2026 Primary Election recap
Graham Platner won the Maine democratic primary for the U.S. senate on Tuesday, setting up a high-stakes race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Platner picked up 72% of the votes, while Gov. Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign but remained on the ballot, got 20 percent.
WABI news reports Platner addressed supporters in Blue Hill following confirmation of his victory saying he will stand up for Maine and stand against billionaires and greedy corporations.
Maine is home to a key U.S. senate race that could determine whether republicans maintain their majority in the chamber.
Incumbent Sen. Susan Collins is seeking her sixth term in the senate and she was uncontested in the republican primary.
Two other key battles– the democratic and republican race for governor will be decided on ranked choice voting after none of the candidates secured the required 50 percent of the votes.
In the democratic race, Nirav Shah secured the most with 27 percent followed by Hannah Pingree 23 percent, and Troy Jackson and Shenna Bellows both with 21 percent.
The GOP race also failed to produce a clear winner.
Bobby Charles picked up most of the votes with 38 percent, while Jonathan Bush and Benjamin Midgley both got 20.
Garrett Mason was a distant fourth with 11 percent.
The race for the democratic nominee in Maine’s 2nd district will also be decided by ranked choice voting
Democrats were choosing between former Maine secretary of state Matt Dunlap, state Sen. Joe Baldacci, former U.S. senate candidate Jordan Wood and social worker Paige Loud.
The Republicans’ presumptive nominee is former Gov. Paul LePage.
In the U.S. house – District 1, Ronald Russell with 54 percent of the vote has secured the nomination for the Republican ticket.
He’ll face incumbent Chellie Pingree in November.
Update on one of firefighters injured in Robbins Lumber explosion
An update on one of the firefighters injured in the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.
Katie Paige, a firefighter, is making good progress.
Her husband Paul Paige has been sharing her progress in recovery via social media according to WMTW.
Paige says his wife was moved out of the ICU and into a private room.
If you’d like to contribute to a GoFundMe for Katie Paige follow the link below.
RV campground proposed for Ellsworth
A 28-site RV campground has been proposed for Ellsworth.
A developer has submitted materials for the campground on Bayside Road.
The Ellsworth American says the development would be built on a 52-acre lot accommodating RV sites with water, electricity and sewer connections.
However, the publication reports that according to city ordinance the city planner needs to send a notice to property owners within 500 feet of the applicant’s property about planning board meetings discussing the site.
There were only 17 sent.
The paper reports the application is likely to be discussed at a meeting next month.
Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock announces regional board
Development within the Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties organization reached a milestone.
Leaders have officially completed an election of a 30-member, three-county Board of Directors.
The federally required board will expand the agency’s governance framework ensuring services are met in all counties.
Leaders say this is an important goal achieved after transitioning programs from Downeast Community Partners.
Fake money circulating across Maine
Fake money is circulating amongst businesses in Maine again.
The Damariscotta Police department announced they’ve received several reports about it in the area.
WABI news reports the claims that came in say movie prop money has shown up particularly with $100 bills.
Officials say at a quick glance, they could be real however it clearly states for motion picture purposes only.
Police tell WABI all local businesses, cashiers and residents should carefully analyze any cash received, especially $100 bills.
American Red Cross calling on donors in June
As Summer plans ramp up, the American Red Cross is calling on community members to pause and donate blood.
Busy activities, trips planned and more are exciting moments for Mainers and visitors alike to look forward to; however, emergencies can strike at any moment.
For the month of June anyone who donates will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice plus you’ll automatically get entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.
To find a location to donate blood and help impact lives near you, follow the link below.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/june.html
Visit the Sunbeam this Summer
The Maine Seacoast Mission welcomes you aboard an iconic boat this Summer.
There will be recurring cruises and open houses to tour the Sunbeam!
You can learn about the vessel at the Northeast Harbor Marina and the organization’s history in the Downeast region.
Visitors will get a deep dive into the boat’s inner workings and understand what is needed year-round to provide essential services to island communities.
For more information on this free event, follow the link.
