WASHINGTON — Airline passengers will be able to use their electronic devices gate-to-gate to read, work, play games, watch movies and listen to music — but not talk on their cellphones — under much-anticipated guidelines issued Thursday by the Federal Aviation Administration. But passengers shouldn’t expect changes to happen right away, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta […]
politics
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston School Committee: Two newcomers compete for open seat
Third of five stories about the Lewiston School Committee races in the Nov. 5 election. Next: incumbent ZamZam Mohamud is challenged by Cindy Mendros for the at-large seat. LEWISTON — Voters in Ward 6, which includes the areas of outer Lisbon Street and Grove Street will decide which of two newcomers they want to represent […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Anti-pot campaign pops up in Portland
PORTLAND — Roadside campaign signs have begun appearing in Portland expressing opposition to a ballot question seeking to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Voters in Portland are being asked next Tuesday whether they want to make it legal for adults 21 and older to possess — but not purchase or sell — up to 2.5 […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine’s spending on prisoner health drops but remains among highest in country
Maine has slowed its spending on health care for prisoners over the past decade but remains one of the highest spenders in the country, according to a study conducted by two national nonprofit organizations. The report, “Managing Prison Health Care Spending,” was released Tuesday by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the John D. and Catherine […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Study recommends more state funding for local schools
AUGUSTA — A major study of the state’s funding formula for public schools recommends increasing education spending by more than $260 million per year while also easing the property tax burden on poorer families. Members of the Legislature’s Education Committee on Tuesday focused on what the best possible education system in Maine should look like […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Lawmakers put Medicaid expansion on 2014 legislative agenda
AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers will consider expanding Medicaid and replacing a troubled program that provides rides to medical appointments for Mainers among other bills next session. The Legislative Council, the 10-member bipartisan group of House and Senate floor leaders and presiding officers, approved about 100 of nearly 400 bills for consideration when the Democratic-controlled Legislature returns […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston school board: Mendros challenging incumbent St. Pierre
Second of five stories about the Lewiston School Committee races for the Nov. 5 election. Next: Newcomers Dawn Hartill and Matthew Roy compete for an open seat in Ward 6. LEWISTON — Voters in Ward 2, which includes Geiger and Montello elementary schools, will choose between School Committee incumbent Paul St. Pierre and challenger Stavros […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Landlords question Lewiston candidates
LEWISTON — Landlords gathered to question local candidates Tuesday night on topics including low-income housing projects and how much government is too much. The Lewiston Auburn Landlords Association hosted candidates running for City Council seats, giving each two minutes to address specific concerns brought forth by the association. Mayoral candidates Robert Macdonald and Laurent Gilbert […]
Posted inMaine
Lawmakers continue scrutiny of MaineCare ride program
AUGUSTA — The executives in charge of a new brokerage system for delivering non-emergency rides, under a program offered through MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid system, say they have largely corrected many of the problems that led to confusion, frustration and missed medical appointments earlier this fall. But advocates for those who receive the rides and […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Federal official blames contractors for HealthCare.gov problems
WASHINGTON — The official most responsible for the rollout of the Obamacare health-insurance exchange Tuesday blamed outside contractors for the website woes, not her staff, in testimony before a House committee. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, led by Marilyn Tavenner, was responsible for building and running the exchange website that is supposed to […]