The Robinson Report

Webb’s return as a declared write-in candidate brings unusual policy ideas and possible protest-vote complications. Meanwhile, Susan Collins told Jon Fetherston she accepted four debate offers and was ready to debate before early voting begins. This raised questions as to why Jackson is pushing town halls while refusing scheduled face-offs. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Quality Care Access charges more per patient than any autism residential care provider in the country, at nearly $40,000 monthly for each patient. Every single dollar comes from the American taxpayer. In return, they promise to provide Mainers who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (IDD), or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with a comforting, home-like environment. They politicians and bureaucrats in Augusta call this home- and community-based care. But Maine Wire Reporter Jon Fetherston’s investigation has found that disabled Mainers, who often lack the ability to advocate for their own welfare, are enduring shocking levels of neglect and mistreatment.Read his report below, originally published at TheMaineWire.com, and follow Jon on X.What began as a Maine Wire investigation into Maine’s expanding network of taxpayer-funded residential care providers has grown more troubling:* Recurrent bed bug infestations caused by migrant workers who treated autism group homes like crash pads* Non-English speaking DSPs cheating on certification exams they struggled to understand.* A deceased doctor listed as the health official in charge of a company that’s billed $27.8 million to provide residential care for less than 16 patients* A Medicaid agency that bills more per patient than any other autism group home operating in then country, according to Medicaid recordsAnother start-up MaineCare agency has come under scrutiny for its treatment of disabled clients and its anomalous billing patterns following an investigation by The Maine Wire into Maine’s controversial — and wildly expensive — autism group home program, known as MaineCare Section 21.The Medicaid agency — Quality Care Access, LLC — was chartered in July 2020 by Jovin Bayingana, and the Portland-based company rapidly became one of the most lucrative new MaineCare businesses in New England.According to Medicaid payment records obtained via a Freedom of Access Act request, the company billed the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for $1.2 million in 2021, $5.3 million in 2022, $7.4 million in 2023, $6.7 million in 2024, and $7.2 million in 2025 — for a lifetime cost of $27.8 million.The more detailed federal Medicaid dataset shows that throughout this time frame QCA had fewer than 16 patients in most years.At the same time, the company’s monthly cost per client rose from $33,306 in 2022 to $39,234 in 2024.Similarly, the average value of a Medicaid claim submitted by QCA, according to the federal records, rose from $6,966 to $8,736, indicating the company was increasing revenue by increasing billing rather than bringing on new clients.According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) records, the authorized health official for QCA is Dr. Justin Nsenga — which is slightly problematic because Nsenga reportedly died in a July 1, 2024 auto accident.The autism company operates within Maine’s MaineCare Section 21 waiver program, a taxpayer-funded program that provides 24/7 care for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD).The state refers to this as “Community Based Residential Treatment,” or “A home-like residential facility providing habilitation, support and monitoring services to individuals diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.”Yet an investigation by the Maine Wire, based on an analysis of state and federal records and interviews with people familiar with QCA’s operations, has found that the houses QCA owns via proxies within its financial network and rents back to the company are far from “home-like” for the disabled residents.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.According to the MaineCare Benefits Manual, residents at Section 21 homes are supposed to have constant one-on-one support from trained Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).But a former employee told The Maine Wire that QCA’s employees have gamed the system to obtain DSP credentials when, in reality, they can’t even read the exams they’re supposed to be passing. And that’s just the least stomach-churning allegation.“Every home had bed bugs,” the ex-employee said. “They would never take them out of the houses to go and do anything.”“It was like they were prisoners in their own home,” they said.The former employee, who requested to speak anonymously for fear of retaliation by individuals within Maine’s residential care industry, also detailed a culture of neglect for residents’ health, safety, and disability rights.The source also described an approach to managing employee rotations that prioritized sleeping accommodations for the DSPs over the rights and needs of disabled residents, a fact that contributed to the recurrent bed bug infestations that allegedly plagued the autism group homes.Rather than medical care facilities for disabled adults, the source described a taxpayer-subsidized system where non-English-speaking African migrants rotated from property to property couch-surfing rather than providing care.The whistleblower alleged employees slept while on duty but that services were nevertheless billed as though work had been performed. She also alleged employees improperly took or handled clients’ money and described verbal and other mistreatment of people receiving services.“I would say most of the staff didn’t speak English,” the source said. “I’d say about 90 92% probably spoke a different language, and then 8% spoke English.”The former employee claimed some clients became so frustrated by an inability to communicate with staff that they engaged in dangerous or desperate behavior. She alleged that clients sometimes swallowed batteries or called police in hopes of being arrested simply because an encounter with law enforcement provided an opportunity to communicate with someone who spoke English.“This client spoke to me directly, saying, ‘I like going to the hospital because the people there speak English and they pay attention to me,’” they said.[RELATED: Paradise Lost: How African Migrants Made Millions on Filthy Medicaid Homes Where Disabled Mainers Were Abused…]‘Because of the lack of English proficiency, would-be DSPs had to cheat in order to pass the certification tests required to work in MaineCare funded residential treatment facilities, a practice that was encouraged by Nsenga, the source said.“He would help them with the answers,” the source said. “He would let them in the conference room all together in a group of you know 10, 12, 14, people leave. [them] all in the conference room with their cell phones, with the door shut, and and let them just take their test that way.”Those allegations mirror what the DHHS described in termination letters to two other MaineCare Section 21 residential care providers, Paradise Residential Services and Beyond Residential Care.[RELATED: Rwandan Immigration Lawyer Faces Bar Complaint After $13M Autism MaineCare Biz Axed…]In the case of Beyond Residential Care, DHHS’s letter to CEO Felix R. Hagenimana alleged that the autism group home company “shuffled Members between settings to meet the needs of the Provider, not the Members’, and not in conformance with Members’ needs and choices as reflected in a Person-Centered Service Plan.”Paradise executive Jocelyne Ininahazwe and Juste Arakaza managed to bill MaineCare for nearly $25 million before the company’s provider agreement was terminated, while Hagenimana’s firm bagged $13.8 million in taxpayer dollars before state officials pulled the plug.Notably, both Ininahazwe and Hagenimana received their emergency termination letters on the very same day Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) published a video ridiculing CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz as a “TV Doctor” for asking questions about autism fraud within Maine’s massive medical welfare program.QCA refused multiple requests for an interview and declined to comment for this story.Instead, after this reporter interviewed a QCA resident who claimed that she was fearful of her health care providers, QCA sought to keep The Maine Wire away from its properties.On Aug. 29, Gorham Police served the Maine Wire with a criminal trespass notice requested by QCA. In the notice, QCA falsely alleged that this reporter had been “trespassing in or on” QCA property.There is one significant problem with any suggestion that this reporter secretly or unlawfully entered the home: We lawfully recorded the visit with the permission of the resident.Video provided to the Gorham Police shows that not only did QCA staff invite this reporter inside, the resident — who is legally allowed to have any visitors she wants enter the home she’s renting — was eager to talk with a journalist.The resident, whom the Maine Wire is declining to name, appeared fearful of the DSPs who were present at the home and agreed to speak only outside of the house, beyond earshot of the very people entrusted with her care. “They are mean to me.” “They don’t speak English.” Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

