AGP Executive Report

Labor Day in Augusta: Gov. Janet Mills marked Sept. 7 with a statement praising Maine’s working people and highlighting recent worker protections, from paid leave to wage protections and apprenticeship requirements. Greater Portland water worries: A Westbrook aquarium shop says customers across Portland, Westbrook, Gorham, Cape Elizabeth and Gray report tap-water changes that are “killing fish,” with complaints of falling pH and rising ammonia after tank maintenance. Immigration court fight in Lewiston: A federal judge temporarily blocked ICE from removing an Angolan asylum seeker arrested outside a Lewiston-area bank, keeping him in Maine while the case is reviewed. Public safety in Lewiston: New monthly stats show 3,613 calls for service in August and 27 confirmed shooting incidents year-to-date through August. Transportation update: MaineDOT will close one southbound lane on I-295 in Portland to repair a pothole, with work expected to finish by mid-afternoon. Politics: Troy Jackson pushed back his Senate financial disclosure deadline to Oct. 5, delaying voters’ first detailed look at his finances.

Elections & Voting: The Maine Secretary of State’s Office laid out key deadlines for the Nov. 3 election, including absentee voting start dates and registration cutoffs, plus guidance for UOCAVA voters. Public Health & Safety: A Westbrook pet store says customers are reporting unusable tap water for fish tanks, with complaints tied to ammonia and pH changes after maintenance. Local Business: Jemma Gascoine turned a long-ago pottery class into a thriving Monson operation, now running Monson Pottery and a gallery. Sports: Maine high school fall sports kicked off with Sept. 5 scores across field hockey, football, soccer, and volleyball, while college teams posted early results from NCAA regional previews. Education: Four Maine educators were named finalists for the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year award. Legal & Rights: Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court upheld limits on a mother’s ability to take her daughter to church, handing final say to the father in a custody-and-faith dispute. Politics: Independent gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett hit Waterville, focusing on affordability as his top issue. Campaign Watch: Senate candidate Troy Jackson pushed back on Susan Collins after a viral comment about his family relationship.

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The high court agreed to hear a Second Amendment challenge to an Illinois ban on modern semiautomatic firearms, with arguments set for Dec. 2, as more gun-rights appeals pile up. Maine Courts & Religion: Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court upheld a ruling giving a father final say over his daughter’s evangelical church attendance after a custody fight over alleged “psychologically damaging” teachings. Healthcare Lawsuit: A former Central Maine Healthcare nurse is suing over alleged underpayment of overtime and missed meal-break pay since 2020, with the case still in discovery. Education: UMF welcomed more than 390 students to its incoming Class of 2030. Sports: Gordon College men’s cross country took fifth and women’s earned sixth at the NCAA Regional Preview; Maine high school fall sports scores rolled in for Sept. 5. Politics: Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson pushed back on Sen. Susan Collins after a comment about his family relationship went viral.

Sports (Maine college XC): Maine Maritime Academy kicked off the 2026 season at Bates’ NCAA Regional Preview, led by Sophie Sabet (women) and Williams Spaulding (men), with both teams returning next Saturday. Local Politics: Independent gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett stopped in Waterville for his “For a Better Maine Tour,” saying affordability is the top issue and blaming partisan gridlock for rising costs. Courts/Religion: Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court upheld a ruling giving a father final say over his daughter’s church attendance and religious exposure, keeping the lower court’s limits in place. Public Safety (Lewiston): State police identified the man killed outside the Blue Goose Tavern as 37-year-old Travis Hunter of Lisbon; investigators say the shooter is cooperating and the incident appears isolated. Education: Four Maine educators were named 2027 Teacher of the Year state finalists. Healthcare: Maine EMS and Maine CDC partnered with Mass General Hospital to train 40 EMS clinicians on transporting high-consequence infectious disease patients. Campaign/US Senate: Troy Jackson fired back at Sen. Susan Collins after she referenced a viral comment about his family relationship.

