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Articles by Max Williams
Portland Public Schools reconsiders policy on animals in classrooms Original
Tue, October 20, 2026 at 8:52 PM Updated Tue, October 20, 2026 at 9:05 PM There are new concerns at Portland Public Schools when it comes to the district's policy on having animals in the classroom. (WGME) PORTLAND (WGME) – There are new concerns at Portland Public Schools when it comes to the district's policy on having animals in the classroom. One assistant superintendent wants to make sure all children are comfortable, including those of the Islamic faith.
Sens. Pete Ricketts, John Thune field questions from local producers on biggest agriculture challenges
Prev Next Nebraska farmers spoke with Sens. Pete Ricketts and John Thune on rising input costs, concerns about protecting agricultural workers from deportation, and more. Posted and last updated Max Williams is your Sarpy County neighborhood reporter. He's passionate about issues like safety, local development, the economy, and uplifting stories about our neighbors. HERMAN, Neb.
'We'll move on': Lisbon home intended for people with addiction issues destroyed by fire
Mon, October 19, 2026 at 4:59 PM Updated Mon, October 19, 2026 at 5:48 PM Fire destroys newly sold home in Lisbon (Lisbon Fire Department) LISBON (WGME) -- A fire destroyed a home in Lisbon that was set to become a place of recovery and support for people struggling with addiction. The home on Gould Road was recently purchased by the nonprofit An Angel’s Wing, which provides housing for people recovering from addiction. The fire broke out early Sunday morning.
Maine families feel pressure as heating oil costs continue to rise
PORTLAND (WGME) -- As temperatures drop, heating oil costs are climbing, and Maine families are feeling the pressure. There have already been some dire warnings about what struggling families could face once we hit the dead of winter, and that threat is real, but there is help out there. As of Monday, the average cost for heating oil statewide was $5.97 a gallon. Translate that to the average home tank of around 200 gallons, it would cost more than $1,200 to fill up.
Sanford police say man was taken into custody after allegedly crashing into ICE vehicle
SANFORD (WGME) – The Sanford Police Department says a man has been taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after allegedly crashing his car into one of their federal vehicles. Police say the incident happened a little after 9 a.m. at the corner of High and Brook Streets. Officers say a one-year-old child who was in the vehicle is OK after the crash.
Sanford police say man was taken into custody after allegedly crashing into ICE vehicle
SANFORD (WGME) – The Sanford Police Department says a man has been taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after allegedly crashing his car into one of their federal vehicles. Police say the incident happened a little after 9 a.m. at the corner of High and Brook Streets. Officers say a one-year-old child who was in the vehicle is OK after the crash. Neighbors say ICE agents surrounded a car in front of a blue house, and the whole scene was caught on camera.
Sanford police say man was taken into custody after allegedly crashing into ICE vehicle
SANFORD (WGME) – The Sanford Police Department says a man has been taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after allegedly crashing his car into one of their federal vehicles. Police say the incident happened a little after 9 a.m. at the corner of High and Brook Streets. Officers say a one-year-old child who was in the vehicle is OK after the crash. Neighbors say ICE agents surrounded a car in front of a blue house, and the whole scene was caught on camera.
Trump's $500 Obamacare refund check won’t change woman's mind before midterms
BENNINGTON, Neb. (KMTV) — A letter from President Donald Trump arrived for one Bennington woman along with a $500 check for her and her husband. The Trump administration says it sent nearly a million similar checks as refunds tied to Affordable Care Act fees collected during the Biden administration. For Lisa Driver, the unexpected money was welcome. But she says it isn’t changing how she views the economy or how she plans to vote ahead of the midterm elections.
Families of Lewiston mass shooting victims, survivors question distribution of donations
LEWSITON (WGME) -- Families of Lewiston mass shooting victims and those who survived the tragedy held a press conference Wednesday before the three-year mark of the event. Eighteen people were killed, and many more were injured, during the mass shootings at Just-in-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille on October 25, 2023. Now, some families of victims and survivors are asking questions about how millions of dollars donated after the mass shooting in Lewiston were distributed.
Kennebunk voters to decide on land donation for affordable homes
KENNEBUNK (WGME) -- A Kennebunk nonprofit is asking voters to approve a ballot question that would allow the town to donate land for three affordable homes aimed at local workers. Question 8G would transfer town-owned land along Factory Pasture Lane to the Neighborhood Housing Trust, which plans to build the homes for RSU 21 staff, town employees and local utility workers.
