Steve Mistler
@stevemistler.bsky.social
Politics & government reporter for Maine Public Broadcasting. Contribs to NPR. Former 📰 guy. Signal: @stevemistler.83
details illustrate how the company faces greater scrutiny from regulators than previously known. It also reveals the complexities of investigating fraud in a $5.4 billion program that is largely monitored for irregularities by a small program integrity unit
State referred embattled MaineCare provider for fraud investigation before halting payments
New details illustrate how the company faces greater scrutiny from regulators than previously known, and reveal the complexities of investigating fraud in a $5.4 billion program that is largely monito...
www.mainepublic.org
January 23, 2026 at 10:26 PM
details illustrate how the company faces greater scrutiny from regulators than previously known. It also reveals the complexities of investigating fraud in a $5.4 billion program that is largely monitored for irregularities by a small program integrity unit
Senate Leadership Fund says it’s dumping $42M in effort to defend Sen. Susan Collins.
Here’s our guide to the groups spending big on MESEN. We’re updating regularly.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
Here’s our guide to the groups spending big on MESEN. We’re updating regularly.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
January 20, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Senate Leadership Fund says it’s dumping $42M in effort to defend Sen. Susan Collins.
Here’s our guide to the groups spending big on MESEN. We’re updating regularly.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
Here’s our guide to the groups spending big on MESEN. We’re updating regularly.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
Reposted by Steve Mistler
A previously unreported and recently completed audit found that Gateway Community Services overbilled MaineCare by more than $1 million. The state says such suspensions are imposed when there's suspected fraud:
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
State suspends MaineCare payments to Portland provider over suspected fraud
Gateway Community Services had already faced scrutiny for overbilling MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program. A previously unreported and recently completed audit found that the provider overbilled t...
www.mainepublic.org
December 23, 2025 at 8:41 PM
A previously unreported and recently completed audit found that Gateway Community Services overbilled MaineCare by more than $1 million. The state says such suspensions are imposed when there's suspected fraud:
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
Reposted by Steve Mistler
I wrote about Rob Reiner's shockingly good performance in The Wolf Of Wall Street in this, but it's striking how many different films and parts Defector staffers wanted to write about. He was a mensch, but he was also just everywhere in the culture for 50 years. defector.com/defectors-fa...
Defector's Favorite Rob Reiner Credits | Defector
When Rob Reiner was killed earlier this week along with his wife Michelle, the world of film lost one of its most beloved and respected figures, an artist who had done very good and extremely popular ...
defector.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM
I wrote about Rob Reiner's shockingly good performance in The Wolf Of Wall Street in this, but it's striking how many different films and parts Defector staffers wanted to write about. He was a mensch, but he was also just everywhere in the culture for 50 years. defector.com/defectors-fa...
A constellation of deep-pocketed outside groups is already poised to spend big to affect the outcome of the 2026 Maine U.S. Senate race that could determine which party controls the chamber after the midterm elections. Some of these groups are already running ads 🧵
December 12, 2025 at 3:45 PM
A constellation of deep-pocketed outside groups is already poised to spend big to affect the outcome of the 2026 Maine U.S. Senate race that could determine which party controls the chamber after the midterm elections. Some of these groups are already running ads 🧵
ICYMI: In interviews Platner has been open about his post-combat struggles. Now he’s talking about it more frequently at his heavily attended town halls. It seems to be making his campaign more resilient, his supporters more devoted.
Listen 🎧📻
Listen 🎧📻
Graham Platner is sharing more about post-combat struggles. Has it made his campaign more resilient?
Deleted Reddit posts and tattoo controversies blunted the Democrat's U.S. Senate candidate's surge of early momentum. Now the oyster farmer and military veteran is talking more about his battle with…
www.mainepublic.org
November 20, 2025 at 11:44 AM
ICYMI: In interviews Platner has been open about his post-combat struggles. Now he’s talking about it more frequently at his heavily attended town halls. It seems to be making his campaign more resilient, his supporters more devoted.
Listen 🎧📻
Listen 🎧📻
Worth your time to read this Laura Loomer piece. Includes a peek at the pay-to-play influencer machine
Laura Loomer’s Endless Payback www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Laura Loomer’s Endless Payback www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
November 13, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Worth your time to read this Laura Loomer piece. Includes a peek at the pay-to-play influencer machine
Laura Loomer’s Endless Payback www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Laura Loomer’s Endless Payback www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Wrote about the Dems’ shutdown backlash against Sen. Angus King and others.
One of the clearest examples yet that they’re experiencing a tea party-like moment — with the ACA helping it along.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
One of the clearest examples yet that they’re experiencing a tea party-like moment — with the ACA helping it along.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
Angus King broke ranks to help end the government shutdown. The backlash has been withering
The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history is over. But with little to show for it, the mostly Democratic politicians who ended the standoff now face intense backlash.
www.mainepublic.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Wrote about the Dems’ shutdown backlash against Sen. Angus King and others.
