The Robinson Report

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 mor...

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 suppo...

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...

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 pol...

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”. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

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. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/...

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. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

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...

A Portland anti-ICE rally drew nurses, activists and Democratic figures after ICE detained a MaineHealth nurse from Zambia. Jon Fetherston contrasted the protest narrative with ICE’s account, which said the nurse entered the country in 2024, overstayed her visa and did not have legal status to remain and work. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider be...

Dr. Mehmet Oz’s visit to Maine put new national attention on MaineCare fraud allegations involving home support services, autism care providers and taxpayer-funded facilities. Jon Fetherston described his meeting with Oz as a sign that federal officials are taking Maine Wire’s reporting seriously, even as questions remain about when arrests or subpoenas will follow. This Substack is reader-support...

A new affordability warning showed that many Mainers view the state as too expensive, with a significant share considering leaving within five years. The concern stretched from Portland to Bangor, touching on housing costs, progressive politics, drugs, homelessness and the feeling that Maine’s natural beauty is being dragged down by failing cities. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new...

Jon Fetherston returned from Allagash with new reporting on Troy Jackson’s roots, describing a remote town where residents said Jackson is far less popular than his statewide image suggests. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

The release of the Fauci files prompted a revisit Anthony Fauci’s COVID-era diary, media appearances and public image during the pandemic. The discussion highlighted questions about awards, celebrity attention, CNN and MSNBC coverage, vaccine mandates, school closures and whether public health officials were ever held accountable. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support...

While Maine Democrats prepared to nominate Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate, Maine Wire reviewed several controversies involving his political career, including the Allagash recount, a BIW tax credit letter and allegations tied to a potato processing tax break. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to T...

While questions continued around a Lewiston mosque and a dog-walking dispute, Jon Fetherston discussed claims that a man was warned he could face a hate crime charge if he walked his dog near the mosque. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subs...

While Jack Gately reported on an 18-year-old woman’s death at a Mattapan property owned by Ayanna Pressley’s husband, new questions emerged over a separate $2 billion Springfield courthouse deal involving one of his companies. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonr...

Jackson’s past mortgage controversy resurfaced as the Maine Wire reviewed allegations involving an Augusta home, an FHA loan and conflicting claims about his primary residence. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Ashley Webb drew attention during the undercard portion of the Democratic Senate replacement debate. Webb’s appearance overshadowed several better-known candidates and turned the debate into a viral moment. Additionally, Maine Wire reporter Seamus Othot, reported on a Facebook group for Hispanics in Maine that he said has become a hub for cash work, lodging, nanny services, home massage ads and ot...

Maine Democrats are preparing to choose a replacement nominee through a compressed delegate process that leaves voters largely outside the decision. Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah seem to be the only serious contenders, while lesser-known candidates have little leverage or path to victory. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a...

Troy Jackson came under fire after saying Maine needs to “get rid of ICE” and “do something to get rid of the people that support them.” This remark is dangerous, especially after Maine Wire reporters and contractors received threats, had personal information circulated and got assaulted while covering the protests. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consi...

Jon Fetherston said protesters disrupted his scheduled appearance on Laura Ingraham’s show by crowding around him, shouting insults and attempting to broadcast his home address on national television. Additionally, Fetherston’s tires were slashed after he covered an anti-ICE protest. He said the protest itself was more controlled than the Biddeford demonstration, but argued the vandalism showed th...

During live coverage at Mechanics Park, protesters confronted Jon Fetherston and Tom Shattuck while they were reporting, with Jon saying he was struck with a skateboard in a separate incident. The Maine Wire says the scene shows how fast anti-ICE protests can turn hostile toward reporters simply filming the event. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, conside...

Jon Fetherston reported from Lewiston after police responded to a confrontation involving a man walking his dog near the mosque. Fetherston said the situation escalated when a man later drove by and made a gun gesture toward him, prompting him to alert officers already on scene. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber...

Graham Platner’s campaign suspension raises questions over whether he will formally withdraw before the filing deadline, leaving Democrats in limbo until the paperwork is submitted. Additionally, Maine Wire reporting claims that the attorney general’s office contacted Platner before his exit announcement, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the political fallout. This Substack is reader-supported...

The fight over Graham Platner’s future exposes confusion in Maine law and Democratic Party rules, leaving no clear roadmap for what happens if he exits the race. Additionally, possible replacements including Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, Valli Geiger and Patrick Dempsey begin surfacing as the party scrambles for a backup plan. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and...