AUGUSTA (WGME) — The Augusta city hall was forced to close after an angry man slammed a container of live bed bugs onto a counter, and more than 100 got loose. City manager William Bridgeo confirmed to CBS 13 the Augusta City Center was closed as a precaution Friday afternoon and an exterminator was brought […]
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State hosting expo to teach Maine educators about virtual tools
AUGUSTA (AP) — Imagine diving into coral reefs or exploring the surface of Mars from your school desk. Maine educators are going to get some help learning how to bring virtual reality into the classroom. The Maine Department of Education and the Maine State Library are hosting a free virtual reality expo on June 19. […]
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GOP House leader says LePage walking back from June prison closure
AUGUSTA (AP) — A leading Republican says Maine’s governor is walking back from a proposal to close a minimum-security prison in June. Republican Gov. Paul LePage proposed shutting down Downeast Correctional Facility to save $5 million annually as part of his two-year, $6.8 billion budget. A legislative panel expressed support for funding the prison months […]
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Maine Republicans, Democrats at odds in budget negotiations
AUGUSTA — Democrats and Republicans have until the end of June to enact a state budget but both sides see the biggest sticking point as a voter-approved tax on high earners to fund schools. Democratic House Speaker Sara Gideon said a budget should be coming out of the Legislature’s appropriation committee by no later than June […]
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Education committee opposes statewide teacher contract bill
AUGUSTA (AP) — A key legislative committee has voted against a bill to create a uniform teacher contract across Maine. The Portland Press Herald reported (http://bit.ly/2rgcQQN ) the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee opposed the bill, 6-5, even after concessions from the bill’s sponsor on Tuesday. Republican Gov. Paul LePage says the idea would help […]
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$50 million bond issue set for June ballot
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine voters are set to decide on a $50 million bond issue at a special election next month. The Maine Technology Institute would distribute $45 million in grants for upgrades in fields like aquaculture, marine technology and advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture. Recipients would be required to match state dollars with […]
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Maine Senate advances death with dignity bill; LePage likely to veto it
Maine State House is the state capitol of the State of Maine in Augusta, Maine, USA. AUGUSTA (AP) — A death with dignity bill is advancing through the Maine Legislature, but will face a likely veto from the Republican governor. The Senate narrowly voted 16-15 Thursday to support Republican Sen. Roger Katz’s bill. Gov. Paul […]
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New National Guard headquarters taking shape in Augusta
AUGUSTA (AP) — The new Maine National Guard Joint Force Headquarters is taking shape in Augusta. Officials say construction is about 70 percent complete, and Camp Chamberlain is due to be completed by year’s end. Col. Norm Michaud tells the Kennebec Journal that personnel will begin moving from the existing headquarters to the 100,000-square-foot, two-story […]
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Maine legislature considers bills to restrict disclosing salary history
AUGUSTA (AP) — Two Democrats say their bills would target the gender pay gap by restricting a hiring employer from asking for salary history. The state Department of Labor and retail, innkeepers and restaurant groups oppose the bills. Bills sponsored by Sens. Cathy Breen and Mark Bryant are set for a work session Thursday. Breen […]
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Health secretary Tom Price coming to Maine to discuss opioid crisis
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is heading to Maine to hear about the state’s efforts to fight the opioid epidemic. AUGUSTA (AP) — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is heading to Maine to hear about the state’s efforts to fight the opioid epidemic. Price is set to meet with […]