The Robinson Report

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 my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

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 The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

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/subscribe

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 robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

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 other questionable offers. The group illustrates how informal labor markets can raise concerns about illegal work, exploitation, taxes and public accountability.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

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 free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

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, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

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 that hostility toward the Maine Wire continued even at a more organized event.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

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, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

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

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. 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 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 support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Joe Sokol says he went to the police after a protester in Bangor struck him with a sign during an anti-Trump rally while he was asking questions. At the same time, Graham Platner remains the Democratic Senate nominee despite growing calls for him to step aside after a sexual assault allegation. Nirav Shah and Troy Jackson may want the opening, but the seat is locked unless Platner willingly walks away.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

Politico reported that Maine resident Jenny Racicot accused Graham Platner of entering her home uninvited in 2021 and sexually assaulting her after she told him not to come over. Platner denied the allegation, calling it false, while the Maine Wire said the report was more serious than prior controversies because Politico cited interviews, messages and documents tied to the allegation.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

Lewiston City Councilor Bret Martel said council leadership rejected his emergency agenda item after two more people were shot in the face following the city’s gun violence forum. Martel said the city left a three-and-a-half-hour meeting with no action plan and no sign that leadership considers the public safety crisis an emergency.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

Jon Fetherston reacted to Lewiston’s gun violence forum, saying Mayor Carl Sheline ended the meeting without a plan, action items or a clear next step. Fetherston said the only major developments were Susan Longchamps calling for Gov. Janet Mills to bring in the National Guard and a Somali community member urging officials to address the “elephant in the room.” Seamus Othot previewed reporting on Julia Trujillo Luengo, Maine’s new director of the Office of New Americans, describing her as a DEI and migrant-services worker connected to Maine’s nonprofit and resettlement world.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 panel criticized a Supreme Court decision touching birthright citizenship, arguing that the current system encourages birth tourism and weakens the meaning of American citizenship. They also tied the issue to foreign nationals, UOCAVA ballots, Shenna Bellows, the SAVE Act and broader concerns about election integrity.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

After Joe Sokol attended Bangor Pride, one attendee confronted him over Jesus, called him a “fundy” and followed the exchange with profanity, insults and a failed attempt to play a satanic song. The encounter raised questions about public events, religious hostility, activist aggression and how quickly a neutral street interview can turn volatile.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

After Chris and Karen Harrington learned Clinton lacks a local food sovereignty ordinance, they began gathering signatures to force a special town meeting. Their plan is to give away sourdough and baked goods, collect donations for local causes and keep the farm stand alive while pushing the town to protect other small farms from state interference.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

ICYMI - State Rep. Laurel Libby (R-Auburn) has formed a new initiative to advance right-of-center policies and ideas in Maine. You should check out her initiative at LeadMaine.com. This week, I joined Laurel to discuss our investigative reporting on widespread Medicaid fraud, both here and at TheMaineWire.com (hat tip to Jon Fetherston and Seamus Othot). While the Bangor newspaper continues to dance to Herr Mills marching orders, and the George Soros papers in southern Maine talk about “alleged” fraud, the Maine Wire has taken the novel step of actually doing some investigating. You can listen to the full episode below…Sponsored Content: The Christian Civic League of Maine invites you to a powerful evening of worship, prayer, encouragement, and challenge as we welcome Eric Metaxas to the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono. Robinson Report subscribers get a special deal where they can spend an eternity in Heaven if they give their lives over to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. It turns out Medicaid fraud is so rampant in Maine that you don’t have to try very hard to find ghost office suites, providers ripping off the state with zero penalties, and disabled Mainers getting abused so “New Mainers” can drive Mercedes G-Wagons. We’re the only outlet in the state doing actual investigative journalism into the endemic fraud and corruption of Maine’s most expensive welfare program, and the most sensational stories are yet to come. Subscribe to the only exciting, entertaining, and aggressive investigative newsletter in New England…We previewed a little of our upcoming reporting with Laurel and talked about a clever initiative that Lead Maine has brought forward to stop unscrupulous scammers from looting Mainers’ wallets and purses. You can listen to the full episode and follow Lead Maine at LeadMaine.com. Find the episode on YouTube: Apple: Spotify: Your subscriptions help The Robinson Report and The Maine Wire stay at the frontlines of the war to save Maine. Join us! Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

After Jon Fetherston and Graham Pollard arrived at a Kennebunk protest, several demonstrators refused to explain their signs while others argued over Trump, the Epstein files and the reflecting pool. The exchanges highlighted the gap between anti-Trump slogans, public protest and the ability of demonstrators to defend their positions on camera.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

