Author: Jon Fetherston

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…

BREWER, Maine – A Brewer man was arrested Sunday morning after Maine State Police said he fled the scene of a two-vehicle crash on I-395 in Bangor that sent a young woman to the hospital. Troopers responded Saturday, April 25, at approximately 11:49 a.m. to I-395 westbound near the Main Street overpass for a reported crash involving two vehicles. According to witnesses, a black Ford Mustang struck a Volkswagen coupe, causing the coupe to spin out, leave the roadway, enter the grass gore, cross the Main Street on-ramp, roll over a guardrail, and travel down an embankment into the woods.…

AUGUSTA, Maine — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles delivered a forceful address Saturday to delegates at the Maine GOP convention, warning that the state is “in a state of peril” and pledging sweeping reforms if elected governor. Charles opened his remarks by thanking supporters and describing attendees as “citizen warriors,” framing the political moment as one requiring courage and determination. “This state we love is in a state of peril. There is no other word,” Charles said. “Today we need the patience to find and fix the problems, the wisdom to solve them, and the courage to pursue them fearlessly…

AUGUSTA, Maine — Republican gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Bush delivered a forceful speech to delegates at the Maine Republican Party convention Saturday, laying out an aggressive plan to eliminate what he described as burdensome laws, unnecessary government programs, and taxpayer-funded initiatives that he said have driven up costs and slowed economic growth. Central to Bush’s remarks was his promise to “shred” legislation and programs he believes fall outside the core mission of government, a message that resonated strongly with convention attendees. “When I am elected, we will bring to every agency of state government three things right into the front door,”…

AUGUSTA, Maine — Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones delivered an energetic address Saturday at the Maine GOP Convention, urging delegates to rally behind what he described as a fight to “take the state back” and reverse policies he said have harmed Maine families and businesses. Jones was introduced to the crowd following remarks from Rick Savage, former owner of Sunday River Brewing Company, who sharply criticized state leadership and endorsed Jones for governor. Savage told delegates he believed state policies during the COVID-19 pandemic led to the loss of his business and accused state officials of targeting him after he…

PORTLAND, Maine – Portland city councilors are set for a busy Monday evening at City Hall, with several high-profile issues scheduled for consideration, including the city’s immigration enforcement policy, proposed buffer-zone restrictions affecting large entertainment venues, and the future of a moratorium on major theater and performance hall projects. The meeting also comes after an executive session tied to a possible new location for a shelter, adding another major policy issue to an already crowded night at City Hall. One of the most closely watched items on Monday’s agenda is Order 180-25/26, an amendment to Portland City Code Chapter 2…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Owen McCarthy addressed the Maine GOP convention Saturday, casting himself as a northern Maine outsider with a written plan to reverse what he described as seven years of failed Democratic control in Augusta. McCarthy, a native of Patten, said his upbringing in a working-class family shaped his view of government, work, and opportunity. “I grew up in a trailer on my grandfather’s land,” McCarthy said, describing himself as the son of a third-generation logger and a second-generation lunch lady. McCarthy told convention attendees he is the only candidate in the race with roots north of Augusta and…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Republican gubernatorial candidate Garrett Mason delivered a wide-ranging speech to delegates at the Maine Republican Party convention, presenting himself as a tested conservative with a legislative record and contrasting his experience with other candidates in the race. Mason introduced himself as a husband, father, small business owner, former legislator, and lifelong Mainer before arguing that his past accomplishments set him apart from competitors seeking the party’s nomination for governor. “When people ask me what makes me different in this race, the answer is simple,” Mason told the crowd. “I’m not a newly converted Republican, and I’m not…

AUGUSTA, Maine – Republican gubernatorial candidate Ben Midgley addressed supporters Saturday morning at the Maine GOP Convention, delivering a speech centered on his business background, criticism of state spending, and promises to cut taxes and reform welfare programs if elected governor. Midgley opened by thanking convention organizers and introducing his family to the crowd, highlighting their role in supporting his campaign over the past eight months. “Thank you, Matt and Billybob, for that very generous introduction,” Midgley told attendees. “It is great to be in front of so many proud Maine Republicans.” He introduced his wife Sonia and their children,…

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Police Department issued an urgent public safety alert Sunday after the city experienced seven suspected overdoses in less than 20 hours, prompting officials to warn residents about increasingly potent drugs circulating in the area. As of 3 p.m. Sunday, police said the rapid succession of overdoses had triggered an immediate warning to the public, with authorities cautioning that drugs entering the city appear to be “more potent than ever.” Officials urged residents to take immediate precautions, emphasizing that the safest course of action is not to use drugs at all. For those who do, police stressed…

AUGUSTA, Maine — In a rare show of unity at the Maine Republican Convention on Saturday, all seven Republican candidates for governor stood shoulder to shoulder to record a joint video message to President Donald Trump, calling for federal assistance as Maine faces mounting scandals tied to MaineCare fraud, autism service billing, and illegal “Triad weed” operations. The candidates, Jonathan Bush, Garrett Mason, Bobby Charles, David Jones, Owen McCarthy, Robert Wessels, and Ben Midgley also made fraud a central theme of their individual convention speeches, warning that taxpayer abuse has reached crisis levels and arguing that state leadership, and what…

