Some government workers refused to let the budget impasse spoil their Christmas cheer. The North American Aerospace Defense Command, an essential agency, said it would continue its 63-year tradition of tracking Santa Claus on a sleigh despite the government shutdown. Military personnel who conduct NORAD Tracks Santa are supported by approximately 1,500 volunteers who answer […]
Carl Natale
Web editor for SunJournal.com
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Trooper injured after his cruiser was hit by a tractor-trailer on Maine Turnpike
Maine State Police say a trooper was injured shortly after 5 a.m. Friday after his cruiser was struck by a tractor-trailer near the Auburn line on the Maine Turnpike. Trooper John Davis responded to a report of two vehicles that slid off the northbound lanes near mile 70, according to a statement from Maine Public […]
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Posted inMaine, News
Paul LePage wrongly claims ’97 percent’ of drug dealers in Maine are minorities
PORTLAND (AP) — Maine’s departing Republican governor is doubling down on his discredited claim that out-of-state black and Hispanic drug dealers are responsible for an overwhelming percentage of drug trafficking in the state. Gov. Paul LePage repeated his claim Thursday afternoon on Maine Public. A caller to the show criticized the governor for blaming out-of-state […]
Posted inMaine
Heavy rain could cause flooding on Friday — the 1st day of winter
Heavy rain and strong winds are going to make for a messy Friday. Here’s what to expect: TYPE: It will be mostly all rain. Some freezing rain inland and in the mountains early Friday morning is possible. HOW MUCH: Most of the area will pick up 1.5″ to 3.0″ of rain. TIMING: All day Friday through Friday night. […]
Posted inNational Sports
UPDATED — NFL suspends Patriots’ Josh Gordon for substance abuse violation
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots receiver Josh Gordon was suspended indefinitely Thursday by the NFL for violating an agreement that allowed him to play after multiple drug suspensions, casting doubt on whether the talented but troubled playmaker would ever play in the league again. League officials said Thursday that Gordon was returned to the reserve/commissioner suspended […]
Posted inNation / World
U.S. Senate passes government spending bill; House votes next
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate approved legislation to temporarily fund the government, a key step toward averting a federal shutdown after President Donald Trump backed off his demand for money for a border wall with Mexico. Senators passed the measure, which would keep government running to Feb. 8, by voice vote without a roll call […]
Posted inMaine
Maine’s winter to start with warm, wet weekend weather
Friday may be the first day of winter but Maine isn’t expected to look or feel very wintry. The temperatures are expected to get close to 50. Here is a look at the expected rainfall amounts Friday and Saturday. This will be a warm storm that will start as a wintry mix for inland locations […]
Posted inMaine
UMaine College Republicans face pushback for ‘Deck the Wall’ party
ORONO (AP) — A college Republicans group at the University of Maine is facing criticism for its decision to host a “Deck the Wall” holiday party over the weekend. Group President Charles Honkonen says the event was intended to spark a dialogue on the topic of President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall. NewsCenter Maine reports a number […]
Posted inNation / World
Ohio police find escaped inmate soaking in senior center hot tub
WAVERLY, Ohio (AP) — An escaped inmate is back in custody after being found soaking in a hot tub at an Ohio senior living community, still wearing her yellow jail outfit. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office says the 34-year-old woman fled while being booked on drug-possession charges Tuesday. She was captured by the sheriff and […]
Posted inMaine
Brunswick woman charged after crash injures 5-year-old not secured in seat
BRUNSWICK — A Brunswick woman was charged with child endangerment after a car crash that left a 5-year-old girl with head injuries, and teenager faces charged for pushing or “shouldering” one of the officers responding to the crash. The girl’s injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening. She wasn’t secured in a booster seat or car […]