Families of Lewiston mass shooting victims, survivors question distribution of donations Original
Families of Lewiston mass shooting victims and those who survived the tragedy held a press conference Wednesday before the three-year mark of the event. (WGME) LEWSITON (WGME) -- Families of Lewiston mass shooting victims and those who survived the tragedy held a press conference Wednesday before the three-year mark of the event. Eighteen people were killed, and many more were injured, during the mass shootings at Just-in-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille on October 25,2023.
South Portland voters to decide on $88 million bond for new police, fire station
PORTLAND (WGME) – South Portland wants to build a new police and fire station, saying the current buildings are old and even dangerous. Now, voters will have the final say. Many voters say they will not be voting for a new police and fire station because of the price tag. Voters are being asked to approve an $88 million bond, but they are also struggling with the fact that the city just recently rebuilt another one of its fire stations.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles hosts town hall in Wells
Mon, October 12, 2026 at 8:19 PM Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles hosted a town hall Monday night in Wells. (WGME) WELLS (WGME) -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles hosted a town hall Monday night in Wells. This was Charles's eighth town hall since starting his campaign for governor. He was joined by former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu at the event. The Republican served four terms from 2017 to 2025.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles hosts town hall in Wells
Mon, October 12, 2026 at 8:19 PM Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles hosted a town hall Monday night in Wells. (WGME) WELLS (WGME) -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles hosted a town hall Monday night in Wells. This was Charles's eighth town hall since starting his campaign for governor. He was joined by former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu at the event. The Republican served four terms from 2017 to 2025.
Franklin Towers residents moved into new housing as building undergoes major renovation
PORTLAND (WGME) -- A Portland apartment building providing subsidized housing for hundreds of people is set for a major renovation. The Portland Housing Authority, which owns Franklin Towers, says it's now in the process of moving everyone out into new, and potentially temporary, housing. The housing authority says the renovation was supposed to be done in phases, so residents could still live there as construction was going on, but the owners say they rather have everyone out of the building.
It's a cry for help: Former Spruce Mountain student blames staff for behavioral issues
JAY (WGME) -- Spruce Mountain High School has faced a growing number of student behavioral issues. In a Sept. 24 RSU 73 school board meeting, Spruce Mountain High School Principal TJ Plourde said in the first few weeks of school they suspended 19 students, placed 45 students into detention and dealt with several civil rights violations.
'It's a cry for help': Former Spruce Mountain student blames staff for behavioral issues
JAY (WGME) -- Spruce Mountain High School has faced a growing number of student behavioral issues. In a Sept. 24 RSU 73 school board meeting, Spruce Mountain High School Principal TJ Plourde said in the first few weeks of school they suspended 19 students, placed 45 students into detention and dealt with several civil rights violations.
Maine DEP releases air quality data for area around petroleum tanks in South Portland
SOUTH PORTLAND (WGME) – It's becoming more apparent what's in the air around most of South Portland’s petroleum tanks. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has released more than a year’s worth of fence line monitoring data, measuring air along petroleum facility fence lines. The results showed long-term elevated levels of a known human carcinogen, benzene.
Make a plan to vote: Early voting begins in Maine
PORTLAND (WGME) – Monday marks the start of early voting in Maine, with tens of thousands expected to vote early or by mail. More than 70,000 absentee ballots have already been requested. After a record-breaking primary election turnout, Mainers are headed back to the polls for Monday's start of early voting for the midterm election. Also read: Pres. Trump teases possible campaign stop in Maine before midterms “One of the most important in my long lifetime,” early voter Barbara Kantner said.
Maine PUC denies CMP's temporary rate increase
PORTLAND (WGME) -- Central Maine Power's request for a temporary rate hike was denied by the Maine Public Utilities Commission Tuesday morning. The increase would have raised the average customer’s bill by about $7 a month. The PUC says the entire request was disputed. This decision means no bill increase for now, but the larger case is far from over. The commission says it’s likely a rate increase could be approved as part of its final decision next spring.
'Make a plan to vote': Early voting begins in Maine
PORTLAND (WGME) – Monday marks the start of early voting in Maine, with tens of thousands expected to vote early or by mail. More than 70,000 absentee ballots have already been requested. After a record-breaking primary election turnout, Mainers are headed back to the polls for Monday's start of early voting for the midterm election. “One of the most important in my long lifetime,” early voter Barbara Kantner said.
