Local & State Archives - Lewiston Sun Journal

Businesses are rolling with penny phase-out challenges

by Kelley Bouchard February 13, 2026February 16, 2026

Some Maine retailers and others who handle cash transactions are rounding change to the nearest nickel in the absence of pennies.

Local & State, News

Snow in Lewiston, championships, chocolates focus of this week in photos

by Russ Dillingham and Libby Kamrowski Kenny February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

Sun Journal photographers select some of their favorite images from Feb. 6-12, 2026.

Business, Community, Local & State, News, The Franklin Journal

Farmington Fair study estimates $4.6M economic impact

by Rebecca Richard February 13, 2026February 23, 2026

Johnson Consulting estimated the 2024 Farmington Fair generated $4.6 million in economic activity and more than $115,000 in state tax revenue.

Business, Local & State, News

Maine’s lobster hot spot appears to be having a baby boom

by Penelope Overton February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

After years of decline, the number of baby lobsters found along a key stretch of Maine’s coast has been above average the past 2 years.

Local & State, News, Politics

Former Rep. Jeff Evangelos, fierce advocate for criminal justice reform, dies at 73

by Billy Kobin February 12, 2026February 13, 2026

Evangelos, I-Friendship, was known for his fiery speeches and his willingness to criticize both Democratic and Republican governors.

Business, Local & State, News

As Valentine’s Day prices rise, are Mainers looking for cheap gifts?

by Daniel Kool February 12, 2026February 13, 2026

Some customers are buying smaller boxes of chocolate, or nothing at all, but the full picture of demand may not be clear until Sunday.

Local & State, Maine Crime, News, The Franklin Journal, The Rangeley Highlander

Government dismisses gun, threatening case against Rangeley’s Lucas Sirois

by Donna M. Perry February 12, 2026February 23, 2026

Sirois, 45, was arrested in Farmington in October after he was accused of retrieving firearms and making threats against law enforcement while out on bail.

Local & State, Maine Crime, News

Maine’s 3 largest cities recorded just 1 homicide last year, state police say

by Morgan Womack February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Overall, homicides across the state dipped compared to 2023 and 2024, which are 2 of the deadliest years on record, according to recently released data.