Paul Koenig
Verified
chief digital editor | @bangordailynews
Articles by Paul Koenig
Watch: BDN politics editor and election partner discuss Graham Platner fallout
Maine Democrats have been scrambling in the days since a rape allegation sank political newcomer Graham Platner’s campaign for U.S. Senate. In this video with the Bangor Daily News’ election partner, Decision Desk HQ, politics editor Michael Shepherd discusses what comes next in the replacement process, who the leading contenders could be and what their chances are of defeating longtime U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.
10 monsters that dwell in Maine’s waterways
This story was originally published in July 2018. It was early in the season to see moss animals, Gudrun Keszocze explained as she steered the canoe to the shallows of Pushaw Stream in late June. When the water warms to a certain temperature, these strange creatures start to grow and multiply, building colonies just beneath the surface. As the naturalist for Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Old Town, Keszocze guides paddling trips on the stream on a weekly basis.
Police arrest Waterville man after allegedly kidnapping 4-year-old
Personalized advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared or used specifically by this site. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below.
Divers searching for 18-year-old in Androscoggin River
Vendors can use your data to provide services. Declining a vendor can stop them from using the data you shared. Exponential Interactive, Inc d/b/a VDX.tv Cookie duration: 90 (days). Data collected and processed: IP addresses, Device identifiers, Probabilistic identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Non-precise location data, Users’ profiles, Privacy choices more Cookie duration resets each session. View details | Storage details | Privacy policy Index Exchange Inc. Cookie duration: 365 (days).
Maine Business News - Bangor Daily News
Susan Collins says Donald Trump not signing housing bill ‘makes no sense’ Trump abruptly killed a signing ceremony for the housing package ahead of a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol.
Follow the results of Maine’s regional baseball and softball championships
Vendors can use your data to provide services. Declining a vendor can stop them from using the data you shared. Exponential Interactive, Inc d/b/a VDX.tv Cookie duration: 90 (days). Data collected and processed: IP addresses, Device identifiers, Probabilistic identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Non-precise location data, Users’ profiles, Privacy choices more Cookie duration resets each session. View details | Storage details | Privacy policy Index Exchange Inc. Cookie duration: 365 (days).
See how your community voted in Graham Platner’s Senate primary win
Graham Platner decisively won the Democratic primary Tuesday to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in November, despite recent controversies. The Bangor Daily News and Decision Desk HQ, its election results partner, called the race at 9:07 p.m. Tuesday when Platner had 77.7% of votes to 16.7% for Gov. Janet Mills. With an estimated 100% of votes recorded Wednesday, Planter maintained a 72.3% to 19.4% advantage over Mills, with David Costello garnering 8.3% of the votes.
Use the BDN’s ranked-choice simulator to see who could win Maine’s gubernatorial primaries
Most of Maine’s big contested primaries are going to ranked-choice counts with no candidates expected to secure more than 50% of votes in those races. In the Democratic gubernatorial primary, Nirav Shah leads with 26.6% of the reported votes at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, followed by Hannah Pingree with 23.4%, Troy Jackson with 21.2%, Shenna Bellows with 20.6% and Angus King III with 8.2%.
Follow the results of Maine’s Democratic primary for US Senate
Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks at a campaign event Sunday, in Portland. Polls have closed across Maine, and results are starting to be reported to the Bangor Daily News and our election partner Decision Desk HQ. In Maine’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, oyster farmer Graham Platner is the presumptive nominee, but he’s faced a string of recent controversies. Gov.
Testing Page
Personalized advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared or used specifically by this site. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below.
Photos: Maine game warden pilot honored with ceremony in Bangor
Game warden pilot Joshua Tibbetts, who was killed in a plane crash in western Maine last week, was honored with a celebration of life in Bangor on Thursday. An 18-year veteran with the Maine Warden Service, Tibbetts was flying a plane to stock fish when he crashed around 11 a.m. on May 12 in Avon. The ceremony began Thursday morning the arrival of uniformed law enforcement and wardens carrying Tibbetts’ casket.
Watch Live: Game warden killed in plane crash is being honored in Bangor ceremony
A Maine game warden who died in plane crash in Avon last week is being honored during a Thursday ceremony in Bangor. The celebration of life for game warden Josh Tibbetts is being held on Thursday at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. The ceremony began at 10 a.m. with the arrival of uniformed law enforcement.