'Make a plan to vote': Early voting begins in Maine
PORTLAND (WGME) – Monday marks the start of early voting in Maine, with tens of thousands expected to vote early or by mail. More than 70,000 absentee ballots have already been requested. After a record-breaking primary election turnout, Mainers are headed back to the polls for Monday's start of early voting for the midterm election. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows answers voting questions on ARC Maine (WGME) “One of the most important in my long lifetime,” early voter Barbara Kantner said.
Prosecutors reach agreement with former Maine Capitol Police chief in bar altercation
PORTLAND (WGME) -- Former Maine Capitol Police Chief Matthew Clancy is accused of assaulting another officer following an altercation outside a bar. Prosecutors and Clancy's attorney have now agreed on a deal that will avoid a trial and drop assault and resisting arrest charges, leaving just a disorderly conduct charge. Clancy was charged with assault, refusing to submit to arrest and disorderly conduct.
Prosecutors reach agreement with former Maine Capitol Police Chief in bar altercation
PORTLAND (WGME) -- Former Maine Capitol Police Chief Matthew Clancy is accused of assaulting another officer following an altercation outside a bar. Prosecutors and Clancy's attorney have now agreed on a deal that will avoid a trial and drop assault and resisting arrest charges, leaving just a disorderly conduct charge. Clancy was charged with assault, refusing to submit to arrest and disorderly conduct.
Lewiston city leaders say program aimed at curbing youth violence has been successful
LEWISTON (WGME) – It’s been a little over a month since the City of Lewiston launched its community engagement and accountability initiative aimed at curbing youth violence. Through the effort, the city's police department has deployed a mobile command unit, increased foot patrols and brought back bike patrols. City leaders claim the program so far has been successful.
'It's scary': Maine SNAP recipients, food banks feel pressure as costs continue to rise
PORTLAND (WGME) -- Major changes are coming to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. It means states like Maine will now have to cover more of those benefits. It's designed to cut costs, but with inflation, it's also leading to some tough choices. It’s no secret that many Mainers are feeling the pressure of rising costs. But for families who rely on SNAP, that pressure can be even more overwhelming. “It's scary,” SNAP recipient Elizabeth Alvarez said.
Spruce Mountain High School looks for answers after already suspending 19 kids this year
JAY (WGME) -- A western Maine school says it's dealing with a growing problem involving students misbehaving. District leaders say, at this point, it's the sheer number of students getting in trouble that has them concerned. A western Maine school says it's dealing with a growing problem involving students misbehaving. (WGME) Spruce Mountain High School is just over a month into the school year and so far, the principal says they have had to suspend 19 students.
Pregnant woman saves family from house fire in Litchfield
LITCHFIELD (WGME) -- A pregnant woman helped save her family during a house fire in Litchfield early Monday morning. The fire, which left them with next to nothing, rekindled Monday afternoon. “Everything is just gone,” Devyn Sandoval, whose home was destroyed by the fire, said. Sandoval was on the couch asleep when she says she woke up to flames taking over her bedroom early Monday morning.
Pregnant woman saves family from house fire in Litchfield Original
LITCHFIELD (WGME) -- A pregnant woman helped save her family during a house fire in Litchfield early Monday morning. The fire, which left them with next to nothing, rekindled Monday afternoon. “Everything is just gone,” Devyn Sandoval, whose home was destroyed by the fire, said. Sandoval was on the couch asleep when she says she woke up to flames taking over her bedroom early Monday morning. “When I opened the door, the whole back side of my room was engulfed in flames,” Sandoval said.
'It's killing me': Maine businesses hurt as gas prices continue to rise
PORTLAND (WGME) -- Gas prices are up another $0.05 in Maine just from last week. AAA is reporting Friday's average price for gas in Maine is $4.43 per gallon and for diesel, it is much higher, up to $6.50 per gallon. While many Mainers rely on gas to get around, it can also be a major drag for businesses, big and small, especially the diesel prices. “That’s $50 right there,” Rubino and Sons Landscaping Owner Eric Rubino said. Rubino's landscaping business runs on gas. “It's killing me,” Rubino said.
