JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli prime minister has given the go-ahead for Jewish settlers to re-occupy a contested West Bank building. Today’s order comes in response to the death of an Israeli soldier near the biblical city of Hebron. Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says in a statement that he has “ordered immediate action” for settlers to […]

BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Angela Merkel says she sees no need for change in Germany’s policy toward Europe after an election win that was impressive but leaves her needing a new coalition partner. Merkel’s Union bloc won 41.5 percent support Sunday and finished just short of an absolute parliamentary majority. However, Merkel’s coalition partner since […]

UNITY (AP) — As one popular fair was closing Sunday, another was gearing up. The Common Ground Country Fair, which celebrates farming, rural living and sustainability, wrapped up Sunday afternoon in Unity following three days of events. The fair, sponsored by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, blends the traditions of an agricultural harvest […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine Gov. Paul LePage is visiting western Canada with a contingent of Maine businesses in hopes of identifying new economic and trade opportunities. LePage is visiting Calgary, Alberta, from Sunday through Wednesday in conjunction with a trade mission organized by the Maine International Trade Center. LePage planned to meet with Alberta Premier […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — A group of outdoors organizations have formed a coalition to oppose a proposed referendum that would ban bear hunting in Maine using bait, dogs or traps. The Maine Wildlife Conservation Council is made up of organizations that include the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, the Maine Professional Guides Association and the Maine Trappers […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — A special committee that will be overseeing Maine’s health care exchange under the federal health care overhaul is meeting for the first time this week. The Maine Health Exchange Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet today at the State House. It includes lawmakers, insurance company representatives and consumer advocates. The group was […]

WATERVILLE (AP) — Colby College is awarding its 2013 Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for courageous journalism to an online investigative reporter whose work led to federal charges against seven New Orleans police officers in connection with the shooting of unarmed civilians after Hurricane Katrina. Adam Clay Thompson will receive the award at an Oct. 27 […]

CORINTH (AP) — Officials say a 69-year-old Maine man has died after his car was struck by a vehicle that ran a stop sign in Corinth. The Penobscot County Sheriff ’s Office says a vehicle driven by 36-year-old Christine Hood of Berlin, N.H., failed to stop at a stop sign Saturday night at the intersection […]