AUGUSTA (AP) — A Maine Republican legislator wants to make it a hate crime to single out and attack a police officer. Republican Rep. Karleton Ward’s bill would address those who commit crimes against a person because of that person’s status as a law enforcement officer, firefighter or emergency medical care provider. It would also […]
politics
Posted inNation / World
Analysis: Angus King tries to play both sides of aisle
AUGUSTA — Angus King was a lifelong Democrat best known as a television host before he unenrolled from his party and went on to win what looked at the start like an improbable run for Maine governor. “The Democratic Party as an institution has become too much the party that is looking for something from […]
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Posted inMaine
Legislators schedule bills to limit minimum wage increase
AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers are starting to consider bills that would roll back the minimum wage law approved by voters. Last November, 55.5 percent of residents voted to increase Maine’s minimum wage from $7.50 per hour to $12 an hour by 2020. Then, the wage would increase according to inflation. Tipped employees’ wages would reach […]
Posted inNation / World
Bit by bit, Trump methodically undoing Obama policies
In this March 24, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump announces the approval of a permit to build the Keystone XL pipeline, clearing the way for the $8 billion project in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. From left are, TransCanada CEO Russell K. Girling, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Energy Secretary […]
Posted inMaine
Rep. Donna Bailey’s bill would give disabled free access to state parks
AUGUSTA — A legislator is proposing to give permanently disabled people free admission to Maine State Parks. The proposal by Saco Democratic Rep. Donna Bailey would apply to people who have been determined to be permanently disabled by an official body such as the U.S. Social Security Administration or a workers’ compensation board. The access […]
Posted inMaine
‘Unusually cold weather’ extends ice fishing in northern Maine
A hardy ice fisherman looks for another spot to dig a hole in the Androscoggin River by the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park in Turner in mid February. Ice fishing may not be as safe now in the area but northern Maine’s “unusually cold weather conditions” has extended ice fishing season to April 16. CARIBOU — The […]
Posted inBusiness
Donald Trump to sign executive orders targeting trade abuses
President Donald Trump awaits the arrival of Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen at the White House in Washington on Thursday, March 30, 2017. WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump talked tough on trade on the campaign trail, vowing to renegotiate a slew of major deals and to label China a currency manipulator on “Day One.” […]
Posted inMaine
Sen. Garrett Mason seeks to end 40-year-old financial disclosure rule
AUGUSTA — A proposal by Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason would decrease the information voters have before Election Day about political contributions made to Maine candidates. Mason, a Lisbon Falls Republican, proposed eliminating a requirement that candidates in the final weeks of a race report contributions of more than $1,000 within 24 hours because it […]
Posted inNation / World
Pence breaks tie to allow states to block Planned Parenthood money
Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the Women’s Empowerment Panel, Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican legislation letting states deny federal family planning money to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers squeezed narrowly through the Senate Thursday, rescued by an ailing GOP senator […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Community development funding for Lewiston, Auburn in limbo
AUBURN — What happens if a grant program designed to boost community development and housing programs suddenly goes away, or has its funding slashed? Among the many questions facing officials in Lewiston and Auburn this budget season is how to plan for next year’s Community Development Block Grant program, which is slated for elimination under […]