One of the clearest examples yet that they’re experiencing a tea party-like moment — with the ACA helping it along.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
One of the clearest examples yet that they’re experiencing a tea party-like moment — with the ACA helping it along.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
Reposted by Steve Mistler
The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history is over. But with little to show for it, the mostly Democratic politicians who ended the standoff now face intense backlash:
Angus King broke ranks to help end the government shutdown. The backlash has been withering
The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history is over. But with little to show for it, the mostly Democratic politicians who ended the standoff now face intense backlash.
www.mainepublic.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:28 PM
The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history is over. But with little to show for it, the mostly Democratic politicians who ended the standoff now face intense backlash:
Platner has a new campaign manager. A local guy. Never done it before.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
Platner taps Maine progressive leader to lead campaign
Ben Chin of the Maine People's Alliance will become U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner's new campaign manager. He arrives as the campaign has been beset by staff upheaval.
www.mainepublic.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Platner has a new campaign manager. A local guy. Never done it before.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
Been to several of these now. The stump varies on delivery — he’s ditched the notes and pretty much riffs — but essentially the same message. What I noticed tonight, though, is the questions are getting tougher
Graham Platner at the Chocolate Church in Bath. Full house. Seats 300. Begins by calling on attendees to support local food banks amid shutdown and suspension of SNAP assistance.
November 7, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Been to several of these now. The stump varies on delivery — he’s ditched the notes and pretty much riffs — but essentially the same message. What I noticed tonight, though, is the questions are getting tougher
Graham Platner at the Chocolate Church in Bath. Full house. Seats 300. Begins by calling on attendees to support local food banks amid shutdown and suspension of SNAP assistance.
November 6, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Graham Platner at the Chocolate Church in Bath. Full house. Seats 300. Begins by calling on attendees to support local food banks amid shutdown and suspension of SNAP assistance.
Reposted by Steve Mistler
Jared Golden made the announcement in a lengthy column published in the Bangor Daily News in which he lamented the increasing hostility in the nation's politics and threats against him and his family:
Maine congressman Jared Golden decides not to seek reelection to US House
Jared Golden made the announcement in a lengthy column published in the Bangor Daily News in which he lamented the increasing hostility in the nation's politics and threats against him and his family.
www.mainepublic.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Jared Golden made the announcement in a lengthy column published in the Bangor Daily News in which he lamented the increasing hostility in the nation's politics and threats against him and his family:
Gun rights groups have long held supremacy over Maine’s gun laws. The Lewiston mass shooting brought new scrutiny. Two years later, voters approved a red flag law that supporters say could have prevented the tragedy.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
Mainers pass Question 2, enacting red-flag gun law
Mainers have enacted a red-flag gun law at the ballot box, with 58.8% of the vote. The Associated Press called the race at 9:55 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2025.
www.mainepublic.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Gun rights groups have long held supremacy over Maine’s gun laws. The Lewiston mass shooting brought new scrutiny. Two years later, voters approved a red flag law that supporters say could have prevented the tragedy.
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
In Sept, Graham Platner said the response to his campaign has been "surreal."
Reality has arrived over the past week. Now comes a test of Maine Democratic primary voters' risk aversion.
buff.ly/0aayG5f
Reality has arrived over the past week. Now comes a test of Maine Democratic primary voters' risk aversion.
buff.ly/0aayG5f
Will Graham Platner's commanding polling lead falter amid stream of opposition research releases?
For nearly two months, Graham Platner’s bid for the U.S. Senate was marked by momentum and bravado as the political newcomer drew big crowds to his town halls and he channeled Democratic voters’…
www.mainepublic.org
October 23, 2025 at 6:32 PM
In Sept, Graham Platner said the response to his campaign has been "surreal."
Reality has arrived over the past week. Now comes a test of Maine Democratic primary voters' risk aversion.
buff.ly/0aayG5f
Reality has arrived over the past week. Now comes a test of Maine Democratic primary voters' risk aversion.
buff.ly/0aayG5f
Reposted by Steve Mistler
For nearly two months, Graham Platner’s bid for the U.S. Senate was marked by momentum and bravado as the political newcomer drew big crowds to his town halls and he channeled Democratic voters’ hopes for a newer, brasher kind of candidate:
Will Graham Platner's commanding polling lead falter amid stream of opposition research releases?