After Lead Maine submitted two rule-making petitions to DHHS, Nick Murray, Policy & Communications Director, said the goal is to restore accountability to MaineCare providers receiving taxpayer money. The proposals would require actual on-site inspections and suspend payments to providers suspected of improper billing before more money goes out the door. Meanwhile, after Jon Fetherston and Graham Pollard stop in Sullivan, several fishermen said Graham Platner’s “oysterman” image does not match the reality of Maine’s working waterfront. Their comments raised questions about Platner’s campaign biography, his family safety net, his lack of advocacy for fishermen and whether real working-class Mainers feel represented by his anti-billionaire message.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

Radio legend Mike Violette joins Maine Wire TV to raise questions about Hannah Pingree’s connection to Donald Sussman and the broader Democratic donor class. The exchange connected Pingree family wealth, Chellie Pingree’s financial disclosures, billionaire donors and whether Platner’s attacks on Susan Collins also apply to Democrats on his own ticket. Meanwhile, Graham Pollard and Jon Fetherston arrive in Sullivan, Maine to check out the area tied to Platner’s harbormaster image. 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

After another delay in Maine’s ranked-choice voting count, Steve Robinson graces Maine Wire TV with his presence to criticize a system that sends local results to Augusta on thumb drives before voters learn who won. The discussion raised questions about ballot handling, delayed results, voter trust and whether ranked-choice voting has made Maine elections slower and less credible. 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

After Biddeford officials admitted they sent the wrong thumb drive to Augusta, Jon Fetherston started asking basic questions about how election data was stored, transported and secured after the primary. Then, while live-streaming from Kennedy Park in Lewiston, a man threatened to smash Jon in the face and another demanded to know why he was standing in a public park. Viewers got so concerned that some even showed up to help keep Jon safe. Never a dull moment on Maine Wire TV!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

After Teddy Daniels joined Maine Wire TV, he said Graham Platner’s comments about his Afghanistan combat video showed the mindset of a privileged candidate pretending to be a working man. Daniels described Platner as a fraud, questioned his “oysterman” persona and argued that real blue-collar men do not spend their time tearing down fellow veterans online.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

Brynne Willis, an unenrolled libertarian who supports Graham Platner, joined Maine Wire TV for what began as a political conversation but soon became a debate over surveillance and development. She said Flock cameras, AI data centers, corporate partnerships and Trump-era policies are pushing America toward authoritarianism, while Tom, Jon and Graham questioned whether rejecting that technology would hurt Maine’s chances for jobs and investment.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

After Jon Fetherston approached a Kennebunk protest and pressed demonstrators about Graham Platner’s past comments and behavior, several supporters objected to the language but largely refused to defend their candidate on camera. Moments later, Kennebunk police responded to the protest, and Fetherston explained the complaint appeared to center on his use of Platner’s own words while questioning supporters.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

After Donald Trump called Graham Platner a “low-level thug” and one of the worst people to ever run for office, Republicans gained a new national attack line in the Senate race. Furthermore, after the Maine Wire asked viewers to report voting problems, hundreds of comments and tips described issues with party registration, ballot access and confusion at the polls. The reports put pressure on the Secretary of State’s office, especially after Jon Fetherston said he again received no clear answers.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

After John Fetherston reported from Governor Longley Elementary in Lewiston, multiple voters described problems with party registration and absentee ballot records. The situation raised questions about Maine’s voter system, Shenna Bellows’ oversight, recent registry updates and whether election officials can explain why voters said they were blocked or nearly allowed to vote twice. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

After Graham Platner received a “Grahamily” card from supporters, his campaign appeared to lean into a victim narrative amid scandals involving Reddit posts, Kik, his tattoo, women and questions about honesty. The moment shifted into criticism of supporters who remain emotionally attached to Platner despite new allegations, campaign contradictions and questions about his working-class image. Joe Sokol made his way over to Stonington, Maine to speak with a lobsterman about Susan Collins’ defense of the industry, Platner’s “oysterman” image, veterans, Reddit comments and whether Maine’s working class will trust his campaign. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

After the Washington Free Beacon questioned Graham Platner’s harbormaster claim, his campaign website was updated to say he no longer holds the position. Additionally, after a Lewiston educator spoke at the Community Conversation forum on youth gun violence, Sophia Khalid posted an edited clip that led to the educator being placed on administrative leave. The story quickly widened into questions about free speech, school discipline, Khalid’s influence and whether the full Maine Wire footage changed the district’s response.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

After rumors swirled about a major New York Times story on Graham Platner, the report landed with accounts from women who described volatile relationships, heavy drinking and unsettling behavior. The fallout added new pressure to his Senate campaign, raising questions about his personal history, his campaign’s credibility and whether national Democrats can keep backing him.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

After Graham Platner traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with national Democrats, Chuck Schumer repeatedly dodged questions about whether he was satisfied with Platner’s explanations. The moment raised questions about Democratic strategy, Janet Mills, party loyalty, Platner’s controversies and whether national leaders are preparing for more damaging revelations.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

