AUGUSTA — The two groups fighting over a contentious ballot measure in Maine that would ban the use of dogs, bait and traps for bear hunting have spent $1.6 million so far to run television advertisements, according to information the Center for Public Integrity released on Thursday. The pro-ban group Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting […]

BIDDEFORD — Now that the debates are over and the election is nearly here, Gov. Paul LePage said he is conducting a “retail campaign.” LePage explained that this consists of visiting Maine businesses, “and meeting as many Mainers as you possible can.” He said he likes to visit businesses, because they are “very interested in […]

BIDDEFORD — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine’s “Books Coffee Beer and Bigs” event will take place tonight, 5-7:30 p.m., at Elements Books Coffee Beer, 265 Main St., Biddeford. Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for adults willing to mentor children and teens. Those wanting to learn more are invited to attend the event […]

SANFORD — Just two days after arresting one man for allegedly selling heroin, Sanford police have arrested and charged a second man with trafficking the drug in an unrelated incident. Adam Hill, 33, was taken into custody Wednesday. He was seen driving on Cheney Street in the Springvale village area of Sanford. Police took note […]

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Newport’s City Council has voted unanimously to support a lawsuit of three city residents who insist the Nov. 4 referendum on gambling expansion at Newport Grand is unconstitutional. The Newport Daily News reports that Councilman Michael T. Farley said Wednesday it’s Newport’s last chance to try fixing what he says was […]

PORTLAND — Republican Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday touted her willingness to work to bring both political parties together while Democratic challenger Shenna Bellows argued that sending her back to Washington could lead to a GOP majority in the Senate and even more partisan gridlock. The senator, who’s seeking a fourth term, squared off with […]

By MARK SHERMAN Associated Press WASHINGTON — The writing is on the wall for gay marriage bans in Kansas, Montana and South Carolina after federal appeals courts that oversee those states have made clear that keeping gay and lesbian couples from marrying is unconstitutional. But officials in the three states are refusing to allow same-sex […]

GRAND FALLS TOWNSHIP (AP) — Maine’s highest court is upholding a state Board of Environmental Protection decision to give a developer the go-ahead to build a wind farm on Passadumkeag Ridge in Grand Falls Township. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court issued a ruling on Tuesday that affirmed the board’s decision. The nonprofit Passadumkeag Mountain Friends […]