DEVELOPING: we had just arrived to Lisbon Falls by the Mobil station where there was a large law enforcement presence. All of a sudden, just a few minutes ago, about a dozen police vehicles took off all at once. It’s the most movement we’ve seen tonight at one time.
People are evacuating. Gas station lines are held up for hours. Homes are flooded. Two people were killed and two people are missing. No statement. No press conference from Gov. Janet Mills. Her press secretary did just tweet about Cadbury Eggs at CVS though.
Joshua Seal, a familiar face during the pandemic as an interpreter for the
@MEPublicHealth
, was killed in the Lewiston mass shooting—
@WGME
has confirmed. The deaf community is in mourning knowing that a group was at Schemengees playing cornhole.
Schemengees Bar and Grill put out a statement early this morning about the shooting. “In a split second your world gets [turned] upside down for no good reason.”
Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming support. When I first came out (now over 11 years ago!), I didn’t know if there would actually be a space for people like me on TV or the news. I am grateful to know now 7 years in the biz and 3 stations later I was wrong!
Suprise surprise! After 7 wonderful years together, my long-time partner Caroline and I are tying the knot. We could not be more excited to get married 💍
This is Winston. He was born with both an underdeveloped sternum and front arms. He needs a series of chest reconstruction surgeries and he’s growing so fast he needs a new set of wheels every other week. You can help him and his rescuers below. 14/10
BREAKING: I’m in Lisbon on Lisbon Street where there is a LARGE police presence. This is several miles away from Lewiston. I asked law enforcement if they think the suspect is here— he replied they didn’t know. Then another officer said to get back “this area isn’t safe.”
This is a damning response to Gov. Mills from the National Weather Service. She has repeatedly said this storm was much worse than predicted. “Forecasts and briefings provided to local and state officials began on Friday, Dec. 15. NWS alerted for a significant weather event…”
The National Weather Service has issued a statement in response to comments made by Governor Janet Mills who has been publicly critical of their forecast leading up to the 12/18 storm that caused heavy damage and claimed four lives. Their statement is in this thread:
Take a look at what could become Maine's next state flag! An architect from Gardiner came up with it. There are 16 branches to represent the 16 counties. He was going for a simplified but semi-realistic design. If voters pass a referendum in Nov., this will become the new design.
Update: we’re seeing law enforcement, including some tactical vehicles, behind Lisbon High School. We weren’t able to find where that convoy of police vehicles went about an hour ago. They were headed toward Main Street in Lisbon Falls.
A coworker brought in her dog and I am OBSESSED. All work has been brought to a standstill.
(Thanks to our assignment editor Kate for capturing the BEST photo)
BREAKING:
@SenAngusKing
says $110M in American Rescue Plan funds will go delivering high-speed, reliable internet across Maine. It is expected to reach 22,500 households with this funding alone.
It was tough reporting on a COVID outbreak when just last week, we said goodbye to my grandma. There was an outbreak at her independent living facility in Chicago. She got sick and later had a related stroke. It is terrible to know she's no longer with us.
A very welcomed October surprise. A beautiful day with temperatures reaching the high 70’s maybe even 80° in Southern Maine. A great reprieve after the last few days. Time to reflect and process. Stress, pain and anguish still in our hearts.
We’re being told to move back. Authorities are searching the area that we’ve been reporting from. The armed official who approached us called it “the danger zone.” Unclear what agency he was from.
It's something we hear from viewers just about every severe storm event-- why not bury the power lines? Here in Maine, downed trees and limbs frequently cause outages. The thought is that this could be avoided by going underground.
I just got to the scene of Sanford high school where a report of an active shooter sparked panic in the community. It is a false alarm. Law enforcement is here. I will provide more information as it becomes available.
BREAKING: Public teachers in Maine will fall under a vaccine requirement from the federal government. This will also apply to other public entities like state and local governments, the University of Maine System, Maine Turnpike Authority and more.
😭😭😭😭 being in the path of totality is like a spiritual experience. It’s unlike anything you could imagine. I felt like I was near tears the entire time. Thank you, Rangeley, for the spectacular time.
Check out this GIANT lobster claw! It was found by a family at Cape Neddick beach today. I saw them checking it out and went over to get a glimpse. WOW. Can’t imagine what the rest of it looked like! 🦞 🤤
I was so shocked when I moved to Maine to learn about the incredible Valentine’s Day tradition— someone would put up simple ♥️ signs ALL over Portland. Literally overnight. It was magical! Maybe people could put up a heart sign this week to honor him?
Take a look at these aerial views over Durham from
@wbz
’s helicopter. It shows the Lewiston mass shooting investigation has expanded to Durham. People are seen with their hands up on their heads as law enforcement approaches.
Hey I visited Maine twice and decided to move here. It’s great. Highly recommend. In fact I have. Great breweries. Nice beaches. Wonderful boots. Winter sucks. But that’s ok. There’s skiing. And snowboarding. More breweries. Plus distilleries. Some wineries. Don’t forget lobster.
This winter was super slow for Uber driving but summer is popping in Portland now. A passenger gave me this and lots of others tipped too! Always, always appreciated.