Live updates: Officials urge public to avoid Searsmont lumber yard with mass casualty response underway
Emergency responders from multiple towns in and around Waldo County are responding to a fire and possible explosion at a Searsmont lumber mill. Route 131 has been closed by police at the intersection of School Street and Ghent Road. A Bangor Daily News reporter at the scene said there is a large column of black smoke filling the sky above the lumber mill. Emergency responders were asked to notify people living in the area of a gas leak, according to dispatchers.
Watch: UMaine morning commencement ceremony
Vendors can use your data to provide services. Declining a vendor can stop them from using the data you shared. Exponential Interactive, Inc d/b/a VDX.tv Cookie duration: 90 (days). Data collected and processed: IP addresses, Device identifiers, Probabilistic identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Non-precise location data, Users’ profiles, Privacy choices more Cookie duration resets each session. View details | Storage details | Privacy policy Index Exchange Inc. Cookie duration: 365 (days).
2 men charged with kidnapping after allegedly locking Bangor woman in her bathroom
Personalized advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared or used specifically by this site. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below.
Propane wall heater causes fire at Stockton Springs house
A fire at a camp-style home on Station Street in Stockton Springs was caused by a wall-mounted propane heater. The Stockton Springs Fire Department responded Saturday evening to a blaze at a camp-style home on Station Street, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety. The two-and-a-half-story structure sustained extensive damage before the fire was extinguished, but no injuries were reported. No one was at the Stockton Springs home at the time of the fire.
Missing 24-year-old Winslow man found safe
Vendors can use your data to provide services. Declining a vendor can stop them from using the data you shared. Exponential Interactive, Inc d/b/a VDX.tv Cookie duration: 90 (days). Data collected and processed: IP addresses, Device identifiers, Probabilistic identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Non-precise location data, Users’ profiles, Privacy choices more Cookie duration resets each session. View details | Storage details | Privacy policy Index Exchange Inc. Cookie duration: 365 (days).
Community news
Personalized advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared or used specifically by this site. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below.
75-year-old woman killed in central Maine fire
Personalized advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared or used specifically by this site. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below.
What’s your craziest idea for the Bangor Mall?
We broke the news Tuesday that the Bangor Mall is being sold to a “local buyer,” but not much else is known about the sale or what will happen to the deteriorating institution. State Sen. Joe Baldacci told the Bangor Daily News that the group of investors buying the property — including a business man with “deep local roots” and a family that goes back generations in Bangor — is committed to making it more viable as a commercial space and public area.
Pedestrian killed by vehicle in Waterville gas station parking lot
A person was killed Sunday morning after a vehicle left the road and struck another vehicle parked at a Big Apple convenience store in Waterville, according to police. The Waterville Police Department said it appears a vehicle traveling east on Main Street left the roadway and struck the vehicle at a Big Apple gas pump at 364 Main St. A pedestrian in the parking lot was struck and died at the scene, police said.
Man arrested after alleging driving snowplow near protestors in Rockland
Personalized advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared or used specifically by this site. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below.
Multiple dogs, rabbits, parakeets and a chicken die in Maine house fire
A fire on Saturday destroyed a Palmyra home, displacing a family of six and killing multiple pets, according to Maine Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss. Firefighters responded to a structure fire on Lang Hill Road at around 8 p.m. Saturday. Due to the extent of the fire, responders used an excavator during suppression and overhaul operations, Moss said. The fire displaced four adults and two children.
Eliot Cutler arrested after allegedly violating probation for 3rd time
For a third time in the past five months, failed Maine gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler has allegedly violated the probation conditions of his 2023 conviction for possession of child sex abuse materials. The Maine State Police Special Victim’s Unit arrested Cutler, 79, in South Portland on Monday afternoon after encountering him at a hotel while conducting unrelated investigative activity, according to Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss.
Bangor man arrested after allegedly knocking out woman
Bangor police arrested Axel-Rodney Brooks, 38, after responding Sunday morning to a report of a couple fighting at a residence. A woman who was later transported to a local hospital to be treated for her injuries said Brooks threatened and assaulted her over the course of the weekend, including knocking her unconscious and strangling her, according to Bangor Police Department spokesperson Jeremy Brock.
