Author: Jon Fetherston

Governor Janet Mills (D) has directed the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to issue full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in November to eligible households, following multiple federal court rulings and updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the ongoing federal shutdown. The directive comes after federal court orders compelled the USDA to release contingency funding for SNAP, reversing earlier notices that benefits would not be distributed in November. New guidance issued Friday indicated the agency intends to make full funding available to comply with the court orders. Mills said the state will move forward with…

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food-aid program for about 42 million Americans is caught in fresh legal and funding uncertainty amid the U.S. government shutdown. Late Friday, Ketanji Brown Jackson, a justice on the Supreme Court of the United States, issued an administrative stay temporarily blocking a lower-court order that required the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to disburse full November benefits under SNAP by Friday. Earlier this week, a federal judge in Rhode Island, John J. McConnell Jr., ruled the administration must fully fund the program—ordering it to use contingency funds or other sources to ensure no-benefit…

A senior prosecutor has departed the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office amid allegations of internal conflict and concerns about workplace culture under District Attorney Jackie Sartoris, sources told the Maine Wire. An office spokesperson confirmed that Assistant District Attorney Valerie Adams is no longer employed with the office. The confirmation followed information provided to the Maine Wire by a source familiar with the situation, who said Adams confronted Sartoris regarding what the source described as a “toxic work environment” and indicated she was considering a campaign for district attorney. The DA’s office did not comment on the circumstances of Adams’…

U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner (D) held a town hall at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath Thursday evening, where he fielded a range of questions about his campaign, his personal background and the recent departure of former political director Genevieve McDonald. Platner, who grew up in Eastern Maine and later served deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home to become an oyster farmer, used the event to frame his campaign around working-class issues. He argued that Maine politics has drifted toward partisan messaging and away from the daily needs of residents struggling with housing costs, health care…

A Cape Elizabeth man was arrested Wednesday after police say he fired a gun at a repossession agent who was attempting to take his vehicle. Police responded to a report of a shooting at 21 Longfellow Drive, where a repossession agent had arrived to collect a vehicle. As the agent was removing the vehicle, police said a man inside the home, identified as 61-year-old Roger Dickinson, fired at least one shot at the tow truck. According to the report, a woman and a 4-month-old child were inside the truck at the time. No injuries were reported. Law enforcement surrounded the…

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation Wednesday aimed at protecting American specialty crop farmers from unfair foreign trade practices. The bill, called the Fairness for Fruits and Vegetables Act, would create new mechanisms to monitor trade data and address market conditions that lawmakers say disadvantage U.S. producers. The measure is focused on specialty crops such as blueberries, potatoes, apples, cherries, asparagus and maple products. Sen. Collins said farmers who grow these crops play a significant role in state and regional economies and are at risk of being undercut by unfair market disruptions. Sen. Slotkin…

California voters have approved Proposition 50, a redistricting measure that temporarily removes congressional map-drawing authority from the state’s independent redistricting commission and grants that power to the Legislature for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 election cycles. Given the partisan breakdown in the state capital of Sacramento, the resulting maps are expected to favor Democratic candidates and reduce the number of competitive congressional districts in the nation’s largest state. Supporters framed the change as necessary to counter partisan map-drawing elsewhere. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said, “California will not sit back while other states use gerrymandering and voter suppression to undermine democracy.” Opponents…

A federal appeals court on Tuesday allowed Florida to begin enforcing a state law that restricts real estate purchases by Chinese citizens, a decision that could shape how other states – including Maine – respond to foreign-linked property ownership and land use. The 2-1 ruling from the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals found that challengers backed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) did not have standing because they have lived in Florida for years and are not considered “domiciled” in China under the statute. The law, passed in 2023, bars most Chinese citizens who are not U.S. citizens…

State Rep. Tiffany D. Roberts (D-South Berwick) launched her campaign for Maine’s First District Congressional seat in her home town of South Berwick Wednesday evening. Surrounded by family, friends and community members, Roberts said her campaign will focus on rebuilding trust in government, strengthening the economy and ensuring that working families have a voice in Washington – an implicit criticism of the woman she is challenging incumbent, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME). Roberts told attendees that her bid is centered on “respect, responsibility, and results,” and emphasized that her candidacy is about advocating for Maine’s future rather than opposing any specific…

The public health and safety threat posed by discarded needles used most likely for intravenous drug use has been a persistent problem for Maine’s largest city, and one recent case illustrates the ambiguity of who is responsible for removing the sharp and dangerous hazards they present. A source contacted the Maine Wire on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, reporting discarded needles along railroad tracks near 185 Rand Road in Portland. The source said the syringes were first noticed the previous day and were found scattered along the tracks that run parallel to several commercial buildings in the area. According to this…

Gov. Janet Mills said Wednesday that voters delivered a clear rebuke to proposed changes to Maine’s absentee voting laws, rejecting Question 1 by a decisive margin in Tuesday’s statewide election. The measure sought to create a requirement for voters to present identification at the polls and to tighten access to absentee ballots by shortening the period during which voters could request them and by eliminating ongoing absentee status for seniors, people with disabilities, and others who have relied on the system for years. Supporters of the proposal argued it was needed to strengthen election safeguards, while opponents said it would…

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a major challenge to President Donald Trump’s global tariff program, a case that could reshape the balance of power between the White House and Congress on trade and economic policy. The dispute centers on Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to levy sweeping tariffs on imports from dozens of countries. Under the policy, Chinese goods faced duties as high as 145 percent, while products from Canada and Mexico saw 25–35 percent tariffs. Most other countries faced at least 10 percent. The administration said the tariffs were…

Maine litigator Joshua Dunlap has been confirmed to the U.S .Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, becoming the only active Republican-appointed judge on the Boston-based court. The Senate approved his nomination Tuesday in a 52-46 party-line vote. Dunlap will fill the seat vacated by Judge William Kayatta Jr., a Barack Obama appointee who previously mentored Dunlap when both worked at the Maine law firm Pierce Atwood. Dunlap has spent nearly his entire career at the firm, where he co-chairs its Appellate and Amici team and focuses on commercial litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. Opponents of his…