After Jon Fetherston interviewed a whistleblower about claims of bedbugs, sleeping staff, stolen client money and workers bouncing between multiple homes, Steve Robinson said Quality Care Access fits a broader pattern of MaineCare funded group homes being used as migrant crash pads. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

After WGME aired a report on Paradise Residential Services, Steve Robinson questioned why the station did not credit earlier Maine Wire reporting on Aleister Blade, Dr. Oz, DHHS records and the company’s MaineCare billing. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

The debate over Flock cameras exposed a split between public-safety benefits and concerns about government surveillance. Also, Trump’s $100 fee on foreign visitors at major national parks became another example of Democrats opposing a policy that the Maine Wire said is already working.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 connected the Saco River encampments to a wider decline in Portland, Bangor and other Maine communities where public drug use and homelessness are increasingly visible. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Maine’s $56 million Meta settlement sparked a debate over whether big lawsuit payouts actually help residents or simply create new pools of money for left-wing causes. Furthermore, Jon Fetherston had a live confrontation in Kennebunk that turned into a revealing exchange over Trump, immigration and whether Maine Wire’s reporting is “propaganda.” Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

What began as Gov. Janet Mills’ $300 relief check program has become another example of state records that appear to include people who should not be receiving taxpayer payments. Maine Wire reporter Seamus Othot said a check was sent to the estate of a dead person, while arguing the same process may also be sending money to inmates, noncitizens and anyone who appeared in the state tax-filing data. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Despite Graham Platner’s Senate campaign appearing to end, his supporters may still write him in as a protest vote. Additionally, after Maine People’s Alliance mailers reportedly reached people who were dead, questions arise where the group obtained its voter data. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

