Latest Maine News
Judge hears testimony in man's bid for a new trial for girl's 1988 killing
ROCKLAND, Maine (AP) — A Maine man convicted of killing a 12-year-old girl more than three decades ago launched his latest bid on Thursday for a new trial by trying to convince a judge that advances in DNA testing raise questions about his guilt. The attorney for Dennis Dechaine...
Sweeping gun legislation approved by Maine lawmakers following Lewiston mass shooting
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature approved sweeping gun safety legislation including background checks on private gun sales, waiting periods for gun purchases and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited people before adjourning Thursday morning, nearly six months after the deadliest...
Two shootings, two different responses — Maine restricts guns while Iowa arms teachers
Six months after a deadly mass shooting by an Army reservist, Maine lawmakers this week passed a wide-ranging package of new gun restrictions. Three months after a fatal school shooting, Iowa lawmakers this week passed legislation allowing trained teachers and staff to carry guns on...
Sweeping gun legislation awaits final votes as Maine lawmakers near adjournment
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature moved in fits and starts toward adjournment on Wednesday, with unfinished business including final votes on a series of gun safety bills that were introduced after the deadliest shooting in state history last fall. The Senate was awaiting...
11-year-old boy killed in ATV crash in northern Maine, wardens say
SANGERVILLE, Maine (AP) — An 11-year-old boy was killed when he crashed an all-terrain vehicle while riding on a neighbor's property in the northern Maine town of Sangerville, wardens said. The neighbor went looking for the boy and found him unresponsive with the ATV on top of him...
Convicted scammer who victims say claimed to be a psychic, Irish heiress faces extradition to UK
A woman accused by scam victims of crisscrossing the U.S. claiming to be an Irish heiress is expected to learn next month whether she will be extradited to the United Kingdom. Marianne Smyth, a 54-year-old American, will be in federal court in Maine for the hearing that relates to...
Several gun bills inspired by mass shooting are headed for final passage in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A series of gun safety bills introduced after the deadliest shooting in Maine history was headed toward final passage Wednesday as the state Legislature raced to wrap up its session. The House voted 75-68 to enact the governor’s omnibus gun safety bill that...
Maine joins compact to elect the president by popular vote but it won't come into play this November
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine will become the latest to join a multistate effort to elect the president by popular vote with the Democratic governor's announcement Monday that she's letting the proposal become law without her signature. Under the proposed compact, each state would...
Revised budget adjustment removes obstacle as Maine lawmakers try to wrap up work
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Democratic-led Maine Legislature’s spending committee revised its budget proposal Monday in response to complaints from both Republicans and the Democratic governor, removing a late obstacle as lawmakers try to wrap up their work this week. The revision...
Maine is latest state to approve interstate compact for social worker licenses
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine is set to become the latest state to join an interstate compact for social worker licensure. The proposal is designed to make it easier for social workers to practice in new states. Proponents say the process of seeking a separate license in each state...