PORTLAND — Police said Friday a 39-year-old Portland man claimed to be suicidal as he allegedly displayed what he called an explosive device while robbing the CVS pharmacy at 510 Congress St. Jason Wayne Campbell, of 40 Alder St., allegedly entered the store around 8:45 a.m. Friday and demanded narcotics. He fled on foot after being […]

Americans largely want public financing for campaigns but democracy is being stolen from us.

PORTLAND — The city’s reputation for food grows every day. But are the new, deep-pocketed bistros eating their elders? After 25 years, the Pepperclub on Middle Street is leaving Portland. “Portland is becoming a little cutthroat,” said co-owner Melissa Sawyer. “There is a restaurant on every corner, maybe five.” Struggling with the overhead of a […]

PORTLAND — A tourist staple may be entering its final years on the city’s eastern waterfront. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, which opens for the season May 10, has secured land to lay down tracks in Gray. A ceremonial “passing of the deed” coming Friday means the nonprofit railroad company and museum, in Portland since […]

PORTLAND —  Emergency expansion joint repairs on the Maine Turnpike overpass at Forest Avenue will require southbound lane closures Wednesday and Thursday from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. Maine Turnpike Authority spokeswoman Erin Courtney said a steel plate will be installed at the overpass and speeds will be reduced to 50 mph.

PORTLAND — Residents could be facing a 75-cent increase in the property tax rate now that the municipal and school budgets have been introduced. City Manager Mark Rees introduced his fiscal year 2015 municipal budget Monday night, which seeks a $3.6 million increase in property tax revenues, to nearly $76 million. The proposed increase would […]

PORTLAND — Start-up of the city’s fledgling circus college is taking shape. Peter Nielsen, president of the Circus Conservatory of America, said Monday that construction of the planned 48,000-square-foot training complex at Thompson’s Point will begin later this year, and the school will open its doors about a year later in September 2015. The school’s first […]

PORTLAND — The attorney representing Sangillo’s Tavern promised Monday to appeal a City Council decision not to renew the bar’s annual liquor license. The license application was denied by a 5-4 vote, with Councilors Cheryl Leeman, Jill Duson, John Coyne and Nick Mavodones opposed. The bar at 18 Hampshire St. will remain open while City […]

PORTLAND — The city’s growing restaurant and brewery scene has been receiving national acclaim for at least five years. Now, Maine College of Art is launching a culinary arts program downtown. “Portland attracts foodies from all over the world. We are in the midst of a culinary boom and live in a city that values […]