After Graham Platner ran away from reporters at a small Portland event last Sunday, staff and supporters formed a human wall around him while Jon Fetherston tried to ask questions. The moment fed into wider concerns about campaign transparency, staff behavior, shrinking crowds and whether new allegations are starting to weaken Platner’s public image.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

After Troy Jackson released a populist video about working-class Mainers and oligarchs, new reporting showed a PAC supporting him had received money from out-of-state donors and labor interests. This raises questions about clean-money branding, Wall Street donors, campaign hypocrisy and whether Jackson is borrowing Graham Platner’s outsider playbook.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

After Graham Platner accused Susan Collins of sending him to war, Collins responded that he enlisted after the Iraq War had already begun and later worked for Blackwater. The exchange raised questions about Iraq War politics, military service, Iran, Democratic support for past wars and whether Platner’s argument ignores his own decisions. The focus shifted to children shooting children, local officials staying silent, Somali community concerns and the need for a direct conversation in Lewiston.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

After new polling showed Ben Midgley in third place in the Republican governor’s race, he pointed to straw poll wins, Ann LePage’s endorsement and ranked-choice voting as signs his campaign has room to grow. The discussion quickly turned to Shenna Bellows, the girls sports referendum, voter suppression claims and whether a Republican governor could reverse Maine’s direction on Title IX.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

Robert O’Neill, the SEAL Team 6 veteran who killed Osama bin Laden, joined Maine Wire TV to discuss Graham Platner’s resurfaced comments about veterans, Chris Kyle and combat injuries. O’Neill said the best response to past mistakes is to own them directly, rather than justify bad behavior with someone else’s bad behavior. Women’s rights advocate Molly Curtis said Maine girls are afraid to speak up about males entering female locker rooms and bathrooms, while supporters blasted Shenna Bellows’ rejection of the girls’ sports referendum as a setback for safety, fairness and privacy. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Jon Fetherston described visiting Lewiston organizations with City Councilor Brent Martel to invite community leaders to a public forum on children, gun violence and public safety. The effort drew pushback outside MIRS, where Fetherston said he was accused of trespassing, stalking and harassment while trying to deliver a flyer. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

A pit bull shot in Bangor became a major story after Blink the pit bull was put down and the man who fired the shot received online death threats. Additionally, a new political fight emerged after Joe Baldacci’s Democratic rivals criticized him over national PAC support in the Second District race.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 resurfaced porta-potty post was described as especially damaging because Platner was not being accused of youthful stupidity, but of making strange online comments as an adult. With the Maine Senate race already focused on character, consultants, donor money and campaign image, the latest Reddit revelation gave critics another line of attack. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Nate Field joined Main Wire TV to discuss his independent run for U.S. Senate, describing himself as a working-class single father who has lived through homelessness, addiction and financial struggle. He said those experiences give him a different perspective from Susan Collins and Graham Platner in Maine’s 2026 Senate race. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Turning Point USA “Make Heaven Crowded” event in Portland is described as a family-friendly Christian gathering. Jon Fetherston mentions Portland Mayor Mark Dion helped ensure the event could proceed with security in place. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Vice President JD Vance praised Maine Wire’s reporting during his Maine visit, naming Jon Fetherston and Steve Robinson while discussing fraud in Medicaid and other taxpayer-funded programs. Steve Robinson later described the issue as organized crime involving foreign political factions, not just isolated welfare abuse. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

JD Vance’s planned trip to Maine was framed around fraud, accountability and the mounting national focus on MaineCare and home health care reporting. The comments suggested his visit could increase pressure on Gov. Janet Mills while giving Paul LePage’s Second District campaign a boost. Graham Platner’s campaign was criticized as a manufactured political product driven by national progressive operatives and a strong digital team. His Nazi tattoo, billionaire donor ties, canvassing operation and anti-establishment image were all questioned as the Senate race against Susan Collins moves forward. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Senator Collins questioned Kash Patel about illegal Chinese marijuana grow houses in Maine and whether the money from those operations is tied to drug trafficking. Patel said federal task forces are targeting grow houses and tracing financial records, though questions remained about why more operations have not already been shut down. Furthermore, Jon Fetherston visits a sober house in South Portland to discover the residents are living without electricity and hot water for days. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

JD Vance’s upcoming visit to Maine was described as a major development tied to fraud concerns, emails sent to the White House and calls for federal accountability. Additionally, Graham Platner was criticized after campaign materials appeared on the ground despite his earlier video attacking Susan Collins-linked mailers and saying his campaign would not use that kind of outreach. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Radio icon, Mike Adams, host of the Planet Mikey podcast, criticized fraud tied to taxpayer-funded programs and questioned who is responsible for oversight when child care centers, home care operations and benefits programs show signs of abuse. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe