PORTLAND — U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree wants the U.S. Director of National Intelligence to avoid forcing military sexual assault survivors to disclose that they have sought counseling when they fill out security clearance forms. Director of National Security James Clapper extended the exemption to survivors of sexual assault in 2013. Pingree says the change was […]
politics
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
News media has trust issues; Can you believe it?
WASHINGTON — Trust in the news media is being eroded by perceptions of inaccuracy and bias, fueled in part by Americans’ skepticism about what they read on social media. Just 6 percent of people say they have a lot of confidence in the media, putting the news industry about equal to Congress and well below […]
advertisement
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Supreme Court arguments start in Obama’s immigration case
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court appeared divided between its liberal and conservative justices Monday over President Barack Obama’s immigration programs that could affect millions of people who are in the country illegally. The administration’s best hope for a favorable ruling after 90 minutes of arguments at the high court appeared to rest with Chief Justice […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Iraq: U.S. to deploy 200 more troops and Apache helicopters
BAGHDAD — The U.S. has agreed to deploy more than 200 additional troops to Iraq and to send Apache helicopters for the first time into the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq, the first major increase in U.S. forces in nearly a year, U.S. defense officials said Monday. The uptick in American fighting […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Homeland Security warns Windows users to uninstall QuickTime now
If your Windows PC still runs Apple’s QuickTime, it’s time to find another video player. The Department of Homeland Security just issued a warning that recommends removing QuickTime for Windows after cybersecurity firm Trend Micro reported finding two “critical vulnerabilities” in the program, which Apple will no longer be providing security updates for. Software often […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine GOP aims for excitement not controversy at convention
The Maine GOP is going to have some star power at its state convention this weekend. Conservative radio talk show host Howie Carr will be broadcasting live, and Ben Carson will deliver the keynote address. But organizers hope the excitement ends there; they’re not looking for controversy. “We hope it’s more in the way of […]
Posted inMaine
Bill for biomass life support approved by Maine Legislature
AUGUSTA — In a last-minute bid to help Maine’s struggling biomass industry, the Legislature on Friday approved $13.4 million in aid aimed at keeping four working plants, including those in Stratton and Livermore Falls, open for another two years. The bill gained broad bipartisan support, even from fiscal conservatives who had vowed they wouldn’t increase […]
Posted inMaine
Maine welfare reform bill brings tighter scrutiny and stronger penalties
AUGUSTA — In an end-of-session compromise, a pair of Lewiston-Auburn state senators, a Democrat and a Republican, advanced legislation that tightens oversight and increases penalties for welfare recipients who abuse the system. Prior to Friday, the legislation, first offered by Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, and aimed at limiting purchases made with electronic benefit transfer cards […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Maine House passes solar bill
AUGUSTA — Supporters of a state solar bill approved by the House say the legislation would create new clean-energy jobs and reduce energy costs for those who don’t use solar power. The Maine House passed the bill Thursday. The vote remains 10 short of the needed support to override Gov. Paul LePage’s expected veto. The […]
Posted inMaine
Bill to boost Maine law officers’ pay heads to LePage
AUGUSTA — A bill that boosts the pay of law enforcement officers, including troopers, game wardens, fire marshals and marine patrol officers and their supervisors, by 12 to 18 percent is on its way to the desk of Gov. Paul LePage after a vote in the Maine Senate. The bill, LD 1523, originally provided pay […]