I’m heartbroken by the devastating explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont that injured multiple Mainers and took the life of a firefighter who ran toward danger to protect others.
My thoughts are with those injured, the families waiting for updates tonight, and the brave first responders from communities across Maine who rushed to help. Firefighters and emergency crews put everything on the line for us, and today is a painful reminder of the sacrifices they make.
I’m grateful to the medical teams, mutual aid departments, and volunteers supporting the response and recovery efforts.
My heart is with the Searsmont community as officials respond to a reported mass casualty incident at Robbins Lumber.
Details are still limited. Please follow updates from local authorities, avoid the area, and keep those impacted and the first responders in your thoughts.
For every Olivia Andre whose story breaks through, there are countless others still trapped in ICE facilities like Dilley, without national headlines, public pressure or members of Congress advocating on their behalf.
This is a facility built to incarcerate families and children, operated at enormous public expense, and used to pressure vulnerable people into giving up their rights. What I saw there was truly disturbing.
It must be closed for good.
Read my latest op-ed in @pressherald
After his tax returns were leaked to media outlets by an IRS contractor earlier this year, Trump immediately sued the Treasury Department for $10 BILLION.
It seemed outrageous at the time. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this DOJ, it’s that they’ll do ANYTHING to make Trump happy. Even if it means engaging in blatant corruption.
You want to talk about “waste, fraud, and abuse?” This is all three wrapped into one!
Trump’s family has increased their wealth by more than $2 billion since he retuned to office. Between the crypto scams, his numerous violations of the emoluments clause (remember the Qatari jumbo jet?), and weaponizing government agencies against his political opponents, he’s the most corrupt president in U.S. history, and it’s not even close.
Meanwhile, his signature legislation—the Big Ugly Bill—is ripping health care and food benefits from millions while making the super rich even richer.
It was never about “Making America Great Again.” It was always about enriching himself, his family, and other billionaires.
It’ll take years to undo the damage he’s done.
What the hell, people?
Maine electricity prices are up 20% in just the last year. And instead of helping families afford their energy bills, the Trump Administration is using taxpayer dollars to pay companies to walk away from offshore wind projects and redirect investments toward LNG exports.
Enough with these dirty deals. Congress has the power of the purse. Why do Republicans REFUSE to use it?
For 34 years, Fresh Approach was a mainstay in Portland’s West End neighborhood. It was also one of the few grocery stores in the area that accepted SNAP, which made up “a very big part” of their business.
It's closing its doors for good—thanks to Trump’s USDA.
After one SNAP violation (involving dish soap and tissues sold to an undercover USDA agent) Fresh Approach was hit with a $5,748 fine and lost its ability to accept SNAP benefits.
Back in March, I sent a letter to the USDA urging them to reconsider. They refused.
The lost income over 11 months proved to be insurmountable for Fresh Approach. With its closure, it will be significantly harder for families who depend on SNAP benefits to access food to put on the table. This is a devastating loss for the West End.
And this is happening as Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill kicks 2.4 million Americans off SNAP—including 30,000 Mainers—while shifting new costs onto states for simple administrative errors.
These punitive policies weaken the entire food system that families and small businesses depend on.
Shameful.
This Administration’s cruelty and callousness are beyond belief.
More than 14 million kids in America live in households that struggle to put enough food on the table.
Maine has led the way in addressing childhood hunger.
In our state, every public school student can get free breakfast and lunch, no matter their family’s income. That means fewer kids sitting in class hungry, fewer parents worrying about lunch money, and fewer students being singled out because they need help.
And it is working. Maine’s program now serves more than 170,000 students, has provided tens of millions of meals, and helps schools buy more food from local farms.
Every child in America deserves that same peace of mind.
That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor @sensanders and @repilhan Universal School Meals Program Act to make sure *every* student in America — no matter where they live—can get free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack at school.
No stigma. No shame. No child turned away.
This bill would also:
✅ Help schools cover the real cost of meals
✅ Support schools that buy food from local farmers
✅ Wipe out unpaid school meal debt
✅ Provide free summer meals to all children
Maine is already leading the way. Now it’s time for Congress to follow.
This should not be controversial, but here we are… debating in the FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science funding bill whether taxpayer dollars should be used to spy on, investigate, or intimidate Americans for exercising their First Amendment rights.
In Maine, we’ve already seen what this looks like: ICE agents intimidating people who were peacefully observing and documenting enforcement actions, even showing up at residents’ homes and telling people they were now in domestic terrorist database.
That kind of intimidation has no place in a free country.
We're hearing reports of a significant uptick in ICE activity here in Maine.
It’s critical that you KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. If you’re approached by an immigration officer, you have the right to:
🟢 Remain silent and not answer any questions
🟢 Refuse a search (if you’re not under arrest)
🟢 Speak to a lawyer.
If an immigration agents come to your home or place of work:
🟢 Ask to see a warrant
🟢 Do not open your door unless agents shows you a valid warrant
🟢 Do not panic and do not run away
As ever, stay vigilant, remain peaceful, and look out for your neighbors.
I know a lot of people are still traumatized by what happened during “Operation Catch of the Day.” Many remain separated from their loved ones.
That’s why it’s so important that we stick together—and look out for one another. Today, tomorrow, and every day until ICE’s cruelty is finally brought to an end.
I am deeply saddened by the news that Maine Game Warden Joshua Tibbetts lost his life in a tragic plane crash this morning near Avon.
As state and federal authorities investigate this heartbreaking accident, I am holding Joshua’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Maine Warden Service in my thoughts.
May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