HIRAM, Maine — A woman is dead and a man was seriously injured after a late-night house fire Friday in the Oxford County town of Hiram, according to fire officials. The Hiram Fire Department received a report of a structure fire at 8 Bobbin Mill Road at approximately 11:38 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. When firefighters arrived, they found a 2½-story residential structure with active fire conditions in both the basement and the second floor. While crews were working at the rear of the building, responders located an adult male suffering from serious burn injuries. He was transported by…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump was evacuated unharmed from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton Saturday night after a gunman attempted to breach security at the high-profile event. The shooting occurred around 8:36 p.m. at a security checkpoint in the hotel lobby, near the entrance to the ballroom where the dinner was being held. The Washington Hilton is the same hotel where President Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded during a 1981 assassination attempt after leaving a speaking engagement. Reagan was shot outside the hotel, not inside the ballroom or lobby. Authorities identified the suspect as…

AUGUSTA, Maine — Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert Wessels told Maine GOP Convention delegates Friday afternoon that Republicans cannot afford to think small in 2026, warning that winning the Blaine House alone will not be enough to reverse course in Augusta. Wessels, a South Paris businessman, church elder, former selectman, husband, and father, delivered a grassroots-heavy speech focused on family, school choice, fiscal restraint, fraud, and the need to elect Republicans up and down the ballot. “When I look around this room, I see people who love Maine, who believe in freedom, and who know that our state is worth fighting…

AUGUSTA, Maine – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins addressed the crowd Friday at the Maine GOP Convention, urging Republicans to unite behind her campaign and the party’s candidates heading into November while taking direct aim at Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and the national Democratic effort to defeat her. Collins was introduced after remarks emphasizing her long voting record in Washington and the importance of keeping Maine’s U.S. Senate seat in Republican hands. Collins thanked party leaders, staff, supporters, her Senate staff, and her husband, Tom Daffron, before opening her remarks by honoring members of the military, veterans, firefighters, EMTs, and…

AUGUSTA — Former Maine Gov. and U.S. congressional candidate Paul LePage spoke Friday at the Maine GOP Convention in Augusta, telling Republicans he is coming out of retirement because “Maine needs jobs” and needs to “get rid of fraud and corruption.” LePage, who served two terms as Maine’s governor, framed his congressional campaign as a return to public service rather than a search for another political title. “I’m not running for Congress because I need a job,” LePage said. “I’m running for Congress because Maine needs jobs.” The former governor opened his remarks by thanking supporters, including Steve Robinson, who…

PITTSFIELD, Maine — Two Pittsfield residents were arrested Wednesday night following a months-long Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigation into fentanyl trafficking in the Pittsfield and Canaan area. The MDEA and Bath Police Department announced Thursday that Joshua Johnson, 44, of Pittsfield, was arrested on charges of aggravated trafficking in Schedule W drugs. Samantha Quimby, 28, also of Pittsfield, was arrested on outstanding warrants. According to the MDEA, agents from the South-Central Task Force had been investigating drug trafficking in the area for several months. On April 22, agents obtained an arrest warrant for Johnson, of 128 Canaan Road in Pittsfield,…

WASHINGTON – The military standoff between the United States and Iran escalated Thursday as President Donald Trump ordered U.S. forces to “shoot and kill” Iranian small boats suspected of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane that remains at the center of the widening conflict. The order comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to clear mines from the strait and force the reopening of one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The waterway, which normally carries a major share of global oil and gas traffic, has been effectively closed amid Iranian mining operations,…

SOUTH PORTLAND — Republican gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Bush has raised more than $2.1 million in his campaign for Maine governor, according to new figures released by his campaign, a total the campaign says sets a new fundraising mark for a GOP candidate at this stage of the race. The Bush campaign said the latest total follows another strong fundraising period, with the candidate raising just under $350,000 from donors while personally investing another $500,000 before the reporting period closed Tuesday at midnight. “Jonathan’s simple message, shrink Augusta and cut taxes, is resonating statewide and we are seeing significant support and…

LEWISTON, Maine – A Lewiston-area resident is calling on city officials to reconsider public comment rules to ensure survivors of the October 25, 2023 mass shooting are allowed to address elected leaders, as tensions continue to rise over how victims and survivors are treated during recent City Council meetings. In an email sent Wednesday to Lewiston officials, Lisa Jones questioned what steps would be necessary to modify existing rules governing public participation, particularly for individuals who survived the mass shooting but live outside Lewiston city limits. “What steps to need to be taken to ensure that people who survived attempted…

LEWISTON, Maine – The families and survivors of Maine’s deadliest mass shooting are once again being forced to do what Maine’s most powerful institutions have refused to do: fight for the truth. Fifty-seven survivors and family members affected by the Lewiston mass shooting are now demanding that the Maine Attorney General’s Office reopen and complete its probe into the Maine Community Foundation and its handling of the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund, a fund they say was sold to the public as direct relief for victims, only for a large share of that money to be steered elsewhere. At the center…