State Rep. Tiffany Roberts (D-South Berwick) has formally filed paperwork to run for Maine’s First Congressional District, setting up a Democratic primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in 2026. Roberts, now serving her fourth term in the Maine House, submitted her campaign-finance filing Tuesday ahead of a planned campaign launch in her hometown. She had announced the formation of an exploratory committee in September to determine whether Democratic voters were open to “a different voice in Congress.” U.S. Rep. Pingree has held the seat since 2009 and has not previously faced a primary challenge while in office. The congresswoman…

Lucas Sirois, the Franklin County businessman accused of leading a multimillion-dollar marijuana conspiracy in western Maine, is now facing new federal charges. Sirois effort to challenge the government’s conspiracy case at the highest level has come to an end. The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear his appeal, leaving a lower court ruling against him in place. But his legal problems appear to be compounding. Sirois, 45, alleged by prosecutors to be the head of the “Sirois organization,” was charged in October 2020 in a case centered on industrial cultivation and distribution of marijuana that authorities valued at $13…

Biddeford voters have approved the formation of a charter commission, signaling support for a formal review of the city’s governing document. The measure passed by a wide margin on Tuesday with 3,457 votes in favor and 2,305 opposed. The approval sets in motion a multi-step process to examine the city charter, which outlines the structure of municipal government, the roles of elected officials, and how local decisions are made. Supporters of the commission have argued that a review could help clarify city procedures and update language in the charter, while opponents expressed concern that the process could lead to major…

For the second year in a row, voters in Kennebunkport rejected a proposal to construct a new town hall, defeating the $8.3 million bond question during the November 4 election.  The rejected plan would have funded the construction of a new facility to replace the existing municipal offices, but town voters once again opted against committing to the project. Last year, residents turned down a similar measure an $8.8 million proposal for a new town hall, which had led the town to rethink its approach. If Tuesday’s result was any indication, a half-million dollar haircut wasn’t enough. Now the town faces renewed…

Two contenders emerged victorious Tuesday in the only contested race of the season for the Sanford City Council, as voters elected six-year terms at large. Charlene “Cheeny” Plante, known for her appearances on “Naked and Afraid reality television program, and Pete Tranchemontagne won the seats in Tuesday’s municipal election.  The two successful candidates prevailed over three other contenders for the open seats.  Brian Stackpole, an incumbent, and Logan Laughlin were among the unsuccessful challengers.  Plante, a self-employed homeowner, campaigned on improving safety, reducing taxes and voting down nonessential spending. Tranchemontagne, a long-time Sanford resident and small-business owner, emphasized economic development, infrastructure upgrades…

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows appeared at the polls in Bangor on Tuesday evening, where she offered remarks on the ongoing investigation into 250 absentee ballots that a Newburgh woman reported finding in an Amazon package about a month ago. The update came as voters were still casting ballots, an unusual time for new public comments on an active election-related inquiry. “No one wants the truth more than I do, and I’m sure the truth will come out,” Bellows said to WABI TV. She added that she trusts law enforcement to complete a thorough review. “So UPS has not…

Liam LaFountain was elected the next mayor of Biddeford on Tuesday, winning a three-way race to lead one of southern Maine’s fastest-growing cities. LaFountain, 28, received 2,626 votes, defeating incumbent Mayor Martin Grohman, who received 2,414, and City Councilor Norman Belanger, who received 1,273, according to unofficial results. City Council President LaFountain campaigned on affordability and government transparency, focusing on concerns from residents about the pace of development and the rising cost of living in the city. Biddeford needed a “course correction,” he said on the stump. The newly-elected mayor said his priorities include restoring public trust in City Hall…

Voters in Maine’s largest city decisively approved a minimum wage increase on Tuesday, endorsing a city councilor’s proposal to raise the current $15.50 per hour to $19 per hour in increments over the next couple years. Nearly 63 percent voted in favor of the hike, versus only 35.5 percent who opposed it. Portland businesses had expressed serious concerns about the impact of such a move. “This is not good for business, not good for jobs,” Steve DeMillo, owner of the iconic floating restaurant DeMillo’s said. At the same time, incumbent at-large councilor Pious Ali secured a fourth term on the…

President Donald Trump’s long-standing battle over tariffs — a defining element of his presidency and economic worldview — will face its greatest test Wednesday when the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments over whether his sweeping trade levies are lawful. Trump, who briefly considered attending the hearing himself, called the matter “the most important case in the history of the Supreme Court.” He ultimately decided against going, saying he did not want to distract from the proceedings. In April, Trump declared trade deficits a national emergency and imposed a 10 percent tariff on nearly every major trading partner, with higher “reciprocal”…

The Portland City Council voted Monday night to raise the penalty for parking during a snow ban from $40 to $130, approving an amendment intended to keep streets clear for plows and emergency vehicles while easing the financial burden from an initially proposed higher fine. The measure updates Chapter 28 of the Portland City Code, expanding snow-ban enforcement areas and clarifying penalties for vehicles parked in restricted zones during winter storms. The goal, councilors said, is to make snow removal faster and safer for residents, pedestrians and emergency responders navigating the city’s narrow streets. “It’s so important for our snow…

Voters across Maine head to the polls Tuesday, November 4, to decide two major statewide ballot questions and several local races that could redefine economic and political priorities in the state. At least one proposed measure specifically impacts Portland, and Biddeford’s city leadership is at stake. A number of school districts throughout the state also have key seats in contention. The election comes exactly one year before the 2026 midterms, when the winner of the Democratic Senate primary between Gov. Janet Mills and challenger Graham Platner is expected to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the nation’s most…

The Trump administration said Monday it will partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after two federal judges ordered the government to keep the food aid program running despite the ongoing shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had planned to freeze payments starting November 1, citing an inability to continue funding during the federal shutdown. SNAP serves about one in eight Americans and costs roughly $8 billion per month nationwide. Officials have not said how much recipients will receive or when benefits will appear on their EBT cards, which can take up to two weeks to process in…

