AGP Executive Report

Maine Politics: Tuesday’s Democratic primary is a make-or-break credibility test for U.S. Senate hopeful Graham Platner, even though he faces little formal opposition for the nomination—Democrats are watching whether voters stick with him amid a flood of allegations and national scrutiny. Maine Elections: In Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, four Democrats are vying to succeed Jared Golden, with the winner facing a tough general-election path in a district that leans conservative. Public Safety: Damariscotta police warn residents and businesses about fake “movie prop” money being passed as real currency, urging extra checks on $100 bills. Health Care & Jobs: UMaine is launching new doctoral nursing programs (Ph.D. in Nursing and a DNP) to address shortages, with funding tied to a federal award led by Sen. Susan Collins. Maine Economy: A UMaine study finds consumers will pay more for lobster harvested with ropeless technology designed to reduce whale entanglement risk. Business Moves: Austal USA named Gene Miller president and added senior leaders as the shipbuilder continues expanding its management team.

Cybersecurity & Finance: Meta says an AI-assisted account-recovery flaw let hackers hijack 20,225 Instagram accounts via password resets, and it has disabled the system and reset affected passwords. Mortgage Risk: Plaza Home Mortgage is facing class actions after a mid-February breach exposed personal data for 137,976 people nationwide, with plaintiffs alleging delayed notice. Local Governance: Waldoboro voters will elect two RSU 40 board seats Tuesday, with one incumbent (Melvin Williams) deceased after the ballot printing deadline. Coastal Resilience: Maine DOT plans to raise the Deer Isle Causeway 4.3 feet in a $22 million, two-year project to better handle storm surge, with parts of the road narrowed during work. Business Growth: Broadreach Public Relations expands with new creative leadership and an advisory hire to boost integrated marketing and creative services. Community & Food Access: A free Produce Pop-Up Market returns June 17 in Dover-Foxcroft to fight food insecurity, with kids getting snack bags. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Kennebec County at $4.10 for the week ending May 30. Elections Watch: Maine’s June 9 Democratic primary is set as Graham Platner seeks to challenge Susan Collins, with national scrutiny still swirling around his campaign.

Maine Senate race heat: Rep. Ro Khanna defended Democratic nominee Graham Platner on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” saying there’s “no evidence of violence” in the latest allegations, while acknowledging “toxic” behavior and verbal intimidation. Primary watch: With Maine’s Tuesday primaries approaching, Democrats are weighing Platner’s viability as voters head to the polls, with ranked-choice voting in key contests. Fuel costs for Mainers on the move: Higher gas and diesel prices are shaping summer plans for boaters, with regular still up sharply year over year. Immigration enforcement funding: The U.S. Senate voted to fund immigration enforcement agencies for the rest of Trump’s term after GOP revolts delayed passage, a sign of continued friction inside the party. Data center backlash: A national fight over data centers is gaining traction as voters link the projects to higher electricity costs and local impacts. Maine tax snapshot: Maine individual income tax revenue fell 3.3% in 2024 versus the prior year, according to Census Bureau data.

Maine Senate primary buzz: With Maine voters heading to the polls Tuesday, national attention is centered on Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Graham Platner, as his campaign tries to hold momentum amid fresh scrutiny over past conduct and relationships while Susan Collins seeks a sixth term. Campaign trail & messaging: Rep. Ro Khanna defended Platner on national TV, arguing Maine voters already knew parts of his background and that “accountability” and “redemption” matter, even as Democrats weigh whether the controversy is a liability. GOP gubernatorial test: On the Republican side, the crowded race to replace Janet Mills is shaping up as a referendum on whether traditional New England conservatism can beat Trump-aligned politics, with Jonathan Bush’s past business record also drawing fire. Energy & cost pressure: Fuel prices remain a live issue for households, with multiple Maine-area gas reports showing volatility into late May. Local business watch: South Portland’s Maine Mall plaza is facing potential redevelopment into hotels, putting several tenants at risk. Tech & jobs: A Microsoft look at AI use puts Vermont near the bottom, with Chittenden County the standout—an early signal of uneven tech adoption across the region.

