PORTLAND ( AP) — Two longtime opponents of gay rights and same-sex marriage initiatives are forming a political action committee to oppose Maine’s same- sex marriage referendum. Michael Heath and Paul Madore said Tuesday they’ve formed the No Special Rights PAC to oppose November’s ballot measure asking voters if same-sex marriage should be legalized. Heath […]

NORTHPORT ( AP) — A Maine man who rescued a neighbor from her burning home has been named one of this year’s Carnegie heroes. Jason Thurston of Northport was named a Carnegie Medal recipient today for rescuing a 71-year-old neighbor in December 2010. The award is given by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission to people […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine Democrats are criticizing Gov. Paul LePage for taking a weeklong trip to Jamaica while the legislative session is in its final weeks. Democrats say the governor leaves today for vacation — his second trip to Jamaica during a legislative session. This time, he leaves with just a few weeks left in […]

AUGUSTA ( AP) — Lawmakers have sent to Gov. Paul LePage a bill that carves out a major chunk of Maine’s Clean Election Act. Legislators on Tuesday gave final passage to the change in the public campaign financing law. The bill removes the socalled “matching funds” provision from the law, in line with a U. […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — French music will be playing and French food will be on the menu as Maine’s Franco- American community is recognized during the state’s 11th annual Franco-American Day. Festivities in Augusta today include French music being performed in the halls of the State House, a Franco-American breakfast menu in the cafeteria, and historical […]

WATERVILLE ( AP) — Maine state officials say an internationally recognized bicycle touring organization is planning a big tour in Maine next year. The Department of Economic and Community Development says Vilo Quibec Ivinements is headed to Maine in August 2013 to host a grand tour of about 2,000 participants traveling more than 600 miles […]

MARS HILL ( AP) — A northern Maine man has been indicted on drunken driving and drug possession charges in connection with a car crash in September that took the life of another man. State police announced Tuesday that 51- year- old William Barton of Mars Hill was indicted on charges of operating under the […]

BANGOR (AP) — The chief executive of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems says a former employee of the company’s charitable arm has been accused of taking about $55,000 from the nonprofit. President and CEO Michael Crowley says Eastern Maine Healthcare Charities discovered the missing funds in early March through a regular accounting review. The organization is […]

DOVER-FOXCROFT (AP) — A 37- year- old Brownville woman has gone on trial for allegedly giving marijuana and alcohol to her daughter’s 13- and 14-year-old friends. Tanya Donnelly is being tried on charges including aggravated unlawful furnishing of marijuana, furnishing of alcohol to minors, and endangering the welfare of a child. The Bangor Daily News […]

RUMFORD ( AP) — The mother of two Rumford toddlers who fell about 16 feet out of a second-floor window of their home says neither child suffered any serious injuries. Angela Malchisky tells the Sun Journal that other than a few scratches from the icy snowbank they landed on, 3- year-old Madison and 2-yearold Aiden […]