The principal of Mt. Blue Middle School in Farmington is under fire after dressing as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent for a Halloween event, prompting a backlash on social media and sparking a broader debate about political expressions in schools. A post that circulated widely on X, formerly known as Twitter, alleged that Principal James Black wore a costume resembling that of an ICE officer during the school’s Halloween festivities. The post, which questioned how a school leader could “encourage the kidnapping of children,” drew hundreds of reactions from parents and community members. “The district is aware of…

A computer system error at MaineHealth resulted in 531 patients being mistakenly notified of their own deaths, the health-care system announced.  According to MaineHealth, the malfunction occurred on October 20 during the generation of estate-vendor letters. The letters incorrectly informed the affected patients that they were deceased and included details for next-of-kin about resolving their estates.  “MaineHealth sincerely regrets this error and has sent apology letters to all patients who have been affected,” the health-system spokesperson said. They noted that “at no time were these patients listed as deceased in their medical records and the issue has been fully resolved.” …

Football franchise the New England Patriots may owe some fans more than $100 following approval of a tentative settlement stemming from a class-action lawsuit alleging the team’s mobile app improperly collected and shared users’ location and video-viewing data. Under the settlement, the Patriots will pay $2.16 million to resolve allegations that a portion of their smartphone application—in particular tools integrated via the Anvato API and Rover SDK—shared users’ precise geolocation and video-viewing activity with third parties without their consent. An estimated 90,000 to 105,000 users may be eligible to file claims, depending on how many meet the criteria and participate…

A blunt assertion by entrepreneur Elon Musk has reignited debate over whether nonprofits are truly reducing homelessness and drug addiction or quietly sustaining the crises they are funded to fight. “The more homeless there are, the more money these organizations get, so their incentive is to increase, not decrease, homelessness,” Musk said on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast last week. His remarks have fueled renewed scrutiny in Maine, where homelessness and drug addiction remain entrenched problems despite years of record spending and expansion by well-funded nonprofit groups. https://twitter.com/joeroganhq/status/1984465942198604285?s=46 Escalating Crisis in Maine’s Cities In Portland and Lewiston, law-enforcement and public-health…

State Rep. Kristen Cloutier announced Thursday she is resigning from her seat representing District 94, effective immediately, after seven years in the Maine Legislature. In a letter dated on Halloween, Cloutier said the decision was made with “mixed emotions,” calling it both an honor and a privilege to have represented the people of Lewiston. Cloutier said she will take on a new role as chief of staff to Senate President Mattie Daughtry. The position, she said, will allow her more time with her family as her daughter transitions from high school to college while continuing her work in public policy.…

Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner held a campaign rally Sunday at Portland’s State Theatre, offering a familiar message about community organizing, activism, and what he described as “building power” ahead of Tuesday’s election and his team’s effort to defeat referendum Question 1. Platner, who seeks to challenge U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) after the June 2026 primary, has experienced both a meteoric rise in the polls since entering the race in August as well as a torrent of controversy after opposition research likely culled to benefit his Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer-annointed Democrat challenger Gov. Janet Mills about past Reddit…

A Maine State Police trooper safely stopped a wrong-way driver traveling north in the southbound lanes of Interstate 295 late Friday night, authorities said. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on October 31, or Halloween, when members of Troop I were dispatched to reports of a vehicle driving the wrong direction near mile marker 37 in Bowdoinham. As troopers moved to intercept the vehicle, additional 911 calls came in from drivers reporting the danger on the highway. A trooper positioned in a highway crossover spotted the suspect vehicle and maneuvered into the roadway, successfully boxing it in and bringing it…

Governor Janet Mills on Friday praised two federal court rulings that compel the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release emergency contingency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as the government shutdown continues. The rulings, issued by federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, prevent the USDA from withholding the funds and require the agency to maintain food benefits for millions of Americans. The decisions came after Maine joined a multistate lawsuit earlier this week seeking to force the USDA to act. Mills commended the outcome and credited Attorney General Aaron Frey for Maine’s involvement. “I welcome and applaud…

BOSTON (AP) — Two federal judges on Friday ordered the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to continue during the ongoing federal government shutdown, ruling that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must tap contingency funds to maintain food aid for millions of Americans. In Massachusetts, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani found that the administration’s interpretation barring use of the government’s roughly $5 billion in contingency funds was likely unlawful and directed the USDA to advise the court by Monday whether it would use those funds alone or with additional funding to sustain November benefits.  At nearly the same time, U.S.…

One of Maine’s largest abortion care providers will end its primary care services on Friday after a federal court ruled that the Trump administration is not required to restore Medicaid funding to the organization. Maine Family Planning, which operates the state’s largest network of sexual and reproductive health clinics, announced that it will discontinue primary care services at its Ellsworth, Houlton and Presque Isle locations, affecting about 800 patients. The decision follows a ruling that upheld restrictions under H.R. 1, legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump earlier this year. The law prohibits family planning and abortion providers from…

Maine Gov. Janet Mills, 77, has declined to commit to releasing her medical records as she runs for U.S. Senate in 2026, Axios first reported, amid calls from Democratic primary opponents for a new generation of leadership in Congress. If elected, Mills would become the oldest first-term senator in U.S. history, taking office at age 79 in January 2027. Her decision not to release health records comes as Congress faces increased scrutiny over the age and fitness of its members, with more lawmakers over 70 now serving than at any point since at least 1950. Three members of Congress have…

With early voting now closed, Maine voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, to cast their ballots in person. Polling locations statewide will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., as officials work to balance accessibility with election security and public confidence. While Maine continues to tout open access through same-day registration and absentee voting, many advocates have urged closer scrutiny of polling-place procedures and uniform enforcement of campaign-free zones to ensure every ballot is cast legally and counted transparently. Polling-Place Layout and Oversight Under state law, every polling place must be arranged so the ballot…

