WASHINGTON (AP) — A bitterly divided Congress hurtled toward a government shutdown this weekend in a partisan stare-down over demands by Democrats for a solution on politically fraught legislation to protect about 700,000 younger immigrants from being deported. Democrats in the Senate have served notice they will filibuster a four-week, government-wide funding bill that cleared […]
politics
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Feds again block junk food ban for food stamps but LePage to try again
For the second time in less than two years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has denied a request by Maine Gov. Paul LePage to ban food stamp recipientsfrom using their benefits to buy sugary drinks and candy. His spokeswoman, Julie Rabinowitz, said Friday that the administration would “revise our waiver request and resubmit it,” but she […]
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Posted inLetters, sj-web
Common sense will prevail
Recently, I had a dream that I was talking with God. I told God of my fear for the safety of the world, what with unstable men in control of our very future on Earth. In a strong, compelling voice, God explained how he had sent all his prophets to Earth with the same message […]
Posted inMaine, The Franklin Journal
Lawmakers consider 'food shaming' ban in Maine schools
AUGUSTA — During a senior class assembly last year at one Maine high school, a principal called forward mortified students to warn them in front of their classmates that they would not be able to graduate if their school lunch debts weren’t paid. Sen. Shenna Bellows, D-Manchester, told lawmakers this week that one of those […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Jared Golden touts fundraising numbers in congressional bid
LEWISTON — The first Democratic congressional candidate to release his campaign finances for the last quarter of 2017 is touting his success as evidence that his message is resonating with voters. State Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, announced Thursday that he raised $240,245 in the last quarter from more than 2,700 people. Counting his earlier fundraising, […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Congress strains to pass stopgap budget, avert shutdown
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Paul Ryan said Thursday he’s confident that his GOP-controlled chamber will pass a stopgap government-wide funding bill, even as growing opposition from Senate Democrats made prospects in that chamber increasingly dicey. President Donald Trump wasn’t helping matters, injecting confusion by tweeting Thursday that a children’s health care program should not […]
Posted inMaine
What it means for Maine if federal government shuts down Friday
If Congress can’t avoid a government shutdown over immigration policy this week, the most visible effect in Maine would be the closure of Acadia National Park. Heating and housing assistance for the poor also might be vulnerable to disruption, although state officials have been unable to get their federal counterparts to clarify the situation. Federal […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Donald Trump rebuts chief of staff, insists views on a border wall have not 'evolved'
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump insisted Thursday his views on a border wall with Mexico have not evolved, pushing back against his own chief of staff’s comments to lawmakers. Trump said on Twitter: “The Wall is the Wall, it has never changed or evolved from the first day I conceived of it.” Some Democrats […]
Posted inMaine
Blaine House candidates report early campaign fundraising
AUGUSTA — Democratic candidate Adam Cote is leading the gubernatorial fundraising race, according to campaign finance reports that were being filed Tuesday with the state. Cote, a Sanford attorney and 20-year veteran of the Maine National Guard, has raised $546,000 since he launched his campaign last April, including $278,000 in donations during the last six […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Doctor says Donald Trump got perfect score on cognitive test
White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson speaks to reporters during the daily press briefing in the Brady press briefing room at the White House, in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump performed “exceedingly well” on a surprise cognitive screening test administered last week, his doctor said […]