The list includes other politicians, educators, business leaders and Mainers who achieved fame in unique ways. Frank Knight was longtime protector of New England’s tallest elm tree, actress Phyllis Thaxter was seen by millions playing her “Superman” movie role, and Bryce Bayer invented a part used in nearly every digital camera. Reed, 91, died Oct. […]

PORTLAND (AP) — Portland Water District officials say an aging infrastructure could mean more massive water main breaks like one in mid-December. The Dec. 19 break on Somerset Street spilled 20,000 gallons of water per minute for 45 minutes, and caused street flooding, damage to property and a 24-hour boil order. The district provides water […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — Gas prices in Maine are up nearly three cents per gallon in the past week. Price-monitoring website MaineGasPrices.com reports Monday that the average retail cost of a gallon of gasoline jumped to $3.51. The national average also rose about three cents in the past week, but remains well below the Maine average […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s Labor Department says the state’s new independent contractor definition is going into effect. Officials say the new law that goes becomes effective Monday clarifies the conditions under which a worker should be classified as an employee or as an independent contractor. It also applies the independent contractor standard uniformly across unemployment, […]

PORTLAND (AP) — Maine’s largest environmental advocacy organization is holding its fifth annual cold-water ocean plunge to raise money in the name of global warming. The Natural Resources Council of Maine is expecting about 200 people for its Polar Bear Plunge, held at noon Monday at Portland’s East End Beach. The event raises money and […]