30 years later: Remembering the Julie N oil spill in Casco Bay
PORTLAND (WGME) — It was a beautiful fall day on Casco Bay 30 years ago, but the scene quickly turned dark when an oil tanker slammed into Portland's Million-Dollar Bridge. The Julie N, carrying more than 8 million gallons of oil, struck the bridge on Sept. 27, 1996, spilling more than 179,000 gallons into Casco Bay and the Fore River in what became the largest oil spill in Portland's history. Jim Bowne, who was working as a photojournalist for CBS13 at the time, was there to document the disaster.
Boat found crashed near in York as search continues for missing 84-year-old man
PORTLAND (WGME) -- Crews continue to search for an 84-year-old man believed to be missing in the ocean near York. The Coast Guard has searched extensively for Chester Wiggins but haven't found any sign of him. The search has now been going on for more than 24 hours. Search crews are still on the ground and in the air as a boat sits upside down on the shore with no one inside. Officials say Wiggins, who is from Bedford, Massachusetts, hasn't been seen in two days.
30 Years Later: Remembering the Julie N oil spill in Casco Bay
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'Really going to miss him': Neighbors mourn Portland murder victim; suspect shot by police
PORTLAND (WGME) -- One man is dead and another is in custody after a police-involved shooting in Portland. Police say the incident started as a disturbance call at 27 Colonial Road just after 8 p.m. Monday. One man is dead and another is in custody after a police-involved shooting in Portland. (WGME) Investigators returned to the scene Tuesday, going in and out of the house as the investigation is now fully underway.
Maine researchers study effect of Brunswick PFAS spill on nearby birds
Mon, September 21, 2026 at 6:48 PM It's been two years since a major PFAS spill at Brunswick Executive Airport led to a big clean-up and lingering questions about toxic contamination. (WGME) BRUNSWICK (WGME) -- It's been two years since a major PFAS spill at Brunswick Executive Airport led to a big clean-up and lingering questions about toxic contamination. Local researchers are still studying the impact, with a new focus on birds.
Driver in deadly Windham crash charged with manslaughter
PORTLAND (WGME) -- The driver involved in a deadly and fiery crash with a motorcycle on Route 302 in Windham Wednesday is facing more charges. Chad Jordan was arraigned in Portland District Court Friday and charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, OUI drugs causing the death of another person, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and aggravated criminal mischief.
Driver in deadly Windham crash charged with manslaughter
Fri, September 18, 2026 at 8:52 PM Chad Jordan (Cumberland County Jail) PORTLAND (WGME) -- The driver involved in a deadly and fiery crash with a motorcycle on Route 302 in Windham Wednesday is facing more charges. Chad Jordan was arraigned in Portland District Court Friday and charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, OUI drugs causing the death of another person, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and aggravated criminal mischief.
Some Mainers turn to firewood as oil prices continue to rise Original
PORTLAND (WGME) -- As the weather starts to get cooler, a lot of Mainers are starting to think about how they're going to heat their homes this winter. For many that means heating oil, even as prices are on the rise. Heating oil prices are continuing to rise, and that’s putting high demand on a different type of heating source. “It's getting to be hard for a lot of people,” Country Fuel Owner Wayne Lebbe said. Despite high heating oil prices, Lebbe says the orders are coming in hot.
Maine AG says office does not have jurisdiction to look into Lewiston shooting donations
PORTLAND (WGME) -- Maine's Attorney General answered questions Wednesday about how millions of dollars donated after the mass shooting in Lewiston were distributed. In total, the Maine Community Foundation raised nearly $7 million in the weeks after the shooting. Those funds were divided. The majority, $4.7 million, went to 162 victims and families who lost loved ones, and around $2 million went to local nonprofits for community recovery efforts.
Lawsuit against Maine Correctional Center expands with 10 women making allegations
WINDHAM (WGME) -- A class action lawsuit against the Maine Correctional Center first filed in May is now growing, with lawyers asking a judge to expand the existing federal case. A total of 10 women are now coming forward, filing a class action lawsuit against four members of the Department of Corrections, including the commissioner, and a transgender inmate.
Lawsuit against Maine Correctional Center expands with 10 women making allegations
Tue, September 15, 2026 at 10:13 PM Andrea Balcer is serving 40 years for killing her parents and dog in Winthrop in 2016. (WGME) WINDHAM (WGME) -- A class action lawsuit against the Maine Correctional Center first filed in May is now growing, with lawyers asking a judge to expand the existing federal case. A total of 10 women are now coming forward, filing a class action lawsuit against four members of the Department of Corrections, including the commissioner, and a transgender inmate.
