AGP Executive Report

Maine Politics: Maine’s primary results are now feeding into ranked-choice tabulations, with the Secretary of State’s office saying multiple races will go to the June 12 count after no candidate clears 50% in first-choice voting. Statehouse Watch: Tuesday’s legislative primaries set up November’s fight over control of the Maine Senate and House, with Republicans eyeing a chance to flip at least one chamber as Democrats’ majorities stay narrow. Local Roads: MaineDOT will permanently close a temporary I-95 access road in Augusta on June 22, affecting routes tied to Whitten Road. Augusta/Legal: A court sided with the Secretary of State to keep a trans sports referendum off the November ballot. Public Safety: Portland rolled out a summer pedestrian safety push, “Slow Down, Portland. We Walk Here,” aimed at reducing fatal crashes. Soccer Buzz: Portland Hearts of Pine’s new USLW women’s team sold out 5,000 season ticket deposits in under an hour. Health & Education: Maine Community College System president David Daigler will step down at the end of the 2026-27 school year. Crime: A Bangor man pleaded guilty to murdering his 10-year-old son; sentencing is expected in September.

Lisbon Falls Public Safety: Two teens, ages 17 and 15, were arrested after a shelter-in-place lockdown Wednesday as police say they assaulted another minor and then set a fire in a wooded area; both now face felony arson charges, with one also facing assault and felony guns, and investigators used help from multiple agencies including K-9 units. School Budgets: Maine voters approved nearly all school budgets on Tuesday, a sharp contrast to last year’s widespread rejections; in Aroostook County, four districts that previously lost at the polls (including Fort Kent, Madawaska, Caribou and Hodgdon) passed budgets this time. Ranked-Choice Voting: Three major primaries are headed to ranked-choice tabulation—Democratic and Republican governor races and the 2nd District Democratic primary—with the process expected to run into next week. Maine Politics: Republicans are sounding alarms after strong Democratic turnout in the Senate primary, where Graham Platner is set to challenge Sen. Susan Collins in November. Health Care: MaineHealth Pharmacy opens its first retail storefront in Portland next Sunday, aiming to bring hospital-level pharmacy services to a convenient location. Local Life & Community: Lewiston Adult Education graduates highlighted an “extraordinary” teacher, and UMaine Police welcomed Bear, a comfort K-9 for campus wellness.

Maine Politics: Graham Platner won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary and will face Sen. Susan Collins in November, setting up a high-stakes rematch as Democrats weigh concerns about his past alongside his populist pitch. Ranked-Choice Voting: Maine election officials say several governor and congressional races will go to ranked-choice tabulation, with final results potentially taking about a week as ballots and memory sticks are collected and counted in Augusta. Northern Maine Spotlight: In the CD2 Democratic primary, Platner carried much of Aroostook County, underscoring how the northern district could shape the broader election map. Public Health & Food Access: MaineHealth Pharmacy opened its first retail storefront in Portland, while SUN Bucks and SUN Meals are returning for summer 2026 to help families and kids get nutrition when school is out. Local Crime: A Portland man was charged with crack cocaine trafficking after a month-long investigation and a raid. Sports & Community: Penquis Valley High School in Milo hired Hall of Fame coach Tony Hamlin to return for the 2026-27 boys basketball season.

U.S. Senate Showdown in Maine: Graham Platner clinched the Democratic nomination for the seat held by Sen. Susan Collins, setting up a high-stakes November rematch after a primary marked by heavy scrutiny of Platner’s past conduct and relationships. Ranked-Choice Voting Looms: Maine’s governor and other crowded primaries are headed to ranked-choice runoffs, with tabulations expected to take about a week, meaning winners may not be final on primary night. Augusta Schools Budget: Augusta voters approved a school budget that triggers $6.6 million in cuts, including eliminating more than 20 positions, despite concerns about impacts like pay-to-play sports and reduced Latin instruction. Lewiston Education Vote: Lewiston voters passed a $128.4 million school budget, though a nonbinding question showed many still felt it was “too high.” Local Elections (Lewiston): Shanna Cox won Senate District 21, and Kiernan Majerus-Collins won House District 95, both advancing to November matchups. Knox County Court: A Knox County grand jury handed up indictments tied to drug trafficking, theft, assault, and domestic violence. Business & Community: A 65-acre private Maine island accessible by car at low tide is listed for nearly $8M, and MaineHealth added urology physician Alexander P. Cole to practices in Belfast and Rockport.

Maine Primary Spotlight: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in a high-stakes set of primaries, with the Democratic U.S. Senate race drawing national attention as Graham Platner seeks to face Sen. Susan Collins in November amid ongoing controversy. Local Politics & Privacy: Auburn lawmakers are pushing to ban Flock cameras, collecting signatures at polling places for a Nov. 3 ballot measure. Court Update: In Carrabassett Valley, Austin Doucette pleaded not guilty to intentional or knowing murder in the March 8 shooting death of his girlfriend, Makayla DeSantis. Community & Health: MaineHealth welcomed urology physician Alexander P. Cole to practices in Belfast and Rockport. Sports & Summer Plans: Maine Roller Derby launches a Summer Boot Camp in Portland, and Portland Hearts of Pine continues expanding pro soccer with a women’s team. Business & Culture: A new Crumbl Cookies pop-up is coming to Augusta, and wit & grit. in Randolph will shutter June 28.

Maine Primary Countdown: Polls close Tuesday at 8 p.m., and because Maine uses ranked-choice voting in key races, results may take more than a week to fully settle as ballots are transported and tabulated in Augusta. US Senate Spotlight: Democrats are still lining up behind Graham Platner to challenge Susan Collins, but the campaign’s credibility crisis—new scrutiny over past conduct—has some voters openly wavering. Election Mechanics: Maine’s “semi-open” primary lets about 334,000 unaffiliated voters participate, meaning a relatively small number of ballots could swing who advances. PFAS Update: Maine CDC expanded fish-consumption warnings after PFAS were found in 28 more bodies of water, including Sandy Stream (Unity/Freedom) and the Sebasticook River (Winslow). Local Governance/Privacy: Auburn lawmakers are pushing a voter-backed bid to ban Flock AI camera systems during the June 9 primary. Road Work: MaineDOT plans a weather-dependent closure of the Western Avenue I-95 eastbound ramp in Augusta for repaving. Crash: One person died in a head-on collision in Eddington after a van struck a legally parked work vehicle.

Maine Primary Countdown: Maine voters head to the polls Tuesday in a closely watched U.S. Senate and House primary, with Sen. Susan Collins running unopposed on the GOP side and Democrat Graham Platner—an Iraq/Afghanistan veteran and oyster farmer—seeking to unseat her amid a week of damaging revelations and nonstop debate over whether Democrats should stick with him. Campaign Fallout: Platner held a supportive Portland town hall as Democrats weigh “grace and redemption” versus calls to drop him, while new reporting and surging national attention keep shaping the race. Local Governance: Auburn lawmakers are pushing a citizen initiative to ban Flock AI security cameras, arguing privacy concerns as other Maine cities wrestle with similar surveillance decisions. Utilities & Cost of Living: Lewiston is proposing water rate hikes that could raise residential bills by about 10.4%, with a public hearing set for July 7. Weather: Expect a warm, mostly sunny stretch leading into Tuesday’s primary, with increasing chances of showers later in the week.

U.S. Senate Race: Graham Platner drew a big, supportive crowd at a Portland town hall Sunday, trying to steady his campaign after fresh reports about his past conduct toward women. He denied allegations described by the New York Times, while some Democrats say they’re uneasy but still backing him. Local Politics: Augusta voters may soon see a petition push for a rare ranked-choice setup that would replace ward-based council seats with citywide elected officials, a change opponents say could weaken neighborhood ties. Transportation: MaineDOT plans weather-dependent repaving work that will close the I-95 westbound ramp from Western Avenue in Augusta around June 7-8, with detours in place. Public Safety & Community: Lewiston continues to grapple with teen gun violence, with reporting pointing to deeper issues like housing and education gaps. Community Spotlight: Special Olympics Summer Games wrapped in Orono, with athletes from across Maine competing and many set to head to national events.

Maine Politics (Primary Season): Democrats and Republicans are both in high gear ahead of Maine’s June 9 primaries, with multiple “get to know the candidates” profiles spotlighting the crowded races for CD1, U.S. Senate, and governor. Maine Senate Fallout: The spotlight stays on Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Graham Platner, as new national coverage and fresh criticism swirl around allegations involving his conduct and a Nazi-linked tattoo claim. Local Elections (Augusta): A petition effort would change Augusta’s city council structure by replacing ward-based seats with citywide elected officials and using a rare ranked-choice setup—sparking pushback from current councilors. Lewiston Youth Violence: Lewiston police reports point to a troubling pattern of teen gun violence, with experts citing inequality and a juvenile justice system that critics say isn’t keeping young offenders accountable. Immigration & Refugees (Lewiston): A Lewiston nonprofit says it has resettled 35 Afrikaner refugees this year, with another 35 expected, while noting the program remains far below earlier caps. Transportation (Augusta/I-95): MaineDOT plans a weather-dependent closure of the I-95 westbound ramp at Western Avenue in Augusta for repaving, with a detour in place. Portland Parking: Portland raised meter rates and extended evening hours, but kept free Sunday parking for now after public input. South Portland Development: Plans tied to the Maine Mall area could force multiple businesses to close or relocate, including Petco, as hotel construction moves forward. Weather: Expect scattered showers and thunder chances across Maine through the weekend, with periodic downpours possible. Sports & Community: The Great Bangor Marathon & Half returned with strong finishes despite wet conditions. Environment & Food: A push to market green crabs as a culinary ingredient aims to reduce pressure on Maine’s coastal ecosystems.

Maine Politics: Democrats are scrambling in the run-up to Maine’s June 9 primary as U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner faces fresh allegations about “toxic” behavior toward ex-girlfriends, while national figures and local party leaders debate whether it’s too late to “cut bait.” Elections & Voting: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is stepping back from election duties for the primary, with deputies handling polling visits and ranked-choice tabulation; officials say full results could take more than a week. Transportation: MaineDOT will temporarily close the I-95 westbound ramp at Western Avenue in Augusta for repaving, and crews also plan pavement resurfacing in Lisbon, Auburn, and Lewiston, plus Benton Avenue work in Winslow/Benton. Weather: Wet, unsettled conditions continue with showers and isolated thunderstorms possible, including a chance of damaging storms Saturday. Sports & Community: Maine’s state outdoor track championships wrapped up statewide, and Portland’s Old Port Half Marathon/5K is set for Saturday morning. Local Life: A proposed underwater AI data center near Eastport is drawing calls for a temporary moratorium. Obituaries: Clifford N. Harris, Robert E. Williams Sr., Louise Ouellette Quirion, Brent W. Fox, Paul Leo Krizinauskas, and Brenda Fleury were among those remembered this week.

Maine Senate Race: Graham Platner told supporters in Bar Harbor he expects to win Tuesday’s Democratic primary despite fresh allegations about his conduct toward women, framing the latest reports as “weaponized” and insisting Maine “had my back.” Local Politics: Democrats are still weighing whether to rally around Gov. Janet Mills, who remains on the ballot after suspending campaigning, as party unease grows over Platner’s controversies. Eastport Data Center Fight: Residents in Eastport urged a temporary moratorium on a proposed underwater data center, citing wetland protections and concerns about environmental impacts. Road Work: MaineDOT starts pavement resurfacing June 8 across Lisbon, Auburn, and Lewiston, with alternating one-way traffic and ADA sidewalk upgrades through October. Public Safety: Lewiston police arrested a 17-year-old after a chase early Friday; officers say he discarded a handgun and faces multiple firearm and curfew-related charges. Weather: Forecasters warn of isolated thunderstorms Saturday afternoon with a risk of damaging winds and hail.

Maine Senate primary: Graham Platner’s Democratic bid for Susan Collins’ seat is still on the ballot Tuesday, but voters are split as new reports add to a growing pile of allegations about his past behavior; some Democrats are urging Gov. Janet Mills to re-engage, yet party leaders say there’s no organized push to revive her campaign. Local roads: MaineDOT starts pavement resurfacing with one-way alternating traffic in Lisbon, Auburn, and Lewiston (work runs into fall 2026), and begins Benton Avenue repairs in Winslow and Benton the week of June 8. Lewiston policing: A 17-year-old was arrested early Friday after fleeing officers and discarding a handgun during a curfew stop; he faces multiple firearm and probation-related charges. South Portland development: The city approved two new hotels near the Maine Mall, but several long-running businesses say relocation plans and timelines weren’t clear enough. State government: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is stepping back from election duties ahead of the primary, with deputies handling key tasks. Faith & community: Hundreds of Catholics joined a Eucharistic procession in Williamsburg, with Portland, Maine listed among upcoming stops.

Insurance Leadership: Maine’s Bureau of Insurance Superintendent Robert Carey announced he’ll retire June 5, after helping keep auto rates among the lowest in the country and pushing extreme-weather home protections. Politics: The Maine Senate race is still roiled by fresh allegations and counter-allegations around Democratic candidate Graham Platner, with Democrats split on how much to defend as Tuesday’s primary nears. Road Closures: MaineDOT will shut River Road in Lewiston for 90 days starting June 8 for a bridge replacement, and will also temporarily close the I-95 westbound ramp from Western Avenue in Augusta for repaving. Education: The Maine DOE is taking applications for a statewide early literacy screener review project tied to the dyslexia screening law, and it welcomed 10 student interns for summer 2026. Public Safety: Lewiston police arrested a 17-year-old after a chase where he allegedly discarded a handgun, and Maine State Police arrested a New Hampshire man in a 1993 Kittery homicide case. Community & Sports: Portland’s Hearts of Pine won a USL W League franchise for women’s soccer starting May 2027, and NMCC released its spring 2026 dean’s list.

U.S. Senate Race: Maine Democrats are bracing for fallout as Graham Platner faces fresh allegations from the New York Times, including claims from exes about “unsettling” behavior and, separately, Platner admitting he sexted other women soon after marrying—while denying abuse. Local Public Safety: In Lewiston, residents packed a forum after five teens were arrested in a youth gun violence conspiracy, with officials and candidates urging prevention and tougher accountability. Housing & Politics: In the CD2 Democratic primary, Matt Dunlap is challenging Paul LePage’s Florida residency, while Jordan Wood pushes a housing plan aimed at limiting corporate ownership and boosting protections for renters and first-time buyers. State Infrastructure: Maine DOT says it’s cutting up to $400 million in road and construction projects due to a state/federal funding gap. Community & Services: Scarborough will switch trash/recycling providers July 1 and add optional curbside composting.

Immigration Rights Lawsuit: A South Portland man, Robert Peck, sued two federal ICE agents, saying they threatened to arrest him while he filmed during the January “Operation Catch of the Day” surge, raising First and Fourth Amendment claims. Politics—Maine Governor Primary: With the June 9 vote close, Democrats’ gubernatorial race is turning sharper as Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah trade attacks over outside ads and tactics. Healthcare—Lincoln Hospital: Community members packed a forum in Damariscotta to back MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital’s labor and delivery unit as officials review services amid low birth volume and physician-retention issues. Sports—Hearts of Pine: Portland’s Hearts of Pine secured a USL W League franchise, launching a women’s team in May 2027 with season deposits opening June 11. Public Safety—Portland Stabbing: Police arrested Patrick Brando after a man was stabbed in the back near Hanover Street; the victim is expected to survive. Economy: WalletHub ranked Maine 48th in its state economy report, with the state dead last in New England.

Nursing Home Watch (Kennebec/Cumberland): CMS data show Waterville Center for Health and Rehab is the 2nd-largest nursing home in Kennebec County but rated 2/5 overall, while Horizons Living and Rehab Center in Brunswick posts a 4/5 rating in Cumberland County with no fines or penalties reported for Q1 2026. Public Safety (Lewiston K9 training): Lewiston police ran a monthly K9 saturation training with 22 teams statewide, making five arrests and assisting with searches of people on probation or bail. Energy Help (HEAP): MaineHousing says the Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications through May 29, with no waiting list right now. Heating Costs (state survey): Maine’s heating oil averaged $5.43 a gallon on April 6, up sharply since the Iran conflict began, and DOER urges residents to check fuel prices and efficiency options. Local Economy/Recovery (Robbins Lumber): Searsmont’s Robbins Lumber mill is back running after the May 15 explosion, but residents say the town is still dealing with injuries and long-term uncertainty. Politics (Mills on ballot): Gov. Janet Mills says she suspended active campaigning but remains on the June 9 Democratic primary ballot. Arts & Community (Franco Center): Lewiston’s Franco Center announced its 2026-27 season, kicking off with Best of Broadway 2 in September.