At 2:18 p.m. Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission conducted a test of the nationwide Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System. Text messages were sent to cellphones while radio and television stations broadcast warnings. The messages read: “Presidential Alert. This is a test of the National Wireless Emergency […]
cell phones
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, sj-web
Smartphones and kids … a good mix?
With more teens feeling hopeless and suicidal, Maine schools, kids and parents struggle to deal with a technology that’s changed a generation. As principal of Oxford Elementary School, Tiffany Karnes has seen smartphone users start young. Like 7 years old young. “It would not be unusual to see a first- or second-grader who has a […]
advertisement
Posted inOur View, sj-web
Cell phone ban is good for students
When Lewiston Middle School students arrived at school Wednesday, they were subject to a new policy banning the use of cell phones during school hours. Good. The policy is a direct and dutiful response to relentless and often-destructive social media chatter, instituting a necessary break from the noise. It’s not going to be easy to […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Gov. Paul LePage says he vetoed bans on cell phones and cigarettes
AUGUSTA — Blasting “social engineering,” Gov. Paul LePage said Tuesday he has vetoed measures that would bar the use of hand-held devices while driving and prohibit those under 21 from buying cigarettes. In an interview with Bangor’s WVOM radio, the governor said he is “tired of living in a society” where lawmakers think they can […]
Posted inLetters
K. Quesnel: Create a safer environment
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, more than 3,331 people were killed and 387,000 injured in motor vehicle accidents connected to distracted driving. Those numbers represent 10 percent of all fatal crashes and 17 percent of all accidents that caused injuries. Yet the Maine House rejected the hands-free-only cell phone bill that would […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine Senate votes to keep cellphone privacy bill alive
AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers have voted to override a veto by Gov. Paul LePage of a bill requiring law enforcement to have a warrant to get location information from a person’s cellphone. The Democratic-led Senate overturned the veto on a 22-11 vote on Tuesday. Veto overrides require a two-thirds majority of present and voting members. […]