Public Safety: Maine State Police identified 37-year-old Travis Hunter of Lisbon as the man killed in a shooting outside the Blue Goose Tavern in Lewiston early Wednesday; a woman was treated and released, and the shooter has been identified and is cooperating as investigators say it appears isolated. Courts & Religion: The Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld a custody order limiting a mother’s ability to take her 13-year-old to church and to read Bible materials without the father’s approval, with the dispute tied to claims about the child’s anxiety after church teachings. Healthcare Politics: At the Health Care for Maine conference, gubernatorial candidates laid out sharply different plans as Mainers face rising costs, hospital closures, and federal Medicaid and subsidy cuts. EMS Preparedness: Maine EMS and Maine CDC partnered with Mass General Hospital to train 40 EMS clinicians statewide on transporting high-consequence infectious disease patients. Local Government: A Lewiston City Council vote failed to enter executive session for legal talks without the required supermajority, sparking a transparency-versus-closed-doors fight. Sports: Maine high school football scores rolled in Friday, including Portland 40, Lewiston 14.

Lewiston Shooting: Maine State Police identified the man killed outside the Blue Goose Tavern on Sabattus Street as 37-year-old Travis Hunter of Lisbon; an autopsy found a gunshot wound to the chest and ruled the death a homicide, while a woman was treated and released and investigators say the incident appears isolated. Local Politics: Lewiston City Council’s vote to enter an executive session with legal counsel failed 4-3 because it didn’t reach the required supermajority, sparking a transparency-versus-grandstanding fight. Courts & Religion: Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court upheld a custody order blocking a mother from taking her 13-year-old daughter to church or reading Bible material without the father’s permission, with the case headed toward the U.S. Supreme Court. Healthcare Costs: At the Health Care for Maine conference, gubernatorial candidates laid out sharply different plans as Mainers face access and affordability pressure amid expected Medicaid and coverage losses. Education: Maine DOE announced 2027 Teacher of the Year state finalists, including a Lewiston High School chemistry teacher. Business & Community: USDA Rural Development will expand monthly staff availability at USDA service centers across rural Maine starting Sept. 8. Arts in Maine: Orono’s Black Bear Cinemas is hosting the world premiere of “Saving Black Bear,” a locally shot film about saving an independent theater.

Norway Housing: Norway’s Planning Board unanimously approved a plan to rehabilitate the former Advertiser Democrat building into 14 apartments, using state and federal historic tax credits after residents raised concerns about rents, parking, lighting, and fit with the historic downtown. Jay Solar Vote: Jay voters will decide in November on a 180-day moratorium on commercial solar farm development after a petition drive forced the measure onto the ballot. Portland Taxes: Portland’s FY 26/27 property tax mil rate rises 4.9% to $12.58 per $1,000 of assessed value, driven by budget and cost increases. Portland Business Closures: Bar Publica in Portland’s West Bayside will close permanently this week, citing the chef’s health. ICE & Lewiston: A federal judge temporarily blocked ICE from transferring a Lewiston asylum seeker out of Maine while the court reviews his detention. Drought Watch: Maine’s Drought Task Force says groundwater and water impacts are growing as dry conditions worsen, urging conservation and well monitoring. Public Safety: Augusta traffic stop nets nearly 2 pounds of cocaine and a stolen gun; Lewiston also saw an ICE arrest tied to a bank. Courts & Religion: Maine’s Supreme Court upheld limits on a mother’s ability to take her daughter to church, with an appeal expected. Local Sports: High school fall scores rolled in Sept. 3, with notable football wins including Biddeford over Brunswick and Marshwood over Sanford.

Health Care & Politics: Maine’s 9th Annual Health Care for Maine conference in Augusta drew nearly 200 people to tackle rising medical debt and looming federal changes, with Gov. Janet Mills honored as a “Health Care Hero” for expanding coverage and postpartum care. Courts & Religion: The Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld a ruling blocking a mother from taking her 13-year-old to Calvary Chapel, with the case now headed toward the U.S. Supreme Court. Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrested an employee in downtown Lewiston after he returned to work at Bangor Savings Bank, prompting Mayor Carl Sheline to criticize the action. Public Safety: Maine’s drought is expanding inland and north, and officials urged conservation as many water stations sit below normal; meanwhile, Kennebunk warned of sinkholes spreading at Gooch’s Beach. Crime: Nearly 2 pounds of cocaine and meth plus a stolen gun were seized in an Augusta traffic stop, leading to felony drug and theft charges. Local Governance: Portland marked one year since its vacant storefront ordinance, while York voters will decide in November on a Flock camera ban. Business & Media: The nonprofit that owns the Portland Press Herald is buying five Vermont weekly newspapers.

