SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) — Sen. Susan Collins of Maine says a communication system formally accepted by the Coast Guard’s northern New England sector will save lives. Rescue 21 has been used in more than 1,400 searches and rescue cases since it went into operation in November 2009 at the Coast Guard command center in South […]

PORTLAND ( AP) — Sen. Olympia Snowe will deliver what’s currently her last scheduled college commencement as a sitting senator to University of Southern Maine graduates in May. Snowe, who shook up the political picture with her decision not to seek a fourth term, is the fourth woman to be elected to both houses of […]

AUGUSTA ( AP) — A teacher evaluation bill that’s part of Gov. Paul LePage education reform package has won initial Senate approval. The Senate’s vote came without discussion Wednesday afternoon. The bill requires school administrators to develop comprehensive performance evaluation and professional growth systems for teachers and principals. Teachers found to be ineffective would be […]

BANGOR (AP) — A Maine woman who doused her 77- year-old grandmother with gasoline and set her afire has been committed to a psychiatric facility in Augusta. A District Court judge on Friday accepted 27-year-old Emily Cole’s insanity defense, based on reports from a doctor at Riverview Psychiatric Facility. Cole, who’s from Ellsworth, was originally […]

PORTLAND (AP) — An investigation into the death of a Canadian skier who crashed into a tree at the Sugarloaf resort and then died on the way to a hospital has concluded that he received quality medical care and that disciplinary action isn’t warranted against any of the emergency responders. Maine Emergency Medical Services on […]