The national finance director for U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner has resigned, citing “differences in professional standards” with the campaign, according to a letter obtained by the Press Herald. Ronald Holmes III, who served as finance director for the “Graham for Maine” campaign, announced his resignation in an Oct. 31 letter. He wrote that he “began to feel that my professional standards as a campaign professional no longer fully aligned with those of the campaign.” Holmes had led fundraising operations for Platner, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) in 2026. His departure comes…

President Donald Trump urged Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster to bring an end to the month-long government shutdown on Thursday evening. In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump noted that Democrats had previously tried to abolish the Senate rule when they controlled Congress and the White House during the Biden administration. That effort was blocked by then-Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who have since left the Democratic Party to become independents. Trump renewed calls for the so-called “nuclear option” shortly after returning from his trip to Asia. “The one question that kept coming up, however, was how…

State Sen. Matthew Harrington (R-York) is praising the Sanford City Council for urging state lawmakers to take stronger action on Maine’s homelessness crisis, particularly regarding repeat offenders and untreated mental illness. In a letter sent Thursday to Sanford Mayor Becky Brink and City Manager Steven Buck, Harrington said his dual perspective as both a legislator representing the area and a Kennebunk police officer gives him insight into the daily challenges communities face with “repeat offenders within this population.” Sen. Harrington criticized LD 1478, a 2021 law that directed police departments to adopt a “homelessness crisis protocol.” He argued the measure…

Two schools in North Berwick were closed on Friday — Halloween — after officials received a report of a possible violent threat involving a student. The Noble Middle School and the Noble High School will remain closed while authorities investigate a threat that a student planned to come to school in costume and carry out an act of violence. School administrators said the decision to close the buildings was made “out of an abundance of caution.” Local law-enforcement officials are actively investigating the incident, though no further details about the threat or the student involved were released. Parents and guardians…

A Biddeford man has been arrested on charges of aggravated drug trafficking following a two-month investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Biddeford Police Department. Authorities identified 28-year-old Brandon Gelsomini as the primary suspect in drug activity reported near an encampment by the railroad tracks along James Street. Investigators obtained a judicial search warrant for Gelsomini’s tent, which was executed early Wednesday morning due to its proximity to Biddeford High School. At approximately 7 a.m. on October 29, MDEA agents, Biddeford Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the York County Sheriff’s Department searched the encampment and took…

Governor Janet Mills (D) joined the chief executives of 20 other states Thursday in calling on President Trump to release U.S. Department of Agriculture contingency funds to sustain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which are expected to end Saturday for 170,000 Maine residents if the federal shutdown continues. In a joint letter to the president, the governors urged immediate action to release the funding Congress has already appropriated, warning that halting SNAP payments would harm millions of families nationwide. On October 10, the USDA informed states that November benefits would not be distributed, and two weeks later, the agency…

A man serving a life sentence for killing his parents and two-family friends in Maine, before wounding three others in a highway shooting spree, died Tuesday at a Massachusetts prison, authorities said. Joseph Eaton, 36, was found unresponsive at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster around 4:15 a.m., according to the Massachusetts Department of Corrections and the Worcester District Attorney’s Office. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Prison officials said no foul play is suspected. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. The incident remains under investigation by State Police…

Just days before Mainers head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, the controversy surrounding 250 absentee ballots found inside an Amazon package in Newburgh continues to deepen, with more questions than answers from state officials. A Newburgh woman said she discovered the sealed ballots in a package she received in late September. State election officials later confirmed that the ballots matched a missing shipment meant for Ellsworth, reported lost the same day. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows quickly promised to find the “bad actors” responsible for what she described as a serious break in the chain of custody. But…

Governor Janet Mills has kept a notably low profile in her campaign for the U.S. Senate, even as her Democratic rival Graham Platner dominates headlines and early polling in the race to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in 2026. Other than using the Government shut down and SNAP benefits as a way to attack President Trump, the Governor is keeping a low profile. Mills officially entered the race in mid-October, months after Platner launched a populist campaign that captured the attention of progressive voters and national media alike. While Platner has surged ahead in early surveys, Mills has taken a…

Troopers from the Maine State Police Northern Field Troop responded around 3:32 p.m. to the 32000 Road in Township 41, off the Stud Mill Road, in northern Hancock County to a report of an unattended death. Authorities said 70-year-old David Bridges of Kennebunk was discovered deceased in a bog just off the roadway. Bridges appeared to have been fur trapping in the area at the time of his death. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta will determine the cause and manner of death. Police said the death does not appear to be suspicious. The Maine Warden Service assisted…

A downtown Lewiston apartment building that was condemned more than a year ago is at the center of renewed controversy surrounding a local political candidate whose official address is listed there. According to internal city emails obtained by The Maine Wire, City Clerk Kathy Montejo raised concerns on Oct. 27 about whether School Committee member and City Council candidate Iman Osman is eligible to hold office or remain on the ballot. Montejo wrote that 210 Blake Street — the address on Osman’s voter registration, school committee record, and ballot filing — was condemned by city code enforcement on Oct. 16,…

Governor Janet Mills announced Wednesday that she is releasing $1.25 million in state and private funds to help offset the loss of federal food assistance caused by the ongoing government shutdown. The plan includes $1 million from the governor’s contingency account and $250,000 from the John T. Gorman Foundation, to be distributed through the Good Shepherd Food Bank and Maine’s network of Area Agencies on Aging. The funding aims to address the lapse in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits set to impact 170,000 Maine residents beginning November 1. “When the federal government fails, Maine will not,” Mills said…

The town of Houlton has agreed to remove all its surveillance cameras and destroy data collected while the system was in use as part of a settlement with three residents who threatened legal action over alleged violations of Maine’s facial recognition law. After months of negotiation, the Houlton Town Council voted Monday night to approve the settlement agreement with residents Mark Lipscombe, Craig Harriman, and Patrick Bruce. The agreement followed controversy surrounding the town’s use of cameras equipped with facial recognition technology. The deal is not yet finalized, as the council made minor deadline changes that the men have not…