Wildlife Crime: Maine wardens are offering a $3,000 reward for tips on a poacher in Rome who allegedly shot and left a doe to rot off Route 225. Immigration Enforcement: New federal data shows ICE arrests in Maine are surging, with a big jump in detentions of people with no criminal records. Housing & Food Funding: $1.2 million is headed to dozens of Maine organizations tackling housing and food insecurity. Courts & Religion: The Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld a ruling giving a father final say over his daughter’s church attendance and Bible-related activities, setting up a possible U.S. Supreme Court appeal. Politics: Tariffs on Canada are rattling Maine’s Senate race, with Susan Collins and Troy Jackson trading attacks and PolitiFact weighing in on Jackson’s claims. Public Safety Tech: Androscoggin County is building a mobile emergency communications trailer using Starlink to keep agencies connected during disasters. Weather: A warm, unsettled Friday is ahead, with Labor Day weekend turning cooler and breezier. Local Crime: Brunswick police arrested a suspect after a man was found dead following reported gunshots at a Valerie Avenue home.

Maine Supreme Court: The Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld a custody order giving a father final say over whether his daughter can attend her mother’s evangelical church, rejecting claims the restriction violates religious rights. Immigration & schools: A new Maine law limits federal immigration officers from entering public schools and healthcare facilities without a warrant, as families head back to class. ICE in Maine: Through July, ICE arrests in Maine surged to 488 people, with a big jump in detaining people with no criminal records. Lewiston violence: Police are investigating a shooting outside the Blue Goose Tavern that left one man dead and a woman released after treatment; investigators say it appears isolated. Public safety: Maine State Police will use roadside testing vehicles over the holiday weekend to crack down on impaired driving. Energy grants: Gov. Mills announced nearly $5M in energy-efficiency grants for 72 communities. Local business: New stores opened at the Auburn Mall after a Facebook post drew major interest. Diocese abuse: Another survivor spoke out after a settlement with the Diocese of Portland, saying the diocese hasn’t apologized.

Maine U.S. Senate Race: A Portland letter argues new Canadian tariffs will hurt Sen. Susan Collins ahead of November, framing it as another blow to her campaign. Lewiston Public Safety: Police and Maine State Police Major Crimes detectives are investigating a shooting near the Blue Goose Tavern on Sabattus Street; the road was closed early Wednesday as investigators worked. Lewiston Fire Case: A Lewiston man, Treven Stoops, was charged with arson after an alleged fire at a Libby Avenue home he shared with his girlfriend; no injuries, but pet birds died. Brunswick Investigation: Brunswick police and state investigators are probing a gunshot-related death at a mobile home park on Valerie Street; a resident was taken into custody and the case is with Major Crimes. State Policy & Environment: Maine bans anglers from using certain painted lead jigs on inland waters starting Sept. 1 to protect loons. Community & Culture: Maine libraries are launching a statewide Library Passport Contest starting Sept. 1, and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is previewing its “Gather, Glow, and Celebrate” Gardens Aglow season. Business/Jobs: Dentons named Chad Higgins managing partner of its Portland office.

US Senate Race: Troy Jackson faced tough questions at his first Lewiston town hall, contrasting his working-class, labor-focused pitch with Susan Collins’ record and defense-industry ties as the campaign tightens 63 days out. Higher Ed Labor: Southern Maine Community College faculty picketed over a contract pay dispute that counts lab, shop and clinical hours as only 80% of classroom time, arguing it undervalues hands-on workforce training. Public Safety/Crime: Brunswick investigators are seeking info after a man was found dead following reported gunshots at a Valerie Avenue mobile home park; a resident was taken into custody. Public Safety/Transportation: Auburn police say a man was seriously injured but expected to survive after being struck by a train while walking on tracks. Environment: Maine’s new rule bans anglers from using certain painted lead jigs on inland waters starting Sept. 1 to protect loons from lead poisoning. Courts/Religion: Maine’s top court upheld limits on a mother’s ability to take her daughter to a Christian church, sending the dispute toward the U.S. Supreme Court. Community/Preparedness: MEMA urged Mainers to update winter emergency go-bags and plans as colder weather approaches.

