinary Mainers deserve a voice in the decisions that affect their families, schools and daughters? Her handling of the Maine Girl Dads-backed ballot initiative has made those questions impossible to ignore. The initiative, formally titled “An Act to Designate School Sports Participation and Facilities by Sex,” sought to let Maine voters decide whether public schools should reserve girls’ sports teams,…

American forces describe the latest operation as defensive as renewed military activity threatens to further complicate fragile U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. WASHINGTON – The United States military carried out a new defensive airstrike in southern Iran Wednesday night after American forces intercepted four Iranian one-way attack drones over the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials. https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2059794699523649942?s=20 The latest engagement comes as Washington and Tehran remain locked in highly sensitive negotiations aimed at preserving a fragile ceasefire and potentially ending a wider conflict that has threatened commercial shipping and global energy markets. American forces shot down four Iranian attack drones near…

PORTLAND, Maine — Portland police responded to more than 100 calls involving 911 hang-ups and complaints of people bothering others during the previous week, according to service data released Tuesday as part of the department’s ongoing transparency initiative. In its May 26 weekly calls-for-service report, the Portland Police Department said officers responded to 125 reported 911 hang-up calls, making it the most common category of service call listed in the weekly summary. Police also responded to 113 calls involving a person or persons bothering others, along with 107 motor vehicle stops, 70 pedestrian checks, and 64 well-being checks. The department…

WATERVILLE, Maine – Waterville Police Chief Bill Bonney told The Maine Wire in an interview Tuesday morning that his opposition to a proposed sanctuary city ordinance is rooted in one concern above all others: officer safety. As the Waterville City Council prepares for a second vote on the ordinance next Tuesday, Bonney said uncertainty surrounding federal funding could have serious consequences for police operations, communications infrastructure, and public safety in the city. “This is not an us versus them issue,” Bonney said. “My job is the safety of my officers and public safety, and that’s what I’m laser focused on.”…

LEWISTON, Maine – In a wide-ranging interview with The Maine Wire, Lewiston Police Chief Carly Conley painted a sobering picture of a city grappling with rising juvenile gun violence, repeat offenders, stolen vehicles, drug-related crime and growing strain on Maine’s juvenile justice system. Conley said the recent rise in shootings involving juveniles is among the most alarming trends she has seen during her more than two decades with the Lewiston Police Department. “We’re seeing an uptick in juvenile violence that is deeply concerning,” Conley said. According to Conley, Lewiston has recorded 15 shootings so far this year. Of those shootings,…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump is meeting with his Cabinet on Wednesday as his administration confronts a volatile turning point in the four-month-old U.S.-Iran war, following a new round of American airstrikes that has placed an already fragile ceasefire under renewed strain. Despite the military escalation, Washington and Tehran remain engaged in peace talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Whether those negotiations can produce a final resolution remains uncertain, as Trump faces growing political resistance at home and significant disagreements with Iran over the terms of any agreement. On Monday, U.S. Central Command forces launched what the Pentagon described…

LEWISTON, Maine – Lewiston City Councilor Chrissy Noble is facing backlash after posting inflammatory comments on social media directed at fellow Councilor Bret Martel and Maine Wire reporter Jon Fetherston following their effort to promote an upcoming community forum on gun violence in the city. The controversy began after Martel and Fetherston spent part of Friday distributing flyers across Lewiston encouraging residents, business owners, and community leaders to attend a June 3 public forum focused on recent shootings, public safety, youth violence, and prevention efforts. https://twitter.com/TheMaineWire/status/2057881836399820921?s=20 The outreach effort was largely uneventful until Martel and Fetherston arrived at the Maine…

BANGOR, Maine – Bangor residents will have another opportunity Wednesday night to address city councilors as debate intensifies over homelessness, public safety, encampments and the city’s proposed daytime shelter space. The Bangor City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 73 Harlow Street. https://www.bangormaine.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272026-801 The meeting comes just days after city officials advanced discussions over creating a daytime shelter space where homeless adults could spend time indoors, access meals and basic services, charge phones, use Wi-Fi and meet with health care providers and caseworkers. The proposed day center was reviewed during the…

SEARSMONT, Maine — The fire and explosion that devastated the Robbins Lumber mill complex in Searsmont is believed to have been accidental, according to preliminary findings released by the Office of State Fire Marshal. Investigators with the Fire Marshal’s Office and special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team worked throughout Memorial Day weekend at the scene of the fire and explosion. During the investigation, personnel paused to honor Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross and remember military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. The Fire Marshal’s Office and ATF began…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Tickborne illnesses are rising sharply across Maine and much of the United States, with state health officials reporting record numbers of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis cases as residents face increasing exposure close to home. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 4,257 cases of Lyme disease in 2025, up from 3,218 cases in 2024. The increase represents a jump of more than 1,000 reported cases, or approximately 32 percent, in a single year. Other tickborne illnesses also reached record levels in Maine last year. Reported cases of anaplasmosis rose from 1,284 in 2024 to…

