The U.S. Custom House on Free Street in Portland is among hundreds of properties deemed “non-core assets” that the federal government said Tuesday that it plans to sell off. John Ewing/Portland Press Herald, file
The federal government plans to sell off certain properties it deems nonessential to core functions, including four properties in Maine, the U.S. General Services Administration announced Tuesday.
Among hundreds of properties deemed “non-core assets” are the Edmund S. Muskie Federal Building in Augusta, which hosts more than a dozen tenants, including the Postal Service, IRS and offices for both of Maine’s U.S. senators.
The Social Security Administration building in Presque Isle was also listed, as was the historic U.S. Custom House and a parking facility in Portland, the administration said.
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All those sites are included in a list of “properties designated for disposal.”
“GSA’s decisive action to dispose of non-core assets leverages the private sector, drives improvements for our agency customers, and best serves local communities,” the administration said in its announcement.
Core assets include those used for “critical government operations, such as: courthouses, land ports of entry, and facilities critical to our national defense and law enforcement,” the administration said.
The list includes properties in nearly every state, including a handful of high-profile government buildings.
Although it originally included more than 440 total properties when announced, the list was pared down to just 320 properties by 8 p.m. Tuesday.
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Among properties that appeared on the original list but were removed are the J. Edgar Hoover Building, which serves as FBI headquarters; the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building; the Old Post Office building, where President Donald Trump once ran a hotel; and the American Red Cross headquarters.
The headquarters of numerous agencies, including the Department of Labor and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, were originally listed as well.
It was not immediately clear when the properties would be formally offered for sale or what the terms may look like.
“GSA will be releasing more information on how interested prospective parties can submit information soon,” the department said.
The GSA did not immediately return emailed questions Tuesday night about why certain properties were removed from the list, whether others may also be removed, or when details of the sale policies would be revealed.
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This report contains material from The Associated Press.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Democrat Graham Platner has picked up another high-profile endorsement in his bid to flip a key Senate seat blue, marking another sign of the oyster farmer and combat veteran’s political resiliency even as he continues to face controversy throughout his campaign.
Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego announced Monday that he was backing Platner, saying that the first-time candidate “reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine.”
“Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn’t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,” said Gallego, who won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024 by more than 2 points while Trump carried the state by nearly 6 points.
Platner has previously been endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat.
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However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Platner’s main opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
Both Platner, 41, and Mills, 78, are hoping to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, a five-term incumbent who announced last month that she was running for another term. A victory in Maine is crucial for Democrats’ efforts to take back control of the Senate. The Democratic Party needs to net four seats to retake the Senate majority, and they are aiming to do that in Maine, North Carolina, Alaska and Ohio.
READ MORE: Maine’s Graham Platner thinks voters will overlook his past to support a new type of candidate
Platner has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message. He’s pressed forward despite controversies over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he recently had covered up.
Gallego is among the Democrats named as possible 2028 presidential contenders. Last fall, he stumped in New Jersey, Virginia and Florida, where he campaigned for Democrats who went on to win their elections.
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“I have an immense amount of respect for him and I’m looking forward to joining him as a fellow Marine and combat infantryman in the U.S. Senate,” Platner said in a statement.
Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
On March 2, Spurwink will join community partners for a special viewing of Building Hope: Ending Homelessness in Maine at the University of Southern Maine’s McGoldrick Hall.
Directed by Richard Kane and produced by Melody Lewis-Kane, the film shines a compassionate light on the realities of Maine’s homelessness crisis. Through deeply personal stories, Building Hope explores the challenges faced by unhoused individuals and families, while highlighting the hope that emerges when communities come together to create solutions. It’s been praised for its honesty, dignity, and inspiring message: change is possible when we work together.
Following the screening, a panel of local leaders and advocates will discuss the film and the ongoing effort in Maine to end homelessness. Panelists will include Katherine Rodney, Director of Spurwink’s Living Room Crisis Center; Cullen Ryan, Chief Strategic Officer at 3Rivers; Donna Wampole, Assistant Professor of Social Work at USM; and Preble Street staff. Catherine Ryder, Spurwink’s Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, will bring her expertise in trauma-informed care and community collaboration to the panel as the moderator.
Keon Johnson had 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Maine Celtics defeated the Windy City Bulls 122-87 in an NBA G League game on Sunday afternoon at the Portland Expo.
Hason Ward scored 16 points and Jalen Bridges 14 for Maine (13-15), which had seven players score in double digits. Bridges drained four 3-pointers for the Celtics, who shot 13 for 28 (46.4%) from beyond the arc.
Max Shulga dished out 11 assists and scored nine points.
Maine led 33-18 after one quarter 72-36 at halftime.
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Keyshawn Bryant scored a game-high 25 points for Windy City (12-12).