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins may face the toughest reelection fight of her career, and one of the most competitive in the country, next year — and political analysts say her path to victory could depend on whether she can rally support from Maine’s conservative base, including MAGA-aligned Republicans. Collins, a moderate Republican who has held her seat since 1997, has weathered political storms before. But with Democrats eyeing the seat as a top pick-up opportunity, the state’s most prominent Republican may need to broaden her coalition to counter a potential challenge from either progressive activist Graham Platner or Democratic Gov.…

Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday used the ongoing federal shutdown to attack the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress, as she praised Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey for joining a multi-state lawsuit over contingency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. “I applaud Attorney General Aaron Frey for joining this lawsuit. The USDA has contingency funding authorized by Congress for SNAP in cases of emergency but wrongly and callously claims it cannot spend it,” Mills said. “The USDA can and should distribute contingency funds to avoid the disastrous harm that are stopping SNAP benefits would create for Maine…

A rooming house at 33 Birch Ave. in Ellsworth has become a flashpoint for neighborhood frustration after years of complaints about drugs, crime, noise and unsafe conditions, all while residents say city officials have failed to act. Neighbors report they’ve endured hundreds of police calls to the address, describing loud disturbances at all hours, discarded needles, piles of dog waste and what they believe to be ongoing drug activity. “It’s been nonstop for years,” one neighbor told The Maine Wire. “And nothing changes.” The property, known locally as the Sanctuary Inn, has been at the center of neighborhood controversy since…

Maine officials have activated a loan guarantee program aimed at helping federal and state employees impacted by prolonged government shutdowns. The Government Shutdown Loan Guarantee Program, established through LD 874, is administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) in partnership with the Bureau of Financial Institutions (BFI) and the Office of the State Treasurer. The program provides interest-free loans to eligible employees when a shutdown lasts more than seven consecutive days. FAME oversees the program for participating Maine financial institutions but does not lend directly to individuals. Instead, participating banks and credit unions offer short-term relief loans to workers…

Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., has called on progressive candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat. In remarks during an interview with Boston’s WCVB “On the Record,” Auchincloss, 37, accused Platner of “criticizing and mocking police, rural Americans,” and of carrying a tattoo associated with Nazi imagery — a mark he said makes Platner unfit for the Senate. Platner, 41, got the tattoo in question, a skull-and-crossbones resembling the “Totenkopf” symbol German officers in Nazi death camps used during the Holocaust, while serving as a Marine on shore leave in Croatia. Platner says he…

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner (D) is once again facing scrutiny for factually-challenged remarks, this time targeting Sen. Susan Collins (R) over the looming threat to food assistance programs during the federal government shutdown. Platner posted on X: “The upcoming SNAP cutoff will cause widespread hunger in the richest country on Earth — including 170,000 Mainers, a third of them children. Families. Seniors. Susan Collins is sending children to bed hungry.” https://twitter.com/grahamformaine/status/1982837900590125450 The claim is being criticized for ignoring key facts: SNAP benefits are at risk because of the shutdown itself, not any action taken by Collins. The senator has…

Voters in Portland will head to the polls a week from tomorrow to decide whether to raise the city’s minimum wage to $19 an hour by 2028, a proposal that critics say could accelerate the city’s affordability crisis and drive out small businesses. The measure, placed on the ballot by the City Council in August, would increase Portland’s current minimum wage of $15.50 an hour to $16.75 in 2026, $17.75 in 2027 and $19.00 in 2028. After that, the wage would rise annually with inflation, ensuring continual cost increases for employers. [RELATED: Portland Residents to Consider Minimum Wage Hikes] Business…

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Silver Alert for 82-year-old Alison Macleod of Castine, who was last seen Sunday afternoon. Macleod was reported missing after leaving her home around 4:30 p.m. to travel to Bucksport. She suffers from cognitive issues and was driving a 2014 gray Toyota Prius with Maine registration 817KDY. Authorities described Macleod as a white female, 5-foot-3 and 135 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes. She does not have a cell phone. She was last seen wearing a red windbreaker, sweater and blue jeans. Anyone who locates Macleod is asked to call the Hancock…

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in on two separate fires over the weekend in Turner and Farmington, the first of which remains under investigation. On Saturday around 5 p.m., the Turner Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at a single-family residence. When crews arrived, they found two sheds fully engulfed in flames. Both sheds, located next to each other, were destroyed. No residential buildings were damaged, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. On Sunday around 2 p.m., the Farmington Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Troll Valley Campground on…

The newly-hired campaign manager for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is stepping down, according to two people familiar with his plans, Axios reported on Monday — another sign of mounting turmoil surrounding a campaign already facing heavy criticism. Platner, who has aligned himself with progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), has faced backlash after revelations that he once had a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and posted controversial messages on social media. The scandal has become a growing liability for Democrats hoping to hold ground in a competitive race. Kevin Brown, a close friend of Platner who began as campaign…

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner spent Sunday afternoon on the defensive during a virtual town hall, attempting to rally his base and reframe the growing backlash over his past online statements and a controversial tattoo tied to Nazi imagery. More than 1,200 people joined the hour-long Zoom call, and Platner was joined by his wife Amy. During the meeting Platner alternated between appealing to progressive voters and attacking party insiders, whom he accused of trying to “rip our life apart.” Platner acknowledged the uproar over a skull-and-crossbones tattoo he received in 2007 while in the military. He insisted it…

A stolen pickup truck crashed into multiple vehicles Friday afternoon on Interstate 95 in Augusta, injuring two people and snarling traffic for hours, state police said. The crash occurred around 4:05 p.m. when a Maine State Police Major Crimes Central detective traveling northbound spotted a 2008 Toyota Tundra driving erratically and tried to pull it over, officials said. The driver failed to stop, and near mile marker 119 northbound, the Tundra struck another vehicle, triggering a four-vehicle crash. The driver fled on foot but was quickly taken into custody by responding troopers. A passenger in a 2024 Toyota RAV4 and…