For nearly two months, Graham Platner’s bid for the U.S. Senate was marked by momentum and bravado as the political newcomer drew big crowds to his town halls and he channeled Democratic voters’ hopes...
www.mainepublic.org
October 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM
For nearly two months, Graham Platner’s bid for the U.S. Senate was marked by momentum and bravado as the political newcomer drew big crowds to his town halls and he channeled Democratic voters’ hopes for a newer, brasher kind of candidate:
Really interesting pollster note in the UNH survey. Tries to account for Mills performance v Platner with declining approval. Her approval was +4 in August before she got in the race but flirting with it. It dropped to -12 once she got in. Did approval fall because she got in?
buff.ly/ehktz3M
buff.ly/ehktz3M
October 23, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Really interesting pollster note in the UNH survey. Tries to account for Mills performance v Platner with declining approval. Her approval was +4 in August before she got in the race but flirting with it. It dropped to -12 once she got in. Did approval fall because she got in?
buff.ly/ehktz3M
buff.ly/ehktz3M
Coast Guard Buys Two Private Jets for Noem, Costing $172 Million www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
Coast Guard Buys Two Private Jets for Noem, Costing $172 Million
www.nytimes.com
October 19, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Coast Guard Buys Two Private Jets for Noem, Costing $172 Million www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
Reposted by Steve Mistler
Proponents of Question 2 argue the existing law — often referred to as Maine’s yellow flag law — is a failed experiment that was not used to stop a gunman in Lewiston from killing 18 people and injuring and traumatizing countless others in 2023 despite warnings about his deteriorating mental health:
With Question 2, voters will weigh in on whether Maine's current gun-confiscation law is sufficient
Proponents of Question 2 argue that the existing law — often referred to as Maine’s yellow flag law — is a failed experiment that was not used to stop a gunman in Lewiston from killing 18 people and i...
www.mainepublic.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Proponents of Question 2 argue the existing law — often referred to as Maine’s yellow flag law — is a failed experiment that was not used to stop a gunman in Lewiston from killing 18 people and injuring and traumatizing countless others in 2023 despite warnings about his deteriorating mental health:
Reposted by Steve Mistler
NEW:
A dramatic voiceover video the White House and Donald Trump shared last week claiming to show "chaos" in Chicago is littered with outdated footage from Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Nebraska, California and Arizona, an AFP investigation found.
factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com....
A dramatic voiceover video the White House and Donald Trump shared last week claiming to show "chaos" in Chicago is littered with outdated footage from Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Nebraska, California and Arizona, an AFP investigation found.
factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com....
October 14, 2025 at 7:21 PM
NEW:
A dramatic voiceover video the White House and Donald Trump shared last week claiming to show "chaos" in Chicago is littered with outdated footage from Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Nebraska, California and Arizona, an AFP investigation found.
factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com....
A dramatic voiceover video the White House and Donald Trump shared last week claiming to show "chaos" in Chicago is littered with outdated footage from Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Nebraska, California and Arizona, an AFP investigation found.
factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com....
EMILY’s List out with the quick endorsement.
October 14, 2025 at 1:07 PM
EMILY’s List out with the quick endorsement.
Mills says her confrontation with Trump in February helped push her into the race. To unseat Sen. Susan Collins, she'll have to win a potentially difficult Democratic primary via @npr.org
www.npr.org/2025/10/14/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/14/n...
Maine Gov. Janet Mills enters crowded Democratic race to unseat Susan Collins
Mills was reportedly recruited by Democratic Senate leaders after her high-profile confrontation with President Donald Trump in February, in which she told the president she'd "see you in court."
www.npr.org
October 14, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Mills says her confrontation with Trump in February helped push her into the race. To unseat Sen. Susan Collins, she'll have to win a potentially difficult Democratic primary via @npr.org
www.npr.org/2025/10/14/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/14/n...
Reposted by Steve Mistler
Mills was reportedly recruited by Democratic Senate leaders after her high-profile confrontation with President Donald Trump in February, in which she told the president she'd "see you in court."
Maine Gov. Janet Mills enters crowded Democratic race to unseat Susan Collins
Mills was reportedly recruited by Democratic Senate leaders after her high-profile confrontation with President Donald Trump in February, in which she told the president she'd "see you in court."
www.mainepublic.org
October 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Mills was reportedly recruited by Democratic Senate leaders after her high-profile confrontation with President Donald Trump in February, in which she told the president she'd "see you in court."
ICYMI: Oyster farmer and veteran Graham Platner hopes his message lands with Maine voters via @npr.org 📻 🎧
one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5565...
one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5565...
🔊 Listen Now: Oyster farmer and veteran Graham Platner hopes his message lands with Maine voters
All Things Considered on NPR One | 4:35
one.npr.org
October 11, 2025 at 1:20 AM
ICYMI: Oyster farmer and veteran Graham Platner hopes his message lands with Maine voters via @npr.org 📻 🎧
one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5565...
one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5565...