Maine Politics: With the June 9 primaries looming, Maine candidates made a final weekend push—Republicans marched in Westbrook’s Together Days parade while Democrats kept up door-knocking and phone banking, including at Pride events. Data Centers & Power: New York lawmakers advanced a one-year moratorium on new data center construction, while Maine’s own debate continues as Eastport residents weigh an underwater AI data center proposal and ask for a pause. Energy & Costs: Fuel prices stayed volatile in late May, with GasBuddy reporting some of the lowest regular gas deals in Oxford County and diesel pricing easing statewide. Environment & Fisheries: Maine DMR and Wyman’s partnered to improve alewife passage on the Narraguagus River, aiming to restore sea-run fish while supporting Downeast agriculture and the local economy. Business & Community: Westbrook’s 45th annual Together Days and Brewer’s Riverwalk Festival both drew crowds despite rainy weather, underscoring how local events keep small businesses busy.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity: Carnival Cruise Line disclosed a major cyberattack that may have exposed personal details for about 6 million passengers, including passport and driver’s license information, and is offering two years of credit monitoring. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy price reports show Maine fuel remains volatile: midgrade averaged $4.97 statewide (week ending May 30), with the lowest midgrade in Aroostook at $4.44; diesel averaged $5.74 statewide, with the lowest diesel in Waldo County at $4.83. Data Centers & Power Demand: New York lawmakers advanced a one-year moratorium on large data centers (over 20MW), aiming to slow development while assessing impacts on energy prices and local jobs—echoing similar fights Maine has seen. Local Maine Economy & Environment: Maine DMR and Wyman’s partnered to improve alewife passage on the Narraguagus River, extending a fishway to support sea-run fish restoration and Downeast coastal economic benefits. Community & Workforce: UMaine Extension and the Joy Truck 4-H Collaborative will host a June 17 workshop in Brownville to recruit and train volunteers for youth 4-H programs.

Maine Economic Development: FAME approved about $42 million in tax-credit financing to help Irving Forest Products expand its Ashland sawmill, adding a second sawline and 68,000 square feet to double production and create about 80 new jobs. Fraud & Banking: Federal authorities arrested five out-of-state suspects tied to a $500,000+ wire and bank fraud scheme that targeted financial institutions across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, including Bar Harbor Bank and Trust. Energy & Grid Costs: A new national look at EIA data shows residential electricity prices rising fastest in places like New Hampshire (+18%) and Vermont (+7.7%), with grid investment and demand pressures—plus data center growth—driving the climb. Clean Energy Legal Fight: A multistate lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s plan to pay about $928 million to TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases, with Maine among the states alleging a “sham deal.” Local Business Impact: South Portland approved two hotels near the Maine Mall, but the plan requires relocating nine long-running businesses, raising complaints about communication and timelines. Food Business Compliance: Maine food operators can attend a town hall focused on permits, licensing, and health inspections, with Q&A from inspectors and agency staff. Politics & Maine Economy: The Senate race between Graham Platner and Susan Collins keeps dominating headlines, with fresh scrutiny and polling tightening as the June 9 primary nears.

Social Security Crunch: A new analysis warns the retirement trust fund could run out by 2032, triggering automatic benefit cuts averaging about $500 a month (with nearly 1 million affected in Alabama). Maine Insurance Leadership: Maine’s Bureau of Insurance announced Superintendent Robert Carey will retire June 5, praising his role in keeping auto insurance rates among the lowest and helping homeowners prepare for extreme weather. Data Center Backlash Spreads: New York lawmakers passed a one-year moratorium on new data center permits, while Missouri’s experience shows how regulation often lags behind rapid growth and fuels local conflict. Cannabis Banking Shift: A report says banks are increasingly willing to work with cannabis operators as federal risk calculus changes. Maine Infrastructure & Business: MaineDOT will close River Road in Lewiston for 90 days starting June 8 for a bridge replacement; a Randolph barn fire heavily damaged a long-running business, with investigators saying it appears accidental. Education & Workforce: Unitil awarded six New England STEM scholarships, and Marshwood High School named its Class of 2026 top students.