State and local officials gathered Friday to celebrate the completion of Exit 35 on the Maine Turnpike, marking the end of a major safety and traffic flow upgrade in Saco. The new interchange is scheduled to open to drivers on Monday, November 3. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held October 24, 2025, drew Maine Turnpike Authority leaders, city officials, and community members. The program included a flag-raising ceremony, remarks from state and local leaders, and music from the Saco Middle School Band directed by Nicole Wise. Representative Marshall Archer (D-Saco) led the Pledge of Allegiance before MTA Chief Administrative Officer Erin Sullivan…

Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to decide several competitive City Council races that will shape Biddeford’s approach to housing, taxes, infrastructure and government transparency. Three candidates are competing for two at-large seats, while Ward One, Ward Two, Ward Four, Ward Six and Ward Seven feature contested races. Ward Five is uncontested. At-Large Race: Lessard, Vadnais, Sheikh-Yousef Incumbent Marc Lessard, 62, has served the council for much of the past 30 years. Lisa Vadnais, 64, chairs the School Committee and has held that position for 16 years. Nasreen A. Sheikh-Yousef, 34, serves on the board of…

Maine State Police are investigating a shooting in Waldo County that left one person injured Thursday afternoon. Troopers from the Central Field Troop responded at approximately 4:25 p.m. to 1580 Bailey Road in Knox for a reported shooting. When they arrived, they determined the victim, 40-year-old Astin Elwell of Knox, had been shot and taken to Waldo General Hospital in Belfast before officers arrived. Elwell was later transported to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor with non-life-threatening injuries. A preliminary investigation indicates three males wearing ski masks arrived at the residence in a gold or tan Jeep Cherokee.…

Harvard University students and staff were ordered to shelter in place Friday after a reported shooting in Cambridge. The university issued an emergency alert saying Cambridge police received a report that an unidentified man on a bicycle fired shots at another person on Sherman Street. The suspect was last seen heading toward Garden Street. Garden Street leads south past Cambridge Common and connects with Massachusetts Avenue near Harvard’s campus. City and university police are searching for the suspect. Members of the Harvard community were instructed to stay inside and avoid the Quad area. The shelter in place order was lifted…

Standing in downtown Lewiston on a rainy night this week, Republican candidate for Governor Robert “Bobby” Charles issued a direct plea to President Donald Trump, on social media, to take action to address what he described as a growing public safety and drug crisis in Androscoggin County. Charles said he submitted a request two weeks ago to Gov. Janet Mills, asking her to seek a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area designation for the region. That designation would open federal funding for both drug enforcement and treatment. He said he also asked the governor to mobilize the National Guard under Title…

U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take all possible steps to protect food assistance for low-income families during the ongoing government shutdown. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Collins called on the agency to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments continue without interruption. SNAP provides critical support to low-income households to help them afford nutritious food. In Maine, more than 170,000 residents — including 50,000 children and 73,000 older adults — rely on the program. “The needless and reckless government shutdown directed by…

Maine State Police arrested a Livermore Falls man early Wednesday in connection with a child exploitation investigation and are asking the public for help identifying other individuals who might be involved. Detectives with the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit South arrested 40-year-old Jacob Hiscock at his Livermore Falls residence on charges of sexual abuse of a minor and possession of sexually explicit material. Police said the arrest followed a month-long investigation involving the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Sabattus Police Department, Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maine Warden’s Service. Hiscock was taken to the Androscoggin County Jail.…

Three individuals were arrested Wednesday following a month-long drug investigation in New Gloucester and Lewiston, according to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. At about 7 a.m., MDEA agents, with assistance from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit and the South Portland Police Department’s Southern Maine Regional SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at 1351 Lewiston Road in New Gloucester. Agents arrested 45-year-old Siyad Abdi of New Gloucester on charges of trafficking and unlawful possession. Abdi also had three outstanding warrants. He was taken to the Cumberland County Jail, where his bail was set at $15,000. Later in the…

Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been halted for November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, leaving millions of Americans and thousands of Mainers facing uncertainty about their food assistance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has notified states that November SNAP funding will not be issued at this time. Nationwide, about 42 million individuals receive SNAP benefits. In Maine, 169,812 people, nearly 12.5% of the state’s population, rely on the program for at least some part of their food needs. Certain counties, including Androscoggin, Aroostook, Piscataquis, Somerset and Washington, approach or exceed 20…

Frustration is reaching a boiling point in Newburgh as local officials say they’ve received no communication from state or federal authorities about the mysterious Amazon box containing 250 absentee ballots discovered on a resident’s front porch earlier this month — despite what Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has called a vigorous, multi-jurisdictional investigation into the matter. All three members of the Newburgh Board of Selectmen said they have not been informed of any formal investigation. Jonathan Clements said there is “no evidence of any investigation.” Ed Lovell described the board’s growing unease: “The frustration we are feeling, being in the…

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles sharply criticized former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah’s (D) handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing him of using emergency powers to lock down the state and impose harsh mandates that he said damaged education, health care, and families. Charles’ broadside coincided with Shah’s announcement on Monday that he seeking the Democrat Party’s nomination to run for Governor of Maine. In a statement released by his campaign on social media, Charles said Shah, whom he described as “the chief architect and enforcer” of Gov. Janet Mills’ pandemic response, kept Maine “paralyzed long after the science said…

The spirit of revival was in abundance when the Cumberland County Republican Committee hosted a community event Tuesday evening to honor and remember conservative activist Charlie Kirk, pledging to carry forward his message and expand his movement in Maine. Held at Calvary Chapel in Westbrook, the gathering drew students, grassroots organizers, pastors and political leaders from across the region. Organizers said the event was designed to build lasting relationships, support new Turning Point USA chapter leaders and provide resources and encouragement to grow what they described as Kirk’s vision of “Faith, Family, and Freedom.” The evening programming was moderated by…

A long-simmering debate in Portland politics has resurfaced as several city councilors continue to decline to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of council meetings, sparking renewed public controversy in Maine’s largest city. The gesture, while legally protected, has drawn sharp criticism from some residents who view it as disrespectful to the flag, veterans and shared civic values. Others have defended the councilors’ decision, calling it a matter of personal conscience and political expression. The issue gained national attention this week when U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) retweeted a post about the controversy, asking, “What is wrong…