Down East house fire started by 3-year-old playing with lighter
A house fire at Pleasant Point Reservation in Washington County was caused by a 3-year-old playing with a lighter, according to the state fire marshal’s office. Investigators responded to a reported structure fire at around 11:45 a.m. Sunday and determined the fire originated in a bedroom of the home, which sustained extensive damage, according Shannon Moss, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Live: Watch Pete Hegseth speak at Bath Iron Works
More articles from the BDN Paul Koenig is chief digital editor at the Bangor Daily News. He previously spent six years at Maine magazine, as managing editor and then editor. Before that he worked at Old Port magazine, Mainebiz and... More by Paul Koenig
Rockport chef among 7 James Beard Awards semifinalists in Maine
Sara Jenkins, chef and owner of Nina June in Rockport, is among the seven James Beard Awards semifinalists in Maine announced by the organization Wednesday. Along with Jenkins, the others nominated for Best Chef in the Northeast category were Jeremy Broucek of Bread & Friends in Portland, Chris Gould of Central Provisions in Portland, Jake Stevens of Leeward in Portland and Thomas Takashi Cooke of Izakaya Minato in Portland.
Rockport chef among 7 James Beard Awards semifinalists in Maine
Sara Jenkins, chef and owner of Nina June in Rockport, is among the seven James Beard Awards semifinalists in Maine announced by the organization Wednesday. Along with Jenkins, the others nominated for Best Chef in the Northeast category were Jeremy Broucek of Bread & Friends in Portland, Chris Gould of Central Provisions in Portland, Jake Stevens of Leeward in Portland and Thomas Takashi Cooke of Izakaya Minato in Portland.
ICE says it arrested nearly 50 people in Maine
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested nearly 50 people in Maine by Tuesday evening during the start of its operation focused in the Portland and Lewiston areas, according to a report from Fox News. The Bangor Daily News was not able to independently confirm the arrest totals reported by Fox News, which had a reporter embedded with the agency in Maine at the start of what the federal government is calling “Operation Catch of the Day” on Tuesday.
Pitbull is returning to Bangor’s waterfront this summer
Mr. Worldwide is coming back to the Queen City. Pitbull will be playing a concert at Bangor’s Maine Savings Amphitheater in late summer featuring crunk legend Lil Jon. Tickets for the Aug. 31 concert go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30. You can sign up for artist presale tickets, which begin Jan. 28. Pitbull performed at Bangor’s waterfront concert venue with T-Pain in September 2025 for his “Party After Dark” tour and previously performed in the city in 2022 with Iggy Azalea.
The 10 most-read stories in Maine in 2025
By Paul Koenig, Bangor Daily News Staff This year had it all in Maine. A quirky small-town vote involving the Hells Angels, immigration raids, a partially eaten black bear and celebrity sightings on the coast. In 2025, we declared that going “upta camp” had officially become financially out of reach for most Mainers. Unless of course you’re a mysterious new landowner who can afford to buy 1,400 acres along Moosehead Lake and then close the hiking trails to the public.
The 10 most-read stories in Maine in 2025
This year had it all in Maine. A quirky small-town vote involving the Hells Angels, immigration raids, a partially eaten black bear and celebrity sightings on the coast. In 2025, we declared that going “upta camp” had officially become financially out of reach for most Mainers. Unless of course you’re a mysterious new landowner who can afford to buy 1,400 acres along Moosehead Lake and then close the hiking trails to the public.
Judge orders feds to halt changes to homelessness assistance program
A federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday to halt changes to a program that keeps more than a thousand Mainers in permanent housing, although the federal agency had already rescinded its plan. A coalition of states, including Maine, challenged the federal agency’s changes to the Continuums of Care program, which supports about 1,800 residents here with housing assistance.
Tens of thousands lose power across Maine due to strong winds and heavy rain
More than 66,000 households across Maine were without power Friday evening, as strong winds and heavy rain swept through the state. The storm has inflicted the most damage along the coast and some inland areas, including Penobscot County. The National Weather Service issued a storm warning for Maine’s entire coast and a high wind warning from Cumberland County’s coast to Washington County and the Bangor area.
Live Updates: Voting underway today across Maine
Voting is underway across the state today, as Mainers visit polling places to decide on two referendums and local races, including competitive Bangor City Council contest and a controversial budget question in Washington County. The first statewide referendum question would add voter ID requirements and limit absentee voting, while Question 2 would implement a red flag to make it easier for firearms to be temporarily taken away from people who pose a significant danger.
BDN wins best daily Maine newspaper award
By Paul Koenig, Bangor Daily News Staff The Bangor Daily News was named the state’s best daily newspaper for the second year in a row at the Maine Press Association’s annual conference Saturday in South Portland. Longtime BDN cartoonist George Danby was also inducted into the MPA’s hall of fame at a luncheon earlier in the day, and Paula Brewer, the BDN’s deputy state editor, was honored with the Unsung Hero Award.
