The discussion contrasted the resistance to data centers with Maine’s embrace of wind and solar projects, arguing that green-energy subsidies have raised costs while rewarding politically connected interests. Nuclear power, natural gas access and data centers could offer a more serious path to lower electricity prices, new investment and long-term economic growth.

A Maine mother said she was offered free Narcan at her baby’s appointment. The form shows a disturbing sign of how widespread fentanyl and opioid exposure have become. This raises new questions about Maine’s drug crisis, harm reduction and whether families now need overdose medication in the same first-aid kit as Band-Aids.

Councilor Bret Martel pressed Spurwink representatives to explain how many people had entered treatment, stayed clean or achieved measurable recovery after the city committed nearly $550,000. Their inability to provide basic success metrics is raising new concerns about harm reduction programs, mobile needle vans, Medicaid-funded nonprofits and whether taxpayers are paying for outcomes or just more services.

After Bangor residents packed an emergency meeting over the Yellen Pines low-barrier housing project, Joe Sokol said the council still voted not to reconsider the deal. The backlash is fueling new questions about Preble Street, drug use, taxpayer costs, a 30-year tax incentive and whether Bangor officials are listening to residents.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

After Chellie Pingree held a campaign-style ICE hearing in Biddeford, questions surface as to why she was the one to reveal new information about the intended target in the fatal shooting. The moment is fueling fresh scrutiny of ICE communications, Janet Mills’ emotional return and whether Democrats are trying to turn the Biddeford shooting into a broader anti-ICE campaign issue.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Grace Curley joins Maine Wire TV to discuss the arrest of Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña, saying the alleged COVID relief fraud case reflects how pandemic money was abused while businesses and families suffered under government restrictions. Pastor Travis Cary also joins the conversation to preview his “Church in Politics” event in Westbrook, arguing that Christians should not retreat from public policy if they want to love their neighbors.

Outside the Scarborough ICE facility, anti-ICE protesters told Jon Fetherston they were watching federal agents to promote transparency and accountability. What began as a cordial discussion quickly dissolved into a heated debate with the one and only, self-proclaimed “Temu Bob Ross”.

A Biddeford protest outside Susan Collins’ office brought Maine People’s Alliance activists, anti-ICE signs and even mariachi music into the latest immigration fight. Meanwhile, Lewiston’s latest high-speed chase led to a broader debate over youth crime, Flock cameras and whether city leaders are responding aggressively enough.

New Maine DHHS records gave more detail on provider sanctions tied to MaineCare fraud allegations, including agencies previously reported on by Maine Wire.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Rand Paul’s push to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress reopened the fight over COVID accountability, pardons and the limits of Fifth Amendment claims. Additionally, Jon Fetherston returned to Augusta after Dr. Oz’s visit to Maine and said the governor’s office was again unavailable to answer questions about Medicaid fraud.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.