AGP Executive Report

Congressional Race: House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned in Bangor with Paul LePage, calling Maine’s 2nd District a top GOP pickup opportunity. LePage faces Democrat Matt Dunlap. Governor’s Race: The final debate among Hannah Pingree, Bobby Charles and Rick Bennett revisited housing, health care and the budget. Pingree remains the polling front-runner; Charles repeated allegations she denied. Lewiston Recovery: Survivors and relatives of shooting victims are demanding clearer accounting of donations managed by the Maine Community Foundation, saying they were not told some funds would go to nonprofits. Senate Contest: The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik endorsed Susan Collins for the first time in her career, citing her work on local economic and infrastructure needs. Heating Costs: Heating oil is near $6 a gallon—about 80% above last year—and Aroostook County households face especially steep bills as winter approaches. Child Care: A new Bangor center can serve more than 200 children, but its waitlist is already growing, underscoring demand for affordable care.

PFAS Lawsuit: The Greater Augusta Utility District is suing owners of four paper mills, alleging pollution contaminated a Kennebec River drinking-water well. The district seeks payment for current and future cleanup and treatment after closing the well in 2024. Senate Race: Democrats’ top Senate super PAC has reserved $3 million to support Troy Jackson against Susan Collins. Collins, meanwhile, proposed a bipartisan expert group—potentially led by Mitt Romney—to recommend changes to Social Security, but did not specify whether she would raise or remove the income-tax cap. Health Care: Central Maine Medical Center could lose Medicare participation by Jan. 6 if it fails to correct infection-control problems. The hospital says it has made improvements and disputes that patient-care instruments were contaminated. Shipbuilding: The Pentagon certified Bath Iron Works could build a second guided-missile destroyer if Congress provides funding, a boost for the shipyard’s roughly 6,800 workers. Local Economy: Five Maine communities will share $1 million for fishing-pier, dock, cold-storage and seafood-processing upgrades. Grocery Disruption: Hannaford’s website, app and online ordering remain affected by a cybersecurity incident at parent company Ahold Delhaize; stores and pharmacies are open.

Senate Race: Susan Collins and Troy Jackson clashed in their third debate over healthcare, heating costs and immigration enforcement. Collins acknowledged the Trump administration deployed too many agents without proper vetting; Jackson criticized her vote for funding ICE. Governor’s Race: Candidates sparred over Medicaid fraud, housing and how to close a projected budget gap of more than $1 billion. Court Delays: Maine’s highest court took an average of 162 days to decide adult criminal cases in 2025, up from 59 days in 2020, leaving some people waiting years for rulings with major consequences. Bath Iron Works: The Pentagon cleared the Bath shipyard to build a second guided-missile destroyer in fiscal 2027. Lobster Industry: A federal appeals court dismissed Maine lobstermen’s defamation lawsuit against the Monterey Bay Aquarium, finding its broad criticism of the industry did not single out specific plaintiffs. Offshore Wind: Maine plans a winter survey of Gulf of Maine fish and marine life to establish a baseline ahead of a proposed wind research project.

Lobster Industry: A federal appeals court overturned a Maine lobstermen’s lawsuit against the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation over its “red” rating for the fishery, ordering the case dismissed. The rating cited risks to endangered right whales. Bath Iron Works: The Pentagon cleared the Maine shipyard to build a second Navy destroyer this fiscal year, though Congress must still approve the funding. Senate Race: Susan Collins and Troy Jackson faced off in their third debate as outside groups poured money into the closely watched contest. A Collins-aligned group also mistakenly spent up to $25,000 on attack ads in Portland, Oregon, rather than Maine. Russia Diesel Deal: Collins joined a bipartisan group of senators urging President Trump to reverse course on Russian diesel imports, arguing the move violates a 2022 law and benefits Moscow as it wages war on Ukraine. Air Travel: Breeze Airways plans to launch nonstop Portland–Myrtle Beach flights in May 2027, making it the largest airline at Portland International Airport by number of nonstop destinations.

Maine Senate Race: A Republican super PAC’s attack ad against Troy Jackson ran in Portland, Oregon, instead of Maine. The vendor acknowledged the mistake, refunded about $25,000 and moved the ads to the intended market. Washington Watch: Sen. Susan Collins joined three Republican and three Democratic senators urging President Donald Trump to reverse his plan to buy Russian diesel, warning it could give Moscow a financial lifeline. Trump dismissed the Republican critics. Local Politics: Former gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Bush says his group plans to spend up to $100,000 on campaigns in Bangor, Lewiston and Waterville, focusing on local policies and accountability. Some Bangor residents have questioned the spending. Town Governance: Blue Hill is still seeking a town administrator after repeated turnover, but has stopped advertising the job and is looking for candidates locally, citing housing costs as a barrier to recruiting from elsewhere. Maine Industries: A federal appeals court dismissed Maine lobstermen’s defamation lawsuit against the Monterey Bay Aquarium over its warning that lobster fishing poses risks to endangered right whales. Shipbuilding: The Pentagon cleared Bath Iron Works to build a second destroyer, a boost for the Maine shipyard.

Russian Diesel: Sen. Susan Collins joined five colleagues from both parties in urging President Donald Trump to reverse a plan to allow Russian diesel imports, saying it conflicts with a 2022 law and could help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine. Senate Race: Democrat Troy Jackson campaigned in Lewiston with Bernie Sanders, drawing fresh attention to his challenge to Collins. A Republican super PAC meanwhile spent nearly $25,000 running an attack ad in Portland, Oregon, instead of Maine. Lobster Industry: A federal appeals court ordered dismissal of Maine lobstermen’s defamation suit against Monterey Bay Aquarium over its warning that lobster fishing threatens right whales. Bath Iron Works: The Pentagon says the Bath shipyard can build a second guided-missile destroyer, if Congress provides funding. Workforce: A new national report ranks Maine last in its ability to supply skilled-trades workers, even as employers face growing demand. State Budget: Maine gubernatorial candidates are grappling with a projected $1 billion budget gap.

MaineCare: The Trump administration announced an audit of Maine’s Medicaid program while accusing the state of failing to pursue fraud. But two cases involving nearly $2 million in potential losses are stalled with federal prosecutors, and Maine’s attorney general says his office is awaiting updates. Senate Race: Bernie Sanders rallied with Democratic candidate Troy Jackson in Bangor, Lewiston and Biddeford, urging support for his challenge to Sen. Susan Collins. Collins joined five senators urging Trump to reverse a plan to buy Russian diesel, saying it could violate sanctions law and benefit Russia. Lewiston Lawsuit: Survivors and families of victims of the 2023 mass shooting are fighting the federal government’s bid to dismiss their negligence case, arguing the Army failed to act on warnings about the gunman. Immigration and the Economy: A state report estimates immigrant workers support about 74,000 jobs in Maine; expanded federal enforcement could cost the state billions.

Senate Race: Bernie Sanders rallied in Bangor with Democrat Troy Jackson as Maine’s contest with Republican Susan Collins remains tight; one poll put Jackson four points ahead. Washington & Maine: Collins joined five senators from both parties urging the Trump administration to abandon its Russian diesel plan, warning it could fund Moscow’s war. Portland Oversight: City inspection records show Preble Street’s Elena’s Way shelter again stopped required evening safety patrols, despite earlier assurances that problems had been fixed. Maine Lobster: A federal appeals court sided with the Monterey Bay Aquarium in a defamation fight, finding the lobstermen could not show harm to their individual businesses and sending the case back for dismissal. Household Costs: Maine is set to receive about $37 million in heating assistance ahead of winter, as fuel costs strain households. Local Services: Communities across central Maine are struggling to fill animal-control jobs, with low pay and training requirements contributing to vacancies. Epstein Files: A traveling bookmobile carrying thousands of pounds of released records stopped in Lewiston, where survivor Dani Bensky shared her story.

Senate Race: Bernie Sanders rallied with Troy Jackson in Bangor as the Democrat’s close challenge to Sen. Susan Collins draws national attention. Jackson is pitching economic fairness and health care, while Collins faces renewed scrutiny over her record and a viral debate exchange about road salt. State Government: Maine’s attorney general’s office accidentally shared confidential criminal case information with media outlets, prompting questions about how the leak could affect open cases and calls from legislative Republicans for an investigation. Heating Costs: Maine is set to receive about $38 million in federal heating assistance ahead of winter, as record-high oil prices strain household budgets. Health Care: Gov. Janet Mills approved $2.8 million to help Penobscot Community Health Care avoid financial collapse, while Maine hospitals are suing over planned changes to the federal 340B drug discount program. Governor’s Race: Candidates debated health care and other state issues, with Wabanaki leaders endorsing Hannah Pingree.

Senate Race: Troy Jackson is gaining ground on Susan Collins in a closely watched contest, with their debate highlighting Trump, tariffs, health care and energy costs. Collins also faced a “You can’t eat road salt” heckle at the Fryeburg Fair, a callback to her debate defense of her record. Heating Costs: Maine is set to receive more than $38 million in federal heating assistance early as fuel prices soar; Gov. Janet Mills says her administration is also pursuing utility-bill discounts. Health Care: Gov. Mills agreed to provide $2.8 million to help Penobscot Community Health Care avoid financial collapse. Maine hospitals are also suing over planned changes to the federal 340B drug discount program. Working Waterfront: A foundation donated a Vinalhaven pier and waterfront parcel to the local land trust, which plans to preserve access for commercial fishing.