BDN wins best daily Maine newspaper award
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Bangor Daily News was named the state’s best daily newspaper at the Maine Press Association’s annual conference Saturday in Portland. Longtime BDN cartoonist George Danby was also inducted into the MPA’s hall of fame at a luncheon earlier in the day, and Paula Brewer, the BDN’s deputy state editor, was honored with the Unsung Hero Award.
Federal report describes what happened in fatal Bangor plane crash
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The pilot killed when his small airplane crashed at the Bangor International Airport last month appeared to try correcting himself before striking the ground, according to a preliminary report released Tuesday. Luigi Accusani, 74, an Italian pilot, was flying a single-engine Cessna A185F from Europe and attempted to land in Bangor on Aug.
Maine man killed by mini cannon during private fireworks show
A South Paris man was killed during a private fireworks display Saturday night after he was struck by a projectile discharged by a mini cannon, according to police. The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, Med-Care Ambulance Service and Roxbury Fire Department responded at around 9:24 p.m. Saturday to a home in Roxbury for a report of a man who had collapsed during a private fireworks display, Maine State Police spokesperson Shannon Moss said.
Dispatcher guides rescuers to injured woman lost in the Maine woods
Rescuers found a woman who was injured and lost in the woods in Carmel on Sunday afternoon thanks to a dispatcher guiding a sheriff deputy to her location over the phone. The Penobscot Regional Communications Center received a 911 call at around 2:05 p.m. from the woman, who indicated she was severely dehydrated, suffering from a head injury and lost, according to the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
2 women severely burned in Maine camper explosion
A camper in Old Orchard Beach exploded on Saturday, injuring two women, according to police. The two women were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland with severe burn injuries, according to Shannon Moss, spokesperson for the Maine State Police. Responders quickly extinguished the fire reported at around 12:30 p.m. on Cascade Road, and the Maine fire marshal’s office began conducting a post-blast investigation, Moss said.
The Maine Monitor
Personalized advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared or used specifically by this site. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below.
Photos: Bangor High School class of 2025 graduation ceremony
Bangor High School graduated 237 students during Sunday’s commencement ceremony at Cross Insurance Center. Senior Jacob Biberstein, whose speech was chosen by a faculty committee, highlighted the determination, effort and cooperation it took the students to reach the graduation stage. Principal Butler presented Charles E. French medals to the four seniors with the highest academic performance: Teagan Atherley, Alexander Busko, Jenna Elkadi and Isabel Harrow.
Police arrest 2 protesters after ‘No Kings’ rally in Portland
Portland police officers arrested two protesters on Saturday following the “No Kings” demonstration, a nationwide movement opposing the Trump administration. Similar protests were held across the country and in more than 30 communities around Maine, including Bangor, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the city’s waterfront. Portland’s demonstrations drew thousands of attendees, according to the Portland Press Herald.
15 escaped goats disrupt traffic on Maine highway
Maine State Police helped coral 15 goats that escaped from a trailer Saturday afternoon on Interstate 95 in Falmouth. The farm trailer had detached from a Toyota pickup truck and came to rest in the median, according to Shannon Moss, spokesperson for the Maine State Police. There were no significant injuries to the driver or goats, which disrupted traffic on both sides of the highway.
Servitude To Putin
It’s not surprising that Trump continues his despicable actions. Jan. 6 was an atrocity followed by an infinite number of more ruthless offenses. Trump is an embarrassment to this country, which was once more demonstrated in the Oval Office when he disparaged President Zelenskyy — someone who is facing the horrors of an unjust war while Trump, even with bone spurs, ran as fast as he could from serving in the military. Trump’s interests are not of peace, but only servitude to Putin.
Watch the University of Maine commencement ceremonies
The University of Maine is holding its commencement ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students on Saturday and Sunday at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. The graduate ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, and the undergrad ceremonies are 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday.
How to watch Husson University's commencement ceremony
Husson University is holding its commencement at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. More than 800 students are graduating, including 560 undergraduates. The commencement speaker is Gregory Powell, chairman of the Harold Alfond Foundation and CEO and president of Dexter Enterprises, which manages the foundation’s investments and philanthropy. You can watch the livestream of the commencement below. VIDEO
Are you flying without a Real ID? Tell us about your experience
Starting today, Real ID compliant identification is required for boarding domestic flights in the United States, but travelers won’t be turned away if they don’t have one. The Transportation Security Administration has warned people flying who don’t have identification that complies to arrive early and be prepared for advanced screening.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Paul
Contact Paul, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack