MS NOW - According to a new investigation from ProPublica, Sen. Susan Collins narrowly escaped being embroiled in an FBI bribery probe into defense contracts, lawmakers and large campaign contributions. For that, she can thank the Trump administration's commitment to making America a place where the wealthy, connected and morally flexible can get away with almost anything. The good news is that if we're determined enough, we can undo the damage that has been done.
ProPublica's story begins in 2019, when the head of Collins' super PAC, Scott Reed, met with executives from a defense contractor called Navatek that the senator had helped land a Navy research contract in Maine. Then Collins' fundraiser made a request: The company should make a six-figure donation to help the senator in her re-election bid. The executives said they would pony up - if Collins helped them get more contracts.
…."To skirt campaign finance laws and conceal the source of the funds," ProPublica reported, "Navatek planned to funnel the donation through a shell company. The CEO [Martin Kao] wanted assurance that Collins would know where the money came from. Reed confirmed that she would, the executive said - and that Navatek would get its government contracts."
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UPCOMING
Note: In changing our schedule we lost some links that are useful. In the future we will try to back these up so this doesn't happen again.
SEP 23
Coastal Waters Commission, Town Hall Council Chambers, 30 Main Street, Freeport 6:00 pm
SEP 24
12:30 PM |Calderwood Improved-Access Trail Grand Opening
Discussion Session: Town Sidewalk Maintenance, Care and Responsibility Town Hall Council Chambers, 30 Main Street, Freeport 1:00 pm
On Wednesday, September 30th, Freeport Community Library & RSU5 Community Programs will host a Candidates Forum at Freeport Community Library. This event will start at 6:00pm. Join us to hear from candidates for Freeport Town Council, the Water and Sewer Districts, and the RSU5 School Board.
OCT 1
Maine Naturalist and Executive Director of the Maine Humanities Council, Samaa Abdurraqib is the Featured Poet for our October 1st Open Mic Poetry eventaganza. The event will be held at beautiful Meetinghouse Arts at 7:00 PM and tickets are now available.
Thursday, October 1, 4:30-6:30 PM, we're bringing back the Great Golf Ball Drop at the state-of-the-art driving range at Maine Golf in Freeport, The event features a $1,000 cash prize for the golf ball closest to the pin, a Longest Drive Contest with $200 prizes for the top-finishing men and women, and special prizes for our youth divisions. golf balls are $5 each or 6 for $25. Each golf ball purchase includes entry into the Longest Drive Contest - (maximum 6 drives per person).
OCT 2
Mainely Palestine - The Teach-In events at Bowdoin College on Friday, October 2nd, have been cancelled. ALL Mainely Palestine events will happen on Saturday, October 3, 9 am - 6 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle Street, in Brunswick. Details at www.mvprights.org/mainely-palestine
OCT 2-4
Patch - Freeport residents can look forward to the
27th Freeport Fall Festival Oct. 2-4, with five music stages, local food
vendors, kids' activities, and a free shuttle linking downtown and L.L.Bean's
redesigned flagship store. The piece also spotlights spooky nights and family
Halloween fun at the Desert of Maine, plus fall-themed events in nearby Bath
and Brunswick.
OCT 4
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 50th Annual Pettengill Family Farm Day - 2026 is the 50th Anniversary of this beloved event! It is going to be an extra-special Farm Day. Live music, delicious food, vintage arts, crafts, and games, farmhouse and trail tours 31 Pettengil Farm Rd, Freeport
OCT 6
6:00 PM | Invasive Species Workshop Learn how to identify and manage invasive plants with experts from Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Bradley Room, Freeport Community Center
OCT 24
ANNUAL WOLFE'S NECK CENTER FALL FESTIVAL - Join us for hayrides, family activities, yoga, local food and more! One ticket secures a wagon ride around campus.
