QUANTICO, Va. (AP) — Taking aim at the credibility of the FBI, President Donald Trump unleashed a blistering attack on the bureau’s leadership even as he praised state and local police officers as a bulwark against rising violence and crime. Trump denounced the bureau for its handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, calling it […]
politics
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Sen. Angus King renews push for more energy independence
PORTLAND (AP) — Maine Sen. Angus King is introducing a bill he says will create a push for greater energy independence. King, an independent, is calling the legislation the Next Generation Grid Resources and Infrastructure Development Act, or the GRID Act. He says it’s designed to use federal resources to support an electricity grid that’s […]
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Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Marco Rubio's demand on child tax credit endangers GOP tax plan
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Marco Rubio’s potential defection over a tax credit for low-income parents put a speed bump into GOP leaders’ drive to push their big tax package through the Senate, but it’s a complication that’s likely to be resolved. The Florida senator declared Thursday that he’ll vote against the $1.5 trillion bill unless […]
Posted inBusiness
FCC votes to repeal its net neutrality rules
WASHINGTON — Federal regulators voted Thursday to allow Internet providers to speed up service for some apps and websites – and block or slow down others – in a decision repealing landmark, Obama-era regulations for broadband companies such as AT&T and Verizon. The move to deregulate the telecom and cable industry is a major setback […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Ample tax cuts for business, wealthy in new GOP tax accord
WASHINGTON (AP) — Generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans would be delivered in a sweeping overhaul of the tax laws, under a new agreement crafted by Republicans in Congress. Middle- and low-income families would receive smaller tax cuts, though President Donald Trump and Republican leaders have billed the package as a huge […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Lawmakers begin looking for ways to fund Maine’s share of Medicaid expansion
AUGUSTA — Surpluses expected in the next two-year budget cycle could provide a starting point for funding the state’s share of Medicaid expansion, but it isn’t clear whether lawmakers would agree to use that money, or whether Gov. Paul LePage would veto such a move. But the state’s share of expanding the health insurance program […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
40,000 Mainers sign up for ACA plans
As the Friday deadline to sign up for Affordable Care Act insurance approaches, thousands of Mainers are enrolling in individual health plans even as the law is under threat by the Trump administration. A tax reform bill that repeals a key part of the law is moving quickly through Congress. As of Saturday, 40,608 Mainers had signed up […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Justice official defends Robert Mueller, sees no cause for firing
WASHINGTON (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, facing congressional questions about anti-Donald Trump text messages exchanged between two FBI officials assigned to the Russia probe, defended special counsel Robert Mueller on Wednesday and said he had seen no cause to fire him or received encouragement to do so. Rosenstein appeared before the House Judiciary […]
Posted inNation / World
House, Senate leaders reach deal on tax package
WASHINGTON (AP) — House and Senate GOP leaders forged an agreement Wednesday on a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s tax laws, paving the way for final votes next week to slash taxes for businesses and give many Americans modest tax cuts starting next year.Top GOP aides said lawmakers had reached an agreement in principle on […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Paul LePage says he wants to reverse solar rule delay
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s Republican governor says he wants to reverse regulators’ move to delay a gradual ramp down in compensation for new solar panel owners who generate excess energy. Gov. Paul LePage said last week that he’s contacted Central Maine Power and the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Solar installers said reducing transmission and distribution […]