Maine Housing & Real Estate: Bangor’s market is heating up: 14 residential properties changed hands in the last week of May, with a reported average price around $310,000 and a top sale of about $740,000. Local Economy & Food: Deer Isle Oyster Co. is expanding with a new oyster bar in Blue Hill and a retail shop planned for Stonington, aiming to grow year-round demand and offer farm tours. Aquaculture & Small Business: The expansion is tied to added lease capacity and winter storage, letting the company sell oysters year-round. Energy & Infrastructure: Maine DOT has started cutting up to $400 million in projects as a state/federal funding gap and higher costs squeeze the work plan. Consumer Costs: Gas prices dipped statewide in the week ending May 30, with Cumberland County’s lowest reported regular at $3.99 and Maine’s average around $4.41. Workforce & Education Costs: A new report says attending Maine’s “little Ivies” can run nearly $100,000 a year before aid, underscoring affordability pressure for families. Public Safety & Courts: A New Hampshire man was arrested in a 1993 Kittery homicide, with extradition pending.

Maine Economy & Energy: Fuel prices stayed volatile heading into summer travel, with York County’s lowest regular gas at $3.79/gal (week ending May 30) and Maine’s regular average at $4.41; diesel and premium prices also eased in parts of the state, but analysts point to Middle East shipping risk and refinery outages as ongoing drivers. Public Safety & Justice: Maine State Police arrested New Hampshire resident Daniel Jolly in the 1993 murder of Kittery’s Maxine Bitomski, a case reopened in 2021 using DNA advances; Jolly is awaiting extradition as the cause of death remains sealed. Housing & Infrastructure: Wiscasset leaders said the state will only fund a wastewater treatment plant move—not upgrades—pushing the town toward a difficult decision ahead of a vote on whether to rescind earlier approvals. Forestry & Land Use: The Maine Forest Service launched its $9M WoodsWISE Resilience Program, offering up to $20,000 for landowners with at least 10 forested acres to improve forest health and resilience. Business Finance: FAME approved about $42M in New Markets Capital Investment financing for Irving Forest Products’ Ashland sawmill expansion, targeting growth from 130M to 250M board feet and adding jobs. Tech & Policy: New York’s legislature passed a one-year moratorium on new AI hyperscale data centers, while Maine’s own data center advisory work continues amid rising local opposition. Local Business: Community Credit Union will shift its Lewiston Pine Street branch from full service to drive-up ITM service this fall, citing long-running safety concerns and changing member needs.

Data Center Backlash Hits the Mainstream: Erin Brockovich has launched a “Brockovich Data Center” platform mapping U.S. data center growth and the conflicts around it, spotlighting energy and water demands as communities push back. State Policy Pivot: Gov. Janet Mills signed an executive order creating a Maine Data Center Advisory Council, tasked with recommending how to protect ratepayers, keep the grid reliable, and limit environmental impacts, with a final report due Jan. 29, 2027. Housing & Local Market Pressure: The Rental Housing Alliance held an L/A Landlord Summit in Auburn focused on shifting vacancy and leasing trends as new apartments come online, plus updates on Maine landlord/rental laws. Healthcare Staffing & Quality Watch: Horizons Living and Rehab Center in Cumberland County posted a 4-star CMS rating for Q1 2026, above Maine’s nursing home average, with no fines reported. Energy Costs Relief Still Available: MaineHousing says HEAP is accepting applications through May 29, while DOER reports heating oil averaging $5.43/gallon (April 6) and urges Mainers to monitor prices and use efficiency incentives. Community Business Resilience: Bucksport boaters formed a new yacht club to help preserve the town’s municipally owned marina as budget pressures raise questions about its future.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James sued the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies “pay-not-to-play” deal that canceled offshore wind leases, and Maine joined a broader coalition of states challenging the move as harmful to jobs, energy grids and climate goals. Maine Construction Shock: Maine DOT is cutting or delaying up to $400 million in projects, already pausing about $50 million in pavement work and threatening more bridge and highway delays just as the building season ramps up. Energy Affordability: A Sierra Club analysis using federal data says Maine’s low-income households carry the heaviest electricity and heating burden, driven by housing costs and limited help for clean-energy upgrades. Retirement Pressure: A new study finds 18.7% of Americans 65+ still work, while another report warns Social Security could face steep benefit cuts starting in 2032. Local Business & Community: A seasonal Maine shop, Rusticator, is spotlighted for building year-round customers from its “rusticator” roots on Mount Desert Island. Cybersecurity: The FBI warned Microsoft 365 users about a phishing toolkit sold via Telegram that can hijack accounts.

