Some of the richest, most powerful people in America — including at least 15 billionaires — are pouring millions of dollars into Maine this fall. It’s not for a new factory, a coastal resort or anything that would directly benefit most Mainers. Instead, they’re using the cash to try to influence the outcome of the […]
politics
Posted inMaine
The battle for dominance in the Maine Legislature could come down to a handful of races
AUGUSTA — Voter reaction to two politicians not even on the ballot in 2018 – Gov. Paul LePage and President Trump – could play heavily in determining which party controls the Maine Legislature for the next two years. Power at the State House is currently split near evenly, with the Republicans holding a one-seat majority […]
advertisement
Posted inMaine
Janet Mills’ mission: Break yet another glass ceiling
FARMINGTON — In the summer of 1948, Margaret Chase Smith had reason to celebrate. The four-term congresswoman had just defeated a former governor and the sitting governor to win the Republican nomination to the U.S. Senate, which in those days meant she was all but certain to become the first woman to serve in both […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Protest is as American as football. Why doesn't Trump get it?
The tang of fall is nearly in the air. The summer is all but over. Football season is here. Are you ready for some . . . culture war? This war may feel unending, but it only began a little more than two years ago. During a preseason game on Aug. 26, 2016, Colin Kaepernick, […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Will Hoar: 11 years sober, seeking to help others
Southwest Harbor teacher’s own addiction and life experience sharpen his focus on health care, opioid crisis.
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Winthrop legislator who was burned opens House session
AUGUSTA — A state lawmaker who was injured seriously earlier this summer ended the 128th Maine Legislature on a high note. Not only is Rep. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, healed from the burns he suffered in a farming accident in July, but he also hit some high notes Thursday morning while singing the national anthem to […]
Posted inNation / World
Trump questions number of deaths from Hurricane Maria, claims Democrats inflated count to make him look bad
President Donald Trump took issue Thursday with the number of deaths attributable to Hurricane Maria, falsely saying a higher count had been generated by Democrats to “make me look as bad as possible.” A sweeping report from George Washington University released last month estimated there were 2,975 “excess deaths” in the six months after the […]
Posted inNation / World
How bad is the hurricane? Check the Waffle House Index
Everyone is preparing for Hurricane Florence, which continues to barrel toward the Carolinas. Residents are evacuating the area, FEMA is getting supplies, Weather Channel reporters are breaking out their strongest windbreakers – and the Waffle House Storm Center has been activated. That’s right: One of the South’s most popular breakfast chains plays an important role […]
Posted inBusiness
U.S. jobless claims dip to 48-year low for 2nd straight week
Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits declined to a fresh 48-year low for the second straight week, underscoring a tight job market, Labor Department figures showed Thursday. The figures show further signs of strength in employment after last week’s monthly jobs report for August indicated a solid pace of hiring and wages advancing at the fastest […]
Posted inMaine
Dark money and blurred alliances drum up resistance to CMP power line project
This political season, two signs stand out among the hundreds of roadside placards seeking votes. One says: “No CMP Corridor.” It features an image of the state of Maine with a power cord and plug inside. Another says: “Stand Up For Maine.” It has a Maine map with transmission lines and mountains. In political campaigns, […]