Senate Race: A Washington Post-Schar School poll puts Democrat Troy Jackson ahead of Sen. Susan Collins, 50% to 46%, with less than a month until Election Day. Their debates have focused on abortion, energy costs, tariffs and Collins’ record. Health Care: Gov. Janet Mills committed $2.8 million to keep Penobscot Community Health Care operating through year-end, preserving services for nearly 50,000 Mainers. Separately, Maine hospitals and industry groups sued to block a federal drug-rebate plan they say could add heavy costs and administrative burdens. State Government: Maine Republicans are calling for an investigation after the Attorney General’s Office mistakenly shared confidential case information with media outlets. MaineCare: New coverage will support eligible people preparing to leave jail or prison and reimburse traditional Wabanaki healing practices. Local Politics: Wabanaki leaders endorsed gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree, while Camden’s select board invited Rockport’s board to discuss shared priorities and services.

Health Care: Maine hospitals, including Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, sued the federal government to block changes to the 340B drug discount program, warning that a rebate system could strain safety-net providers. Senate Race: A Washington Post-Schar School poll put Democrat Troy Jackson ahead of Susan Collins, 50% to 46%, within the margin of error. Maine also leads the nation in Senate ad spending per voting-age resident, at about $167. Heating Aid: Maine is set to receive $36.7 million in federal fuel assistance, with another $1.4 million for Wabanaki Nations, as heating oil prices remain sharply higher than last year. Local Government: Madawaska Town Manager David Daigle resigned rather than face a public hearing over the $15,000 budget overrun at Northern Maine Summerfest. State Oversight: Maine’s attorney general’s office accidentally shared sensitive information from pending cases with media outlets. Rural Economy: The Maine Development Foundation launched a pilot to help four rural communities address economic challenges tied to mill closures and supply-chain disruptions.

Senate Race: Susan Collins and Troy Jackson clashed in their second debate over heating costs, abortion, corruption allegations and Social Security. Collins said high earners should pay more into the program, but did not specify how much the tax cap should rise. Data Centers: Bucksport approved a six-month pause on data center proposals as it considers rules for the vacant former paper mill, amid concerns about electricity costs and other impacts. Local Elections: Republican donor Jonathan Bush plans to spend $100,000 on city council races in Bangor, Lewiston and Waterville, a major infusion of money into typically low-budget contests. State Government: Maine’s attorney general’s office acknowledged accidentally sharing confidential information about pending cases with media outlets. Consumer Costs: Maine is among 48 states and territories seeking settlements over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with consumers urged to check whether they qualify for compensation.

Senate Race: Barack Obama endorsed Troy Jackson as he challenges Susan Collins, with rising heating-oil prices sharpening the fight. A standard tank now costs about $1,650 in Maine, roughly 80% more than a year ago, as Jackson blames Collins for the squeeze. Energy Costs: Maine officials cite higher fuel, poles and wires as drivers of rising electric bills; leftover federal funds are providing early heating aid to some households. Local News: A new nonprofit is seeking $1 million to buy three Hancock County newspapers from retiring owner Reade Brower, keeping the Ellsworth American, Mount Desert Islander and Bangor Historian under local stewardship. State Finances and Workforce: Maine’s next governor and Legislature face a projected $1.3 billion budget shortfall, while a new report points to UMaine Cooperative Extension programs as one way to help adults build skills for the state’s workforce needs.

Senate Race: Susan Collins and Troy Jackson clashed over Trump, tariffs, ICE and rising costs in their first debate; a Maine attorney also filed an ethics complaint asking the Senate to investigate allegations tied to Collins and a defense contractor. Rural Business: Maine is offering $950,000 in grants and technical help to small rural businesses seeking to cut energy costs. Applications are due Nov. 3. Energy Bills: A state analysis says rising natural gas and electric-infrastructure costs are driving up power bills, while renewable subsidies are a smaller factor. Maine regulators rejected CMP’s request for a temporary rate hike. Separately, leftover federal funds will provide early heating aid to about 4,400 households as oil prices climb. Immigration: An Angolan asylum seeker says he traded places with his wife at ICE’s Scarborough office after agents detained her while seeking him. Local News: A new nonprofit aims to raise $1 million to buy and sustain the Ellsworth American, Mount Desert Islander and Bangor Historian. Bucksport Development: Town council candidates face debates over budgets, the former mill site and possible data centers, as the town considers a moratorium while updating its rules.

Senate Race: Susan Collins and Troy Jackson clashed in their first debate, with Jackson challenging Collins over her votes on abortion and Trump’s agenda while Collins emphasized her independence. The closely watched race is part of Democrats’ bid to win Senate control. Utility Costs: Maine regulators rejected CMP’s request for a temporary rate increase as the utility warns inflation and rising costs could delay projects. With heating bills expected to climb, Gov. Janet Mills is also urging Congress to increase LIHEAP funding. State Finances: Maine’s next governor and Legislature face a projected $1.3 billion budget shortfall, with Republicans and Democrats disputing the outlook. Higher Education: The University of Maine System will offer eligible Alfond Grant recipients a one-time $250 scholarship if they enroll at a public university, aiming to keep more students in Maine. Seafood Economy: Consumer cutbacks are pressuring seafood businesses, while Rockland’s seafood landings have fallen to a record low.