We are headed home for the night. Continue to follow
@WGME
for updates. There is going to be a briefing at 10 AM inside Lewiston’s city hall.
@JohnnyWGME
and
@AysiaWGME
will be covering developments in the morning.
Dept. of Public Safety Commisioner Michael Sauschuck confirms the suspects body was found at the Maine Recycling Cooperation in Lisbon. He was found in a trailer. The location was cleared twice previously.
I am absolutely disgusted that Joe Biden has declared the most Holy of Holy days - a self proclaimed devout Catholic - as Transgender Day of Visibility. The only thing you should be declaring on this day is ‘HE is Risen’.
Google Maps now shows that this stretch of Lisbon Street is closed. We are over in Durham trying to figure out where law enforcement suddenly took off to.
Right now: people are gathering by the State House and calling for change after the Lewiston mass shooting. Among the top priorities for those in the crowd— an assault weapons ban.
They were headed toward Main Street— away from the area one law enforcement officer told me was “the danger zone” just before midnight. We haven’t been able to find where the law enforcement vehicles suddenly went to.
SOON: there will be a press conference at the Lewiston City Hall.
@SenatorCollins
,
@RepGolden
and Lewiston’s Police Chief will be there. It will start at 6 o’clock.
My wife has been looking for sand dollars ever since she was a child while in Maine visiting family at the local beach in Cape Neddick. She never found one. Knowing today was likely the last beach of the year we had to make it count. Today we learned snorkeling is the way to go.
Today I’m filled with overwhelming gratitude. We learned we are nominated for a Boston/New England Emmy® for Best Evening Newscast for a smaller market. I was the reporter included in the submission. Our coverage revolved around a massive school shooting hoax across the state. 🧵
A train has been sitting right by Mary Bodenstein’s home idling for more than 48 hours. She has been trying to find someone—anyone— to get it to move. The sound and fumes became too much. That’s why she reached out to us.
Was down in Saco this morning and all of a sudden this Eastern Bluebird would not leave my car alone. Drove a little further away and it stopped. Came back and it returned! Must be territorial. Be careful if you’re headed through the Laurel Hill Cemetery.
My one and only hope for the next legislative session is a complete and utter overhauling of the legislature’s website so the average person can actually understand what’s happening, what’s being proposed and where it stands.
😅Not all heroes wear capes. Today, my hero wore jeans! And yes, I'd agree with
@GreggWGME
... I think a gift card for lunch might be headed
@SenTroyJackson
's way.
Check out this 📸 of Portland Headlight today during the storm. Good reminder that while Mainers LOVE to go down to the water and check out the waves, you need to KEEP BACK. You never know when a massive wave will hit.
Thanks Paula Reed for sending this to me!
🎉 8 years reporting, investigating and anchoring 🙌🏽 from Minnesota to Wisconsin and now Maine this career has been nothing but one wild ride. Still learning and growing with every story. Excited to still be sticking with it now and always.
We’re at the Lisbon town offices— just over a mile northeast from where we were before. Helicopter is back flying overhead. Seeing lots of law enforcement up in this area.
It took nine months and multiple requests for me to get the records I needed for this investigation in part because the county didn't know about the sheriff's deal
#journalism
@bangordailynews
Please. I am begging you. Stay home. If flood waters are rising, go to an evacuation center but do so SLOWLY. You may not realize that the road is flooded up ahead. Rivers like the Androscoggin are still rising. DON’T keep driving through the water. Turn around.
BREAKING: Pro-Palestine protestors are blocking the on and off ramp at the Franklin Street arterial. Police are on scene. Go around the area. You will get stuck.
Update: we were told all reporters and crews to clear the room. It’s unclear why this is happening. That order came from Lewiston’s communications director.
Omg I am blown away. I’ve been driving for Lyft to make some extra money. I just got this notification. Wow. Any tip goes a long way and is always appreciated. This is above and beyond. 😭😭😭
I’ve just arrived to the scene by Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant. We are just down the road. It is being blocked off. They had posted on Facebook a few hours ago that it is industry night.
I’m in Bridgton at an apartment complex for older Mainers or adults with disabilities. Residents have been without power and heat since Friday morning. One woman cried as she told me how cold it’s been. She says she couldn’t afford to go to a hotel.
Right now: nurses are speaking out in front of Maine Medical Center in Portland. They say that the hospital announced late last week that it was terminating nurses’ paid leave for bereavement, jury duty and military service.
Maine really is a small town…. Went up to a random person at the polls to talk about Question 4. It was Bud Ellis, an assistant attorney general for Maine. (He did the interview)
Third time’s the charm! Felt like I was going faster than this 😂 Not bad for a beginner. Finally felt like I hit my stride at
@BlackMountainME
! We will be back!!!
Viewers keep asking why I wear a mask if I’m on Zoom. Here’s why:
1) masks are required at my work
2) you’re not supposed to keep taking the mask on and off
3) I’m just a few feet from others
4) I don’t want COVID again
5) my family will keep wearing masks
A Christmas tradition from my nana ♥️ we loved making Mexican wedding cakes when I was a kiddo. Thinking of her today🎄 There’s a lot of hurting right now and it can be hard be grateful. Hoping all can have some small comfort in the little things like spending time together.