WASHINGTON – The U.S. military carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran tonight, targeting Iranian boats allegedly attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites as a fragile ceasefire between the two nations remains in effect. https://twitter.com/AmericaSpoof/status/2059023167725899896?s=20 According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were conducted to protect American forces from immediate threats. Multiple explosions were reported near Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Jask, strategic coastal areas along the Strait of Hormuz. The military action comes at a highly sensitive moment in the nearly three-month-old war, as senior Iranian negotiators have arrived in Doha, Qatar, to…

PORTLAND, Maine – After a bruising week filled with controversy and growing scrutiny, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner appeared in Portland over Memorial Day weekend for a campaign rally alongside Bernie Sanders and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson. https://twitter.com/TheMaineWire/status/2059056421195428035?s=20 The event, billed as a major show of progressive momentum in Maine, often felt less like a rally for Platner and more like a traveling Bernie Sanders event, with Sanders dominating the crowd’s attention, applause, and messaging throughout much of the gathering. The rally came at a difficult moment for Platner’s campaign. In recent days, the Democratic candidate has faced…

SEARSMONT, Maine – Sen. Susan Collins joined residents in Searsmont on Memorial Day as the community gathered to honor members of the armed forces who gave their lives in service to the country, while also remembering the victims of the recent fire at Robbins Lumber. This year’s parade paid special tribute to local volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross of Morrill, who died while responding to the devastating fire at Robbins Lumber earlier this month. “Freedom is precious, and it comes at a tremendous price. On Memorial Day, and every day, we honor the brave men and women in uniform, as well…

LEWISTON, Maine — Three Massachusetts residents were arrested Friday night after Lewiston Police say a stolen dump truck rammed a cruiser, crashed into a school playground fence, and left one officer injured. On Friday, May 22, just before 8 p.m., Lewiston Police received a FLOCK alert indicating that a stolen vehicle out of Marlborough, Massachusetts, was operating in the downtown area. The vehicle was identified as a Ford dual-wheeled dump truck. Officers located the vehicle near Bartlett Street and Walnut Street. When police attempted to stop it, the truck pulled into the rear parking lot of 84 Walnut Street. Police…

MADISON, Maine — Tenants of a Madison rental property have been displaced following a fire that broke out in an attached garage Friday afternoon, according to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Madison Fire Department responded to 276 Main Street shortly after noon on Friday, May 22, for a reported structure fire. When crews arrived, firefighters found flames in the attached garage spreading into the walls and eaves of the building. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze before requesting assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate the cause. Investigators determined that the fire began in…

WASHINGTON – For many Americans, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, a long weekend filled with cookouts, travel and time with family. But the meaning of the day is far more solemn. Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is distinct from Veterans Day, which recognizes all military veterans, both living and deceased. Memorial Day is reserved for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. A Tradition Born from the Civil War The origins of Memorial…

WISCASSET, Maine – A Wiscasset mother says her 14-year-old son was strangled during a middle school PE class by an 18-year-old high school senior who should not have been allowed in the gym with younger students. The May 19 incident at Wiscasset Middle High School has now led to an aggravated assault charge, a protection from harassment filing, and serious questions about how school officials handled the aftermath. According to court documents and school records reviewed by The Maine Wire, Ashley James filed for a Protection from Harassment Order on behalf of her son, Gavin James, against D’antae Dawkins. A…

BOSTON – Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner’s effort to turn a Boston Red Sox-themed political advertisement into a populist campaign moment took an unexpected turn Saturday, after Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and a nationally recognized media personality with deep ties to New England sports culture, publicly questioned why Platner’s campaign believed he would help promote the candidate. Platner’s campaign said it began airing an advertisement during Friday night’s Red Sox game attacking private equity and Red Sox ownership, claiming the team had been “stripped for parts.” The ad ended with Platner saying he approved the message because…

MARIAVILLE, Maine — A home in Mariaville was destroyed Friday evening in a structure fire that investigators believe may have been caused by a lithium-ion battery. The Mariaville Fire Department responded to 266 Peninsula Drive just after 6 p.m. on Friday, May 22, after receiving a report of a structure fire. When firefighters arrived, they found the structure fully engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading into the surrounding wooded area. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to investigate the cause of the blaze. No occupants were home at the time of the fire. After reviewing camera footage, investigators…

WASHINGTON- President Donald Trump announced that a peace framework to end the U.S.-Israel war with Iran has been “largely lnegotiated” and is awaiting final approval, though major points of disagreement remain unresolved. Trump said a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding has been reached to extend the fragile April 7 ceasefire into a permanent resolution. He also cautioned that the chances of completing the deal remain a “solid 50/50.” The proposed framework would seek to end the 12-week-old war through a three-stage process negotiated by the United States, Iran, and regional mediators. Under the proposal, Iran would immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz,…

