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February 4, 2026, According to Biddeford City General Assistance Administrator Jacob Hammer, the City of Biddeford has recieved $94,502.86 from the National Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF) for fiscal year 2026. Hammer explained, "in 2014, US administrative units began filing lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors... with over $56 Billion expected to be paid out nationwide. Settlement payments to individual governments started in 2022 and expected to be made throu

February 3, 2026, At this evening’s Biddeford City Council Meeting, councilors voted unanimously in favor to refer the “matter of rent practices in mobile home parks to the Policy Committee for review and recommendation.” This vote comes following a prior meeting where the council denied a request to establish a 90 day moratorium on Mobile Home Lot fee increases in Biddeford. Meeting materials state, “this new order is to refer the topic to the Policy Committee to review and

February 3, 2026, in addition to the already publicized news regarding city staff working with Senator Collins' office to have over 700k of IRS fines waived from a late filing penalty, City Manager Truc Dever also delivered more great news for residents tonight during her City Manager report. After announcing the waving of IRS fines, Dever went on to say, "...additionally I have great news to share. Again, with the help of Senator Collins and her staff, we received news last

February 3, 2026, At tonight's city council meeting, councilors voted to retroactively approve a controversial pilot parking program that has recently found itself at the center of local discussions. The Pilot Program was initiated under previous Mayor Martin Grohman's leadership during the "nightmare on Elm street" construction saga with the intent to provide a parking solution for downtown business owners and their employees. The review of the program was triggered when Cit

“The judicial branch has made countless efforts to appease the primary complaint… Good fences make good neighbor's, but good manners make great neighbors. We cant [can't] please all the people all the time!”, wrote Edward Caron, Building Manager, York County Judicial Center January 30, 2026, A little over 2 weeks ago we shared a story about several Biddeford residents alleging “vindictive behavior” from staff at the York County Judicial Center located at 515 Elm Street (Route

📰SACO | Man Flees on Foot as ICE Agents approach him January 29, 2026, Footage submitted to the Biddeford Buzz that was taken earlier this morning, appears to show a male fleeing on foot on Green Street in Saco Maine as he was approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The individual who recorded the video wishes to remain anonymous.

"While the Department of Homeland Security does not confirm law enforcement operations, I can report that Secretary Noem has informed me that ICE has ended its enhanced activities in the State of Maine" January 29, 2026, According to U.S. Senator Susan Collins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ceased its enhanced operations in the State of Maine. The announcement comes after direct communicatio between Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Senator C

January 28, 2026, Following the approval of a 180 day moratorium by the Biddeford City Council pertaining to development for the University of New England (UNE), the University reached out to the Biddeford Buzz and issued the following statement: "While we do not think the development moratorium is necessary, UNE respects the council’s decision. We appreciate the opportunity for thoughtful dialogue about the future of our campus and its role in the community, and President He

By Tammy Wells January 28, 2026, Come spring, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Life Support training programs will be in place at York County Regional Training Center. Advanced EMT classes and labs are ongoing now at the new facility. Firefighting classes are happening. Law enforcement classes are scheduled. A citizens academy that gives residents a look at policing meets there weekly. The decades-long dream of a centralized location for all manner of first responder tra

January 28, 2026, According to city officials, the city of Biddeford has been fined by the IRS for a "late filing" in 2021. The penalty assessed by the IRS totals $709,240, plus $543.16 in accrued interest as of April 15, 2024, please see full breakdown below: According to City Manager Truc Dever, the City received the following notices: CP215 dated April 8, 2024- Penalty under IRC Section 6721 for failure to file correct information returns: $354,760 CP215 dated April 15, 20

"Like all nonprofits, Heart of Biddeford is required to be nonpartisan. Our role is not to support or oppose any political party or candidate, but to care for our community, and we invite you to join us." January 26, 2026, Below is a statement released today by Heart of Biddeford executive director Delilah Poupore regarding recent Immigrationand Customs Enforcement activity in Biddeford, please see below: "At Heart of Biddeford, we believe a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainabl

January 26, 2026, in a press release sent directly from Brian Pellerin to the Biddeford Buzz, Chief Deputy Brian Pellerin of the Cumberland County Sheriff's who is running for York County Sheriff, shared his sentiments regarding the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Below are Brian's remarks: "When I launched my campaign for Sheriff of York County earlier this week, the issues surrounding immigration enforcement in Maine, particularly the role of ICE and the responsibi

January 25, 2026, according to a press release sent directly from Brian Pellerin to the Biddeford Buzz, Chief Deputy Brian Pellerin of the Cumberland County Sheriff's has officially announced his candidacy for York County Sheriff. Below are Brian's remarks: Brian Pellerin (submitted photo) "Today, I am announcing my candidacy for York County Sheriff in the November 2026 election. I am running as a principled Independent candidate, committed to professional, nonpartisan leade

January 24, 2026, below is the updated statement we have received from Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain regarding ICE operating in Biddeford: "One week ago, I released a statement as information about federal enforcement activity and its local impacts were still evolving. Since then, conditions have changed and daily life in Biddeford is being affected. Families are staying home. Workers with valid documentation are calling out of their jobs. School absenteeism is rising. Staf

January 23, 2026, by now you probably have seen the press release given yesterday by Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce. Below is a joint statement issued by York County Sheriff William King and York County Manager Greg Zinser regarding the ICE arrest of a York County Jail corrections officer earlier this week. "Earlier this week, one of our York County Jail corrections officers was invited to an immigration appointment in Scarborough and when he arrived, was detained by U

January 22, 2026, Yesterday, Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford), presented LD 2080 before the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. The bill would provide an additional safeguard to Mainers struggling with gambling addiction by prohibiting the use of credit cards in online sports betting. Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, presents LD 2080 before the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee There are currently two gambling companies that operate online sports wa

By Loren McCready, Biddeford Resident January 21, 2026, Last night, Biddeford’s City Council passed a development moratorium affecting the Institutional Zone, making this a moment worth paying attention to. Moratoria are not everyday planning tools. They are typically used when growth is moving faster than infrastructure, land-use regulations, or long-term planning can keep up. State law sets clear limits on when a moratorium may be used.   Under Maine statute, a municipality

January 21, 2026, We have recieved video confirmation from a local resident (who asked to remain anonymous) of ICE personnel at a house located on Porter Street. According to a local resident, "I saw at least 8 agents" approaching the home. The resident did not personally see anyone removed from the property but expressed frustration with the agents activity stating, "this is so scary and heartbreaking... go away ICE... leave them alone."

January 21, 2026, We have recieved video confirmation of ICE personnel at a residence located on Hubert Street. Multiple vehicles and officers were present.

"because if we don't come in, now your kids are going with us". January 21, 2026, We have recieved a video that shows that while conducting offical ICE activity in Biddeford, an ICE officer stated to an individual, "because if we don't come in, now your kids are going with us". This is the first instance any behavior such as this has been reported to our team.