The Fraternal Order of Police, Maine’s largest police union representing more than 1,000 law enforcement officers statewide, announced its formal opposition to Question 2, the proposed “Red Flag” law on the November 4 ballot. FOP Executive Director Michael Edes said the union is “steadfastly against Question 2” and is strongly encouraging voters to reject the measure, calling it a “disaster waiting to happen.” The Maine FOP said it carefully analyzed and considered the provisions of the proposal and determined it would not make the state safer. Instead, the union argued, the measure could increase risks to the public, families and…

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Planter is once again at the center of a political firestorm after a newly released podcast video showed him casually describing how he got a Nazi-associated skull and crossbones tattoo while stationed overseas with the Marines. Planter told hosts of “Pod Save America” that he and fellow Marines were drunk in Split, Croatia, when they chose “a terrifying looking skull and crossbones off the wall because we were Marines and, you know, skulls and crossbones are pretty standard military.” He added that he’s lived his entire adult life with the tattoo and claimed “nobody ever…

Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) joined survivors and families of victims from the Lewiston mass shooting in calling for accountability and transparency over how millions of dollars in donations were distributed as the second anniversary of the tragedy approaches. Survivors and relatives say funds that donors believed would go directly to victims were instead reallocated to outside organizations, some of which, they contend, had no clear connection to victim support. They say they were never notified of these decisions. LePage said he helped raise more than $474,000 to support victims and their families and now questions whether the money…

Cumberland County commissioners are sharply divided over whether to continue or end a long-standing contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allows the county jail to detain individuals for federal immigration authorities. The debate, which unfolded Monday evening, revealed deep concerns about the financial, legal, and humanitarian implications of the agreement. The county faces the potential loss of more than $2 million in operating costs if federal reimbursement for housing detainees disappears. Chairman Stephen Gordon warned that “property taxes could rise if the county continues the arrangement without full compensation.” Others pointed to the strain on fixed costs…

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) reintroduced legislation Thursday aimed at lowering prescription drug costs by speeding generic medications to market. A previous version of the “Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act” did not pass into law in a prior Congress, likely due to the powerful influence of the pharmaceutical lobby. The bipartisan bill would give the Food and Drug Administration stronger authority to reject citizen petitions filed to delay approval of generic drugs. The lawmakers said some companies misuse the petition process to extend patent protections and block competitors. “We know that increasing generic drug competition…

Former state health official Dr. Nirav Shah, best known for leading the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention through the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Monday that he is running for governor of Maine as a Democrat. Shah, who also held a role with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Biden administration before returning to his home state, said he believed Maine “is at a crossroads” and that the state needs “a governor with proven leadership experience who is ready to tackle our challenges head-on.” Shah’s campaign pitch emphasizes his record in managing large-scale public health efforts, including…

Bill Clarke who has previously run for office in Maine with the U.S. Taxpayers’ Party, is now seeking to challenge U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) for the Republican nomination, he said in a press release late last week. Clarke is framing his campaign as a return to what he describes as the founding principles of the nation. In materials posted online, Clarke lays out a vision centered on limited government, constitutional literalism, and a moral foundation rooted in faith. “In June (when the primary is held), Lord willing, Maine Republicans will no longer be faced with choosing among the lesser…

Republican members of the Maine Legislature’s Appropriations and Taxation Committees on Friday called for a November public hearing to consider adopting recent federal tax changes aimed at easing the burden on workers, seniors and families. The federal provisions, included in the “Working Families Tax Cut Act” passed by Congress and now in effect for 2025, give states the option to align their tax codes with the new measures. Provisions Republicans are highlighting include eliminating state taxes on tips and overtime pay, increasing the Maine standard deduction, adding a new $6,000 deduction for seniors, and creating a new deduction for car…

The patient still lives, but the prognosis is grim, Maine’s top fiscal official told lawmakers on Friday regarding the federal government shutdown now in its third week. Maine Commissioner of the Department of Administration and Financial Services Kirsten Figueroa outlined the state’s daily evaluation of the impacts of the federal government shutdown on funding, programs, and employees during a legislative committee briefing on Friday afternoon. Figueroa emphasized that while federal funding has not completely stopped, cash flow is limited and will diminish the longer the shutdown continues. She compared the situation to turning off a water spigot, “money continues to…

Former state Rep. Genevieve McDonald has resigned as political director from Graham Platner’s U.S. Senate campaign following the release of controversial and offensive Reddit posts Platner made several years ago. The posts, made under the username “P-Hustle,” included comments promoting violence, making racist and xenophobic remarks, and referring to police officers as “bastards,” according to reports from CNN and Politico. In her resignation, McDonald told the Bangor Daily News that she was unaware of Platner’s past statements when she joined the campaign. She said the “they are not words or values I can stand behind.” McDonald, most recently a lobbyist for…

Senate Democrats on Thursday voted to block consideration of the fiscal year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill, prompting sharp criticism from Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. Collins said the defense funding bill had advanced out of committee on a bipartisan 26-3 vote and would provide key resources for the nation’s military and defense industrial base. She called the vote to block it “partisan games” that undermine national security and the well-being of U.S. service members. The legislation includes full-year defense funding aimed at deterring adversaries, strengthening the industrial base and investing in shipbuilding. It also includes…

A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted former Trump national security adviser John Bolton on 18 counts of illegally hoarding and transmitting sensitive information, charges that could carry decades in prison. The indictment accuses Bolton, 76, of sending national security documents through a personal AOL email account and knowingly sharing classified materials with outside contacts during his tenure in the Trump administration. Prosecutors allege the documents included intelligence labeled “top secret” and detailed information on future attacks, foreign adversaries and international relations. According to the indictment, some of the sensitive communications on Bolton’s personal email account were exposed when an…