LEWISTON, Maine — Lewiston Police responded to reports of multiple gunshots early Tuesday morning, quickly apprehending several individuals and charging three men following what investigators believe was a targeted shooting. According to police, officers were dispatched to the area of Walnut Street and Pierce Street at approximately 1:45 a.m. on April 22, 2026, after receiving reports of multiple gunshots in the neighborhood. Officers arrived within seconds and observed a group of young adults fleeing the area. Police quickly apprehended the individuals and began investigating the scene, where officers located numerous shell casings scattered in and around the roadway. Authorities reported…

Standish, Maine – Republican gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Bush spoke Tuesday at the Cumberland County GOP meeting, where he introduced himself to attendees, outlined his background in healthcare and business, and fielded a series of questions on issues ranging from taxes and education to healthcare costs, border security, and transgender athletes in girls’ sports. Bush opened by thanking the group and joking about the limited time he had to deliver his “dog and pony show” before taking questions. He identified himself as a veteran, a father of seven, an entrepreneur, and a former CEO who said he managed billions in healthcare…

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday extended the ceasefire between the United States and Iran indefinitely, buying more time for negotiations even as Tehran faces mounting financial strain and the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint in the broader conflict. The extension was announced as the White House awaited what Trump described as a “unified proposal” from Iranian leaders, a sign that the regime may still be struggling to settle on a single negotiating position after weeks of war, economic disruption, and internal pressure. CBS and other outlets reported that U.S. officials believe Iran’s leadership is fractured, helping explain…

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins ® used a Senate hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services’ fiscal year 2027 budget request to challenge Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over declining support for women’s health research and the administration’s renewed push to cap indirect costs tied to biomedical grants. Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, pointed to a reported 31 percent decline in the number of NIH-funded research projects in 2025 that included the word “women,” raising concerns that the administration’s crackdown on diversity-related grants is having a direct effect on research focused on women’s health. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGFj0YhWcK4…

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday announced an 11-count federal indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center, accusing the organization of using donor funds to secretly pay leaders of extremist groups while telling donors that same money would be used to dismantle those organizations. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Alabama, charges the SPLC with six counts of wire fraud, four counts of false statements to a federally insured bank, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. https://twitter.com/SteveRob/status/2046752324849160526?s=20 Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel…

PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland Police Department released its latest weekly calls for service report on April 21, 2026, outlining arrest trends and a summary of notable incidents from the previous week as part of the department’s ongoing transparency efforts. According to the report, officers made arrests across several common categories, with warrants topping the list at 15 arrests, followed by criminal trespass with 12 arrests, and violating condition of release with 9 arrests. Police also reported 8 arrests for unlawful possession of drugs and 5 arrests for theft during the reporting period. Police also tracked the most frequent calls…

LEWISTON, Maine — Lewiston City Hall was hit from both sides Tuesday night, as former Mayor Robert Macdonald blasted the city’s anti-ICE ordinance as an obvious driver of budget pressure and City Council President David Chittim, presiding in Mayor Carl Sheline’s absence, initially tried to stop a Lewiston mass shooting survivor from speaking, despite her having been a frequent speaker at recent council meetings. The result was a meeting that laid bare a city government under growing public fire, accused of putting political signaling ahead of fiscal discipline while treating survivors of Maine’s deadliest mass shooting as an inconvenience. Macdonald…

PORTLAND, Maine — Portland Mayor Mark Dion opened Tuesday’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week press conference at Portland City Hall, welcoming the crowd and setting the tone for an event centered on victims, survivors, and the advocates who work to support them. Dion, the first speaker at the event, reflected on how the criminal justice system has evolved over the decades. He said that when he first entered law enforcement, the system was overwhelmingly focused on crimes, investigations, and prosecutions, with little attention paid to the needs of victims. Over time, he said, that began to change as advocates and…

WASHINGTON – Negotiations to end the war between the United States and Iran have hit a critical impasse as a fragile two-week ceasefire is set to expire Wednesday evening, April 22, 2026, with President Donald Trump signaling he is “highly unlikely” to extend the truce if no final agreement is reached. While the White House has projected optimism, the actual status of direct talks remains uncertain. Trump has sent a high-level U.S. delegation to Islamabad, Pakistan, for what could be a second round of negotiations. The delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance and includes Jared Kushner and special…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that $427.4 million in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding has been released, including $4,375,915 for the State of Maine. The funding release comes after a letter sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget last week, led by Collins, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, along with a bipartisan group of 35 other senators. The letter urged OMB to immediately release the roughly $400 million in remaining LIHEAP funds approved by Congress for Fiscal Year 2026. “It is welcome news…

PORTLAND, Maine — A man formerly from Lewiston has been sentenced in federal court after admitting to a stalking campaign that included posting sexually explicit images of his victim online without consent. Brent Ouellette, 34, was sentenced on April 16 in U.S. District Court in Portland to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann handed down the sentence. https://twitter.com/FBIBoston/status/2046178367355953634?s=20 Ouellette previously pleaded guilty on August 20, 2025. https://www.themainewire.com/2025/08/fbi-celebrates-guilty-plea-of-lewiston-cyberstalker/ According to court records, Ouellette engaged in a course of conduct against the victim that included posting sexually explicit videos or pictures…