AUGUSTA — As lawmakers scramble to finish up this week, not everyone is impressed with what they’ve done. Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, pointed out the other day that the 186 members of the Legislature collectively churn out enough warmth from their own bodies to power about 38 homes. That, he said, “may very well be […]
politics
Posted inMaine
Maine’s food sovereignty law touted as nationwide first
With a stroke of his pen, Gov. Paul LePage last week enacted landmark legislation putting Maine in the forefront of the food sovereignty movement. LePage signed LD 725, An Act to Recognize Local Control Regarding Food Systems, Friday legitimizing the authority of towns and communities to enact ordinances regulating local food distribution free from state […]
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Posted inNation / World
U.S. jet shoots down another Iranian drone over Syria
A U.S. F-15 fighter aircraft shot down an Iranian-made drone over southern Syria on Tuesday, a U.S. defense official said, marking the second time in just as many days that the U.S. military has taken a pro-Syrian government aircraft out of the sky. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the incident […]
Posted inNation / World
Syrian activists say Daraa truce extended
BEIRUT (AP) — Coverage of the conflict in Syria (all times local): This April 30, 2017, file photo provided by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) shows fighters from the SDF looking toward the northern town of Tabqa, Syria. The U.S.-led coalition headquarters in Iraq said in a written statement that a U.S. F-18 Super Hornet […]
Posted inMaine
Lawmakers oppose plan to create safe centers for drug addicts
AUGUSTA — A seemingly radical idea to create a couple of places where drug-addicted Mainers could go to shoot up in safety drew passionate debate from lawmakers who ultimately turned down the idea. Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, said the notion of creating a safe, secure place for addicts to take prohibited drugs legally might seem […]
Posted inMaine
Maine lawmakers to vote on slew of vetoes but no budget
AUGUSTA — Wednesday marks the statutory adjournment date for the Legislature, which means that’s the day that was set months ago for lawmakers to wrap up their work. To go beyond that day will require a vote of the Legislature, a routine matter which in the past has caused controversy. Lawmakers are not paid salaries for […]
Posted inBusiness, National Sports
Supreme Court rules trademarks that ‘disparage’ protected by 1st Amendment
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a law that prohibits the government from registering trademarks that “disparage” others violates the First Amendment, a decision that could impact the Washington Redskins’ efforts to hang on to its controversial name. Justice Samuel Alito delivered the opinion for a largely united court. He said the law […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Focus on personal identity leads to today’s partisanship
NEW YORK — Wednesday’s shooting at a congressional baseball practice was a ghastly example of the political polarization that is ripping this country apart. Political scientists have shown that Congress is more divided than at any time since the end of Reconstruction. I am struck not simply by the depth of partisanship these days, but […]
Posted inMaine
Maine passes law to allow 12-month supply of birth control
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Democrat’s bill to allow women to receive up to a 12-month supply of prescribed birth control has become law without Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s signature. Most Maine insurance providers currently have a one-month or three-month limit. The law will go into effect this fall. Rep. Jay McCreight says her bill […]
Posted inMaine
Paul LePage rejoins Maine budget fight as shutdown fears grow
AUGUSTA — Five months and 10 days after he floated a two-year budget proposal largely ignored by the Legislature, Gov. Paul LePage has muscled his way back into their stalled and dysfunctional budget process with the state as close as it’s been to a shutdown during his tenure. Senate President Mike Thibodeau, R-Winterport, said Friday morning […]