Posted inMaine, sj-web

Fire causes as much as $9 million in damage to historic island fort building in Portland

PORTLAND — An early morning fire Saturday did between $5 million and $9 million worth of damage to a historic island fort property being renovated as a hotel. According to an announcement Saturday morning by Deputy Portland City Manager Sheila Hill-Christian, the Portland Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 18 McKinley Court on […]

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Posted inMaine, sj-web

Portland police say panhandler attacked tourist

PORTLAND — A homeless man is facing an aggravated assault charge after he allegedly attacked a pedestrian who refused to give him money Monday, police said. Richard Sneddon, 45, is being held at the Cumberland County Jail and is expected to be arraigned Wednesday, Portland police Lt. James Sweatt said. A man from the United […]

Posted inMaine, sj-web

Federal judge hears testimony in Portland panhandling lawsuit

PORTLAND — A federal judge is hearing testimony as the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine challenges an ordinance banning panhandlers from standing in street medians in Portland. The ordinance was spurred by an upsurge in the number of homeless people looking for roadside handouts coupled with an increase in reports of near misses with […]

Posted inMaine, sj-web

Portland City Council approves abortion clinic buffer zone

PORTLAND — Despite a rare show of opposition, an ordinance enacted by the City Council on Monday means anti-abortion protesters now have to carry their picket signs 39 feet away from the entrances to the Planned Parenthood clinic at 443 Congress St. The ordinance, approved 9-0, creates a protest-free “buffer zone” around reproductive health care […]

Posted inMaine, sj-web

Portland approves buffer zone around Planned Parenthood to keep anti-abortion protesters back

PORTLAND — The Portland City Council on Monday night unanimously approved a 39-foot buffer zone around abortion clinics, a move supporters said maintains the free speech rights on anti-abortion protesters and potentially saves the lives of clinic patients. After the vote was taken nearly three and a half hours into the meeting, an applause erupted […]

Posted inBusiness, Maine, sj-web

New Portland-Nova Scotia ferry service expects to carry 100,000 passengers its first year

PORTLAND — Nova Star Cruises expects to carry 100,000 passengers its first year of offering ferry service between Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, according to company officials who on Monday afternoon spoke for the first time in public about the new business venture. The ferry, which will be christened the Nova Star, is still in […]

Posted inBusiness, sj-web

Nova Scotia ferry to be packed with amenities and entertainment

PORTLAND — Passengers who travel aboard a cruise ferry between Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, starting this spring won’t get bored on the trip. The 531-foot-long Nova Star will have three restaurants, three bars, a casino, a conference room and theater, and a children’s play area along with 152 cabins and capacity for 1,215 passengers […]

Posted inMaine

Michaud says Maine should cancel MaineCare ride contract, get its money back

PORTLAND — U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud is challenging Maine Gov. Paul LePage to exhibit “leadership and action” in light of ongoing problems with a state-funded nonemergency ride program. Michaud is a Democratic candidate for governor in 2014. The $40 million ride program, funded under the state’s Medicaid program, MaineCare, provides rides to medical appointments for eligible […]

Posted inLocal Sports

AHL: Pirates stymied in shootout

LEWISTON — Mike McKenna was known during his time with the Portland Pirates as an affable, approachable player. Saturday, he was a thorn in the Pirates’ side, allowing just one goal on 36 shots through overtime and stopping four of five attempts in the shootout to lead the Springfield Falcons to a 2-1 win over […]