Portland Spotlight: Jordan Davis stopped at Portland Head Light during his “Portland, Maine” performance, turning the song into a real-life Maine moment. Lewiston Public Safety: A Monday house fire on Libby Avenue triggered a major police and fire response, including a drone and a temporary Veterans Memorial Bridge closure, while the State Fire Marshal investigates. Gaming Watch: Churchill Downs is weighing “strategic alternatives,” with Oxford Casino in Maine potentially on the sale list—raising questions about what happens to local tax revenue if ownership changes. Health Care: Maine lawmakers are urging MaineHealth to pause its plan to close the Lincoln Hospital labor-and-delivery unit, citing rural access concerns. Cannabis Policy: Maine will distribute 12,000 free lockable cannabis storage bags statewide this fall to help keep products out of reach of kids and pets. Politics & Voting: U.S. Sen. Susan Collins says she doesn’t see a need for ICE at polling places, pushing back on GOP nominee Bobby Charles’ plan. Community & Culture: Spectrum Generations’ Celebrity Chef Challenge returns to Augusta Oct. 5 with three Maine chefs competing for a downtown-focused fundraiser.

Cannabis Safety: Maine will hand out 12,000 free lockable cannabis storage bags statewide this fall, with eligibility for adults 21+ (recreational) and 18+ (medical) through 140 participating retailers, including multiple locations in Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, and Augusta. Public Safety: Portland police identified 57-year-old Nichele Roakes as the woman killed in a hit-and-run on Forest Avenue; investigators say a dark pickup struck her and did not stop. Rural Health Funding: Maine Senate Republicans are urging the Mills administration to redirect Rural Health Transformation Program money to federally qualified health centers like Penobscot Community Health Care, warning of serious financial strain. Energy & Jobs: Maine regulators approved a new 100-plus-mile power line to bring onshore wind power from Aroostook toward the Bangor area, with Massachusetts ratepayers helping fund it. Healthcare Access: Lawmakers pressed MaineHealth to reconsider closing the Lincoln Hospital labor-and-delivery unit, citing rural maternal care concerns. Politics & Voting: Susan Collins says she doesn’t “see the need” for ICE at polling places, pushing back on a GOP nominee’s plan to invite agents to Maine elections. Education & Labor: Southern Maine Community College faculty picketed over a pay discrepancy they say shortchanges lab, shop, and clinical instructors. Housing: Portland’s social housing task force backed a revolving-fund model for mixed-income, publicly accountable housing; City Council will weigh it in September.

Lewiston Business Shuffle: Saigon Pho has closed in Lewiston and reopened in Portland as “Pho Viet,” keeping the same management and staff at 865 Forest Ave. 9/11 Remembrance: Portland held its third annual Tunnel to Towers 5K at Payson Park, honoring first responders who ran toward danger and raising money for fallen and injured responders and veterans. Horror Weekend in Maine: The Maine Paranormal and Horror Convention returns Sept. 12-13 with celebrity guests, 160 vendors, panels, and a haunted museum. Transportation Safety: Maine State Police are investigating a wrong-way crash on I-295 in Portland involving an 88-year-old from Nelson, NH; three people were taken to Maine Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Healthcare & Labor: Nurses at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston filed to unionize, citing staffing and nurse-to-patient ratio concerns. Local Economy & Growth: USM is creating a one-stop business support hub in Portland by moving resources to the Wishcamper Center. Energy & Defense Innovation: A new Maine joint venture, First Light Works, is aiming to fast-track defense innovation with DARPA support. Back-to-School Weather: Expect a sunny start Monday, then more unsettled conditions midweek with rain chances.

Wrong-Way Crash: A wrong-way driver caused a head-on crash on I-295 in Portland Saturday night, seriously injuring three people; police say an 88-year-old from Nelson, New Hampshire, entered the southbound lanes and hit a vehicle near Tukey’s Bridge/Exit 8. Road Work in Augusta: MaineDOT will shift traffic on Bangor Street during the week of Aug. 24, then implement a new pattern Aug. 31, moving to one lane each direction with a shared turn lane. Canada Tariffs & Maine Impact: Gov. Janet Mills published a letter/op-ed in Canada’s Toronto Star criticizing Trump’s tariff fight, warning it could raise costs and disrupt northern Maine public safety, including road-salt deliveries. Utility Costs: Central Maine Power is seeking higher allowed profit on grid upgrades, a request that could add about $18 a month to typical household distribution bills if approved. Animal Shelters: Central Maine shelters and rescues report dogs waiting longer for homes as adoptions lag behind intake. Lawsuit Over Badminton Death: A family is suing the maker of a badminton racket after a 6-year-old girl died in Maine when the racket shaft pierced her skull. Community & Culture: A Tunnel to Towers 5K in Portland raised about $12,500 for veterans and first responders, and LL Bean plans a big flagship reopening in Freeport with multiple celebration weekends.