Maine Finance & Jobs: The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is reshaping its leadership team, naming new senior hires and promotions, and reaffirming its “Best Place to Work in Maine” streak for an 11th straight year. Capital Access: FAME also announced 2026 allocatees for its Maine New Markets Capital Investment Program, a tax-credit-backed effort aimed at pulling private investment into underserved communities. Community Development: FAME approved new markets financing for the Bangor YMCA’s $57.8 million expansion, including early learning, expanded after-school programs, a STEAM makerspace, and a healthcare suite. Financial Literacy: FAME launched a new financial wellness webpage with tools and lessons, plus ongoing workshops and resources for Mainers, educators, and professionals. Health Care Watch: CMS data shows Pinnacle Health & Rehab in South Portland earned an overall rating of 3 in Q1 2026, while Caribou Rehab and Nursing Center in Aroostook County posted an overall rating of 1. Energy Policy: Maine joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s offshore wind lease cancellation deal tied to TotalEnergies.

Maine Aquaculture: A new study says small, younger farmers are driving a 51% jump in Maine aquaculture’s economic impact, boosting jobs and local community benefits. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York and a coalition including Maine sued the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that cancels an offshore wind lease while steering money into fossil projects, arguing it’s unlawful and could raise power costs. Energy & Power Costs: A separate poll finds Maine and New Hampshire residents largely blame Trump for higher gas prices, even as the administration predicted cheaper summer fuel. Minimum Wage Patchwork: More than 20 states—including Maine—raised minimum wages in 2026, widening the gap with the unchanged federal $7.25 floor. Cyber & AI Security: Defensive cyber experts warn AI is accelerating attacks that can overwhelm traditional protections, pushing organizations toward more proactive defense. Consumer Costs: Maine merchants continue to feel pressure from credit card swipe fees, with advocates urging federal action to cut the charges. Hospitality & Travel: First Chair Destinations, backed by private equity, is launching a vacation-rental brand with a Maine footprint, aiming for more consistent service across markets.

Data Privacy & Consumer Impact: Carnival says a social-engineering hack exposed personal data for nearly 6 million customers, and it’s offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring while it continues its review. Public Safety & Local Government: Gilford promoted Deputy Chief Dustin Parent to chief of police, with a June 14 start as the town gears up for summer. Working Waterfront & Coastal Access: Stonington is pursuing grant funding to stabilize shoreline and build a new public pier and ramp to expand float space while preserving public access for its fishing community. Island Transit Costs: Casco Bay Lines’ Peaks Island car-ferry price hikes are drawing complaints to regulators, with residents saying infrequent travelers are hit hardest. Healthcare Access: MaineHealth faces pushback over a potential closure of the Miles Campus labor-and-delivery unit in Damariscotta, with residents citing staffing and travel-time risks. Public Health Policy: Bangor’s council rejected a proposal to impose a 180-day moratorium on new syringe service programs and related facilities. Energy & Household Bills: Unitil filed for a southern Maine natural gas distribution rate increase that would add about $11 a month for a typical residential heating customer if approved.

Maine Politics: Graham Platner’s Democratic U.S. Senate bid is roiled again as reports say he kept an active Kik account and sent sexually explicit texts while married, with his wife Amy Gertner and a former adviser at the center of new fallout and threats of defamation. Cybersecurity & Business: Station Casinos disclosed a March cyber breach tied to a single employee account, and Carnival says nearly 6 million cruise customers may have had personal data exposed, offering credit monitoring. Health Coverage: Maine’s CoverME.gov open enrollment for 2026 ends June 1, with about 58,000 already enrolled and most receiving premium tax credits. Rural Economy & Community: The Maine Monitor is expanding with Monitor Local, adding civic coverage for rural counties, while Wiscasset’s chamber hosts a June 19 Business After Hours at Maine Tasting Center. Professional Services: Five New England CPA societies are merging into a single New England Society of CPAs effective July 1. Local Governance & Courts: A judge ordered an interim suspension of a Rockland lawyer and appointed a receiver to manage his practice.