Gorham group hopes to pass moratorium that would stop planned Amazon facility
Mon, September 14, 2026 at 7:45 PM Gorham residents are rallying to stop Amazon's plans to build a warehouse facility (WGME) GORHAM (WGME) -- The debate over an Amazon warehouse facility to be built in the Town of Gorham is continuing to heat up Monday night. A group of canvassers now have a new petition to try to stop the facility from being built along Route 25. Gorham United is the group behind the petition. They say they need 1,400 signatures from registered Gorham voters.
Gorham Planning Board approves proposed Amazon facility
GORHAM (WGME) -- After months of pushback, a proposed Amazon warehouse has cleared a major hurdle in Gorham. The planning board voted to approve the project Monday night, but opponents say their fight is far from over. Those opposed to the project were shocked by the vote Monday night, saying they did not see it coming. This project has gone before many meetings and has received significant pushback, but the fight to stop the town from allowing this is not over yet.
Ceremonies held across Maine to remember lives lost on 9/11
Fri, September 11, 2026 at 12:12 PM Ceremonies were held throughout Maine Friday morning to remember those lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. (WGME) FREEPORT (WGME) -- Ceremonies were held throughout Maine Friday morning to remember those lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. In Lewiston, city officials were focusing on education and the next generation, given that students were not alive when the attacks happened.
Lewiston man suffers life-threatening injuries in crash into Auburn pizza place
Tue, September 8, 2026 at 7:16 PM A car crashed into an Auburn business early Monday morning. (Heathco’s Pizza & Variety) AUBURN (WGME) -- Surveillance video shows a car go straight into the wall of Heathco’s Pizza & Variety in Auburn early Monday morning. A car crashed into an Auburn business early Monday morning. (Heathco’s Pizza & Variety) Police say the driver of the car was a 21-year-old man from Lewiston.
'We noticed a growth:' Maine businesses report uptick in Canadian summer tourism
OGUNQUIT, ME (WGME) — Maine tourism businesses are wrapping up a strong summer season, with some coastal businesses reporting a noticeable increase in Canadian visitors compared with last year. At Terrace by the Sea in Ogunquit, there were no vacancies over Labor Day weekend. General Manager and part-owner Dominick Patterson said they are having one of their better seasons to date. “We’ve sold more than 400 more rooms than last year,” Patterson said.
Maine Turnpike Authority expects 1.2 million cars to travel through Maine this weekend
PORTLAND (WGME) -- Another Labor Day weekend is here, and it is expected to be a busy one in Vacationland. AAA reports roughly 50 million Americans will travel for the holiday, with many hitting the road. Also read: Gorham could be next Maine town to ban employees from working with ICE The Maine Turnpike Authority expects 1.2 million cars to travel through Maine over the holiday weekend, but traffic is not the only thing making headlines this weekend. It's also gas prices.
Maine Turnpike Authority expects 1.2 million cars to travel through Maine this weekend
Fri, September 4, 2026 at 8:43 PM Another Labor Day weekend is here, and it is expected to be a busy one in Vacationland. (WGME) PORTLAND (WGME) -- Another Labor Day weekend is here, and it is expected to be a busy one in Vacationland. AAA reports roughly 50 million Americans will travel for the holiday, with many hitting the road. The Maine Turnpike Authority expects 1.2 million cars to travel through Maine over the holiday weekend, but traffic is not the only thing making headlines this weekend.
Portland residents grow frustrated with delayed Congress Square construction
PORTLAND (WGME) -- The project to improve the sidewalks, lighting and traffic signals in Portland's Congress Square has been set back for years, and now the city says crews have run into another unexpected issue underground. Residents are frustrated by how long the project is taking. The sidewalk near the State Theater is non-existent and has turned into a dirt path. One worker says this has not been great for business, but concerns go far beyond that.
Historic building in York could be demolished, relocated as part of housing proposal
YORK (WGME) -- A more than 250-year-old historic building in York could be demolished or relocated as part of a proposal to build new housing in the town. The John Kingsbury House, which has been home to Bagel Basket for nearly 30 years, is part of a development plan filed with the York Planning Board last week.
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