WASHINGTON — A gunman was shot and killed by U.S. Secret Service officers Saturday evening after authorities say he opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House, triggering a temporary lockdown of the presidential complex and a massive law enforcement response in the nation’s capital. The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, who allegedly approached a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW shortly after 6 p.m. and pulled a firearm from a bag before firing toward officers. Secret Service Uniformed Division officers immediately returned fire, striking Best. He was transported to a local hospital, where…

LEWISTON, Maine – The Lewiston Police Department announced another troubling gun-related incident involving a juvenile this week, as concerns continue to grow over youth violence in the city. According to police, officers responded to the area of Horton Street on May 21 at approximately 4:15 p.m. after concerned residents reported seeing what they believed were two teenagers with a firearm. Officers quickly arrived in the neighborhood and located a 15-year-old male allegedly in possession of a handgun. Police said the teen was safely detained and the firearm was seized without incident. Investigators said the juvenile initially refused to identify himself, but…

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has announced a major shift in immigration policy that will require most foreign nationals living in the United States on temporary visas to leave the country and pursue permanent residency through overseas consular processing. Under a policy memorandum issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, “adjustment of status”, the process allowing eligible applicants to seek a green card from inside the United States, will now be granted only in extraordinary circumstances. The change upends a decades-old practice that allowed many legally present foreign nationals, including temporary workers, international students and tourists, to transition…

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump canceled plans to spend the weekend away from Washington and will skip his son Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding celebration in the Bahamas, citing urgent government responsibilities as his administration continues diplomatic efforts surrounding the war with Iran. Trump had originally planned to spend Friday night at his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey following an event in New York’s Hudson Valley before traveling to the Bahamas for the private family celebration. A change in the president’s public schedule released Friday afternoon instead showed Trump returning directly to the White House. “While I very much wanted…

Graham Platner wants to be a United States Senator. That alone should require judgment, discipline, character, and basic moral fitness. Instead, Maine voters are being asked to ignore a growing list of disturbing controversies, obscene comments, bizarre behavior, and disqualifying lapses in judgment, all because the radical socialist arm of today’s Democratic Party has decided that power matters more than standards. Gross. Creepy. Concerning. Disqualifying. This is not normal. It should never be treated as normal. Reports and resurfaced comments tied to Platner are not minor political disagreements. They are not old tax votes, awkward debate clips, or routine campaign…

CLINTON, Maine – A Clinton man was arrested Thursday afternoon in connection with a 2025 shooting death on Main Street in Clinton, according to Maine State Police. James Simonson, 66, of Clinton, was arrested at approximately 3:20 p.m. on May 21 by detectives with the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit-Central. Simonson has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in connection with the late June 2025 shooting that killed 68-year-old William “Bill” Parent of Clinton. Parent died from injuries sustained in the shooting. An autopsy conducted by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner…

WOOLWICH, Maine – A large pro-Trump sign that stood for years on a ledge overlooking Route 1 in Woolwich has been replaced with a new political message: DavidJones for Governor. The sign, visible to thousands of motorists traveling through the Midcoast community, had become a familiar landmark along the heavily traveled road. According to the Jones campaign, the Trump sign was repeatedly vandalized over the years, only to be repaired or replaced each time it was damaged. Jones, a Falmouth businessman running in Maine’s Republican gubernatorial primary, said he had long noticed the sign while driving Route 1 toward Wiscasset.…

PORTLAND, Maine – A federal judge on Thursday dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking Maine’s unredacted voter registration database, rejecting the Department of Justice’s argument that it needed sensitive voter information to determine whether the state was properly maintaining its voter rolls. Chief U.S. District Judge Lance Walker ruled that the federal government did not have the authority under the laws it cited to force Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to surrender the state’s computerized voter registration list with every data field included. The requested database contained personal information about Maine voters, including full names, residential and mailing addresses,…

LEWISTON, Maine – A Lewiston man who lived at 210 Blake Street with now-disgraced former Lewiston City Councilor Iman Osman pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to major drug trafficking and firearms charges. Muktar Abshir Aden, 27, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland to possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and more than 400 grams of fentanyl. He also pleaded guilty to using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court records, Aden sold drugs to law enforcement confidential sources and undercover officers on six occasions in 2024. The…

AUGUSTA, Maine – A top official in Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ office has recommended invalidating a citizen initiative that would require public school athletic teams, bathrooms, locker rooms and showers to be designated by sex, placing the high-profile referendum in jeopardy just months before the November election. Chief Deputy Secretary of State Katherine McBrien, appointed as the presiding officer in the dispute, found that the Protect Girls Sports in Maine campaign submitted 67,150 valid signatures, 532 fewer than the 67,682 required to qualify a citizen initiative for the statewide ballot. McBrien’s recommended decision concluded that 12,542 signatures should…