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows hasn’t provided voters with any new information regarding the discovery of 250 absentee ballots in an Amazon Prime shipment since her widely panned press conference at the State House. But she has quietly replaced United Parcel Service, Inc (UPS) with a new courier company to handle the delivery of Election Day ballots, according to communications reviewed by the Maine Wire. Some Maine towns were informed of the change on Tuesday with an email from Director of Elections & Voter Registration Heidi M. Peckham. “Official (Election Day) ballots are beginning to ship. Please note that…

Gov. Janet Mills made a campaign stop Thursday morning at Maine Beer Company in Freeport, where brewery co-founder Dan Kleban, a former candidate for U.S. Senate, endorsed her bid for the seat. The two shared a beer to mark the endorsement, underscoring Mills’ push to unify the Democratic base behind her. But the event quickly moved away from beer and campaign smiles when reporters began pressing the governor on recent controversies. Asked by The Maine Wire about the 250 absentee ballots found in an Amazon box in Newburgh — and why she laughed off a question earlier in the week…

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins announced her support for the nomination of David St. Pierre, the former Lewiston police chief, to serve as U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine. His nomination requires Senate confirmation. Collins praised St. Pierre’s more than three decades of law enforcement service, citing his leadership during the 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston. “I strongly support David St, Pierre’s nomination to serve as U.S. Marshall for the District of Maine. Chief St. Pierre has dedicated more than three decades to protecting the people of Lewiston and strengthening partnerships across local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies,” she…

State fire investigators are examining the cause of a deadly blaze that broke out early Tuesday morning at a single-family home in Harpswell. The Office of State Fire Marshal responded to 1501 Harpswell Neck Road shortly after 4:28 a.m. after Harpswell firefighters were called to the scene. Crews found one individual inside the home. The person, tentatively identified as 78-year-old Hugh MacFarlane of Harpswell, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. The fire caused extensive damage to the home, particularly on the second floor. The cause of…

The “No Kings” movement is returning to Maine this weekend with rallies planned in several cities and towns across the state. Organizers say the events are aimed at protesting what they describe as increasingly authoritarian tactics by President Donald Trump. The movement, launched by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of political action groups, has organized similar demonstrations in the past. Those earlier efforts drew crowds but resulted in no major legislative or political changes. Rallies are scheduled for Saturday, October 18, at locations across Maine: • Portland – Deering Oaks Park, 1:30–3:00 p.m. • Belfast – Steamboat Landing Park, 2:00–5:00 p.m.…

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — One day after former President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, students at Southern Maine Community College held their first official meeting of a new Turning Point USA chapter on Wednesday afternoon. The gathering, held on campus despite a last-minute room change, marked the first time a Turning Point USA collegiate chapter has been launched at a Maine college. Organizers said the event was intended to build momentum for the conservative youth movement in the state’s college system. “This really means a lot. It’s super important carrying…

Residents in Lyman are raising concerns after a steady stream of tractor-trailers are continuing to travel down a road clearly marked as closed, despite multiple warning signs and barricades indicating the bridge is out. Neighbors told The Maine Wire they’ve counted at least 25 tractor-trailers in recent weeks attempting to use the blocked road, Alewive Road, Route 35 southbound. Many of the drivers ignore the posted warnings, continue down the narrow stretch, and are then forced to back up the entire length of the road because there is no room to turn around, observers have reported. These backups have created…

Governor Janet Mills used her Tuesday speech at a rule of law seminar at Hannaford Hall on the University of Southern Maine campus to position herself as a defender of the Constitution and set the tone for her campaign for U.S. Senate against Republican Senator Susan Collins. Consistent with her early campaign messaging Gov. Mills in her remarks Tuesday cast President Donald Trump as a political bully and presented herself as someone willing to confront him directly. She repeated a familiar story: “When the President of the United States unexpectedly confronted me at the White House earlier this year, when…

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida delivered the keynote address Monday at the Freedom and Opportunity Luncheon hosted by the Maine Policy Institute at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, using the platform to promote fiscal discipline, praise Maine’s economic potential and sharply criticize Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown. Scott, a Republican and former two-term governor of Florida, spoke to a packed room of business leaders, policy advocates and elected officials, weaving together his personal story of rising to wealth from a penniless childhood, his record of cutting red tape in…

BIDDEFORD, Maine— Police arrested a Maine man earlier this week in connection with the death of a 5-week-old baby last summer in Biddeford. The child died on June 20, 2024, and an autopsy the next day determined the death was a homicide, according to Maine State Police. Christopher Knapp, 36, of Biddeford, was arrested Tuesday on a warrant charging him with manslaughter. Authorities have not released the child’s name, the nature of Knapp’s relationship to the infant, or the cause of death. Knapp was indicted by a grand jury Tuesday, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday, and remains in…

Cops in Maine’s largest city will be spending more time integrating with its various communities, according to an expanded effort by the Portland police. The Portland Police Department announced an expansion of its community policing offices aimed at strengthening relationships with residents, businesses and community organizations across the city. The Midtown Community Policing Office continues to operate at 26 Portland Street, and a new location has opened at 443 Congress Street to serve the Monument Square area. The Community Policing Coordinator will divide time between these two offices. An additional office has been established at 80 Elm Street, which now…

The Newburgh Board of Selectmen’s chairman is growing increasingly frustrated over what he describes as a lack of communication and progress in the investigation into 250 absentee ballots discovered in an Amazon box delivered to a citizen of the Penobscot County town earlier this month. “It’s nine days later and we have no updates. No one from town hall has been contacted by investigators or the FBI,” said Kurt Giles, who heads the board. Giles emphasized that the chain of custody for the ballots is well-documented through the town’s security cameras. He said the woman who turned in the box…

The Senate passed a $878 billion defense policy bill late Thursday by a vote of 77 to 20, advancing legislation that includes provisions aimed at strengthening Maine’s shipbuilders and defense manufacturers. The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) now heads to a conference committee to resolve differences between the Senate and House versions. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R), who chairs the appropriations committee, said “passage of the NDAA is key for setting policy for the nation’s military priorities. The legislation would help address national security threats facing the United States, strengthen Maine’s shipbuilders and defense manufacturers, and ensure…