WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is expected to announce a plan Thursday to keep 5,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan into 2017, ending his ambitions to bring home most American forces from that war-torn country before he leaves office. The president’s decision came after an “extensive months-long review” that included regular discussions with Afghanistan’s leaders, his […]
politics
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
In Lewiston’s Ward 1, candidates offer right-left alternatives
LEWISTON — Despite their political differences, the candidates for the Ward 1 City Council seat can agree on a few things. Councilor Leslie Dubois and challenger Jim Lysen agree it’s time to move beyond the downtown tenement demolition and bring in new housing developments. “We’ve been aggressive with demolitions, but it’s time to get it […]
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Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Auburn Ward 1 candidates disagree about schools, council roles
AUBURN — There is an overriding issue for Jim Pross, candidate for the Ward 1 City Council seat — better schools. “That’s the biggest investment we can make for the future of our children,” he said. “The people I talk to feel the same way, that we don’t spend enough money on education and we […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Gov. Paul LePage calls Question 1 a scam to benefit the wealthy
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday that Question 1, promoting statewide election reform, is “a scam” aimed at making the “wealthy wealthier and the poor people dumb.” The proposal on the November ballot would boost Maine’s taxpayer-funded election system by increasing its two-year allocation from $4 million to $6 million, adding transparency requirements and […]
Posted inMaine
Portland police chief says gun law change puts citizens, cops in danger
PORTLAND — The police chief for Maine’s largest city said Wednesday that a change in state law allowing residents to carry concealed handguns without permits in public will make the state a more dangerous place. “When this legislation goes into effect tomorrow — police officers and sheriffs around the state — their lives will be in […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Retail bag fee proposed for Brunswick and Topsham
BRUNSWICK — The momentum created by Portland’s fee on single-use shopping bags and its ban on polystyrene foam food packaging has swept up the coast, with similar measures proposed Tuesday for Brunswick and Topsham. Members and supporters of the citizen’s group Bring Your Own Bag – Midcoast held a press conference on the Brunswick mall to […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Maine GOP takes a swing at Ben Chin with blog
LEWISTON — Maine Republicans have stepped into Lewiston’s mayoral race, creating a website designed to show just how liberal candidate Ben Chin is. “What we are really trying to do is get the truth about Ben Chin’s positions, wanting non-citizens to vote, his liberal tax-and-spend policies and big, bloated welfare programs,” Jason Savage, executive director […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine CDC director supports stronger vaccine legislation
AUGUSTA — Maine’s top health official says he supports vaccinations and efforts to help parents make an informed decision. But he says a bill that would’ve made it more difficult for parents to opt out of immunizations went too far. The “informed consent” bill would have required parents seeking philosophic exemptions to vaccinations to obtain the […]
Posted inMaine
In Lewiston, Paul LePage upbraids Legislature, vows to fight status quo
LEWISTON — During an hourlong town hall meeting Tuesday, Maine’s Republican Gov. Paul LePage continued his campaign against the state’s Legislature and its leaders, again promising to push the powers of the executive branch of government to achieve his policy goals. Before a largely friendly audience of about 100 people, LePage spoke at the Green […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine has fewest residents on SNAP since 2009
AUGUSTA — Maine health and human services officials say the number of state residents enrolled in the food stamps program has dropped below 200,000 for the first time in more than six years. The state Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Family Independence says 199,157 people were enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, […]