JD Vance credited Maine Wire and Paul LePage with raising fraud concerns long before Washington took serious notice, calling LePage one of the strongest advocates for protecting taxpayer dollars. Vance also took aim at Matt Dunlap, saying Maine should not promote someone who failed to protect taxpayer dollars while the state became what he called a fraud capital. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

The discussion contrasted the resistance to data centers with Maine’s embrace of wind and solar projects, arguing that green-energy subsidies have raised costs while rewarding politically connected interests. Nuclear power, natural gas access and data centers could offer a more serious path to lower electricity prices, new investment and long-term economic growth. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

A Maine mother said she was offered free Narcan at her baby’s appointment. The form shows a disturbing sign of how widespread fentanyl and opioid exposure have become. This raises new questions about Maine’s drug crisis, harm reduction and whether families now need overdose medication in the same first-aid kit as Band-Aids. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Councilor Bret Martel pressed Spurwink representatives to explain how many people had entered treatment, stayed clean or achieved measurable recovery after the city committed nearly $550,000. Their inability to provide basic success metrics is raising new concerns about harm reduction programs, mobile needle vans, Medicaid-funded nonprofits and whether taxpayers are paying for outcomes or just more services. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

After Bangor residents packed an emergency meeting over the Yellen Pines low-barrier housing project, Joe Sokol said the council still voted not to reconsider the deal. The backlash is fueling new questions about Preble Street, drug use, taxpayer costs, a 30-year tax incentive and whether Bangor officials are listening to residents.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 Chellie Pingree held a campaign-style ICE hearing in Biddeford, questions surface as to why she was the one to reveal new information about the intended target in the fatal shooting. The moment is fueling fresh scrutiny of ICE communications, Janet Mills’ emotional return and whether Democrats are trying to turn the Biddeford shooting into a broader anti-ICE campaign issue.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

Grace Curley joins Maine Wire TV to discuss the arrest of Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña, saying the alleged COVID relief fraud case reflects how pandemic money was abused while businesses and families suffered under government restrictions. Pastor Travis Cary also joins the conversation to preview his “Church in Politics” event in Westbrook, arguing that Christians should not retreat from public policy if they want to love their neighbors. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

Outside the Scarborough ICE facility, anti-ICE protesters told Jon Fetherston they were watching federal agents to promote transparency and accountability. What began as a cordial discussion quickly dissolved into a heated debate with the one and only, self-proclaimed “Temu Bob Ross”. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

A Biddeford protest outside Susan Collins’ office brought Maine People’s Alliance activists, anti-ICE signs and even mariachi music into the latest immigration fight. Meanwhile, Lewiston’s latest high-speed chase led to a broader debate over youth crime, Flock cameras and whether city leaders are responding aggressively enough. Get full access to The Robinson Report at robinsonreport.substack.com/subscribe

New Maine DHHS records gave more detail on provider sanctions tied to MaineCare fraud allegations, including agencies previously reported on by Maine Wire.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

Rand Paul’s push to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress reopened the fight over COVID accountability, pardons and the limits of Fifth Amendment claims. Additionally, Jon Fetherston returned to Augusta after Dr. Oz’s visit to Maine and said the governor’s office was again unavailable to answer questions about Medicaid fraud.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

A Portland anti-ICE rally drew nurses, activists and Democratic figures after ICE detained a MaineHealth nurse from Zambia. Jon Fetherston contrasted the protest narrative with ICE’s account, which said the nurse entered the country in 2024, overstayed her visa and did not have legal status to remain and work.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

Dr. Mehmet Oz’s visit to Maine put new national attention on MaineCare fraud allegations involving home support services, autism care providers and taxpayer-funded facilities. Jon Fetherston described his meeting with Oz as a sign that federal officials are taking Maine Wire’s reporting seriously, even as questions remain about when arrests or subpoenas will follow.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

A new affordability warning showed that many Mainers view the state as too expensive, with a significant share considering leaving within five years. The concern stretched from Portland to Bangor, touching on housing costs, progressive politics, drugs, homelessness and the feeling that Maine’s natural beauty is being dragged down by failing cities.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 returned from Allagash with new reporting on Troy Jackson’s roots, describing a remote town where residents said Jackson is far less popular than his statewide image suggests.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 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