2+ week, 1+ day ago (250+ words) WASHINGTON (TNND) " Former President George W. Bush and former Rep. Liz Cheney will each offer tributes to the late Vice President Dick Cheney during a funeral service, according to a news release. The former vice president will be laid to rest on Thursday following a mass at Washington National Cathedral. Chaney, a hard-charging conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history, died on November 3. He was 84 years old. Cheney served as the 46th vice president alongside Bush for two terms between 2001 and 2009. Bush called Cheney's death "a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends." Cheney also served as the 17th U.S. Secretary of Defense from 1989 to 1993, as well as the White House Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford from 1975 to 1977, and as U.S. Representative for Wyoming's at-large congressional district from 1979 to 1989. Cheney died from complications…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago (240+ words) BRUNSWICK (WGME) -- Thursday morning, Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) launched the Maine Advanced Technology & Engineering Center (MATEC) at its Midcoast Campus in Brunswick. This facility is the first of two advanced manufacturing training centers aimed at addressing the demand for workers in Maine's manufacturing and defense sectors. MATEC is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for hands-on training in robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical simulation. The center is part of a broader initiative supported by $7 million in federal funding, led by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden and backed by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. The initiative aims to create a statewide advanced manufacturing network. "It breaks down some of the initial trepidation the student might have about touching a piece of equipment that is very expensive. Here is a simulation you can practice on, you have more confidence when you go and use…...

3+ week, 1+ day ago (267+ words) LEWISTON (WGME) -- The City of Lewiston has unveiled a new initiative aimed at boosting local economic growth through the "New Business Opportunity Grant." This program will provide up to $175,000 in total grants to support start-ups, recently opened businesses or established businesses relocating to Lewiston. Eligible businesses can receive up to $15,000 to cover essential operating expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities and more. "One of our top priorities here at the city is economic growth and revitalization of the city, particularly downtown, and this grant is another effort towards that," Lewiston City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath said. The grant program will run through June 30, 2026, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. To qualify, businesses must be operating in Lewiston and have been open for less than one year. Existing Lewiston businesses can also apply if they are launching a new or different…...

2+ week, 2+ day ago (164+ words) by Ariana St Pierre,WGME BOOTHBAY, Maine (WGME) -- The gardens are aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is an outdoor winter wonderland experience that you should not miss. Officials say this season's celebration transforms the landscape into a glowing journey through scenes depicting the flora and fauna of Maine's forests, shorelines, and meadows. Wander through tunnels of light and discover two popular trolls. For those looking to save and beat the crowds, the Gardens has introduced early bird pricing on dates before Thanksgiving. For visits during November 15 " 226, adult tickets are $19, seniors and veterans are $17, children ages 3-17 are $10, and children under 3 are free. Ticket prices from November 28 " Jan. 3. are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors and veterans, $13 for children ages 3-17, and children under 3 are free. All tickets must be purchased in advance....

3+ week, 4+ day ago (204+ words) CBS13 has the latest election results. AUGUSTA, Maine (WGME) -- A Maine lawmaker is looking to help the state's emergency broadcast system. Many are familiar with, and especially in rural areas depend on, the dial tone and automated voice on the TV or radio which shares important information on severe weather and other public safety concerns. The bill would provide one-time funding to build necessary broadcast equipment. Encoders would also be installed statewide. This would allow the network to send out alerts and other information tailored to each part of the state. This means if a severe storm was affecting northern Maine, the alert would notify residents there but not other parts of the state. Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce, who introduced the bill, says the quicker Mainers are made aware of something, the more prepared they can be. "Storms across the…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago (149+ words) by Wendy Watkins, Bangor Daily News LEWISTON, Maine (BDN) -- Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston will end its status as a trauma center on Dec. 1, according to Maine Emergency Medical Services. Maine EMS said in a bulletin issued Nov. 5 that it was notified the hospital will not seek re-verification as a trauma center. Once the change takes effect, CMMC will be classified as a trauma system hospital instead. After that date, only two hospitals in Maine will hold trauma-center designations: Maine Medical Center in Portland, a Level I regional trauma center, and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, a Level II regional trauma center. Trauma centers are hospitals equipped to provide a full range of trauma care and support services, according to Maine EMS. Maine Emergency Medical Services and Central Maine Medical Center did not immediately respond to…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago (105+ words) President Donald Trump makes an announcement about a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk on some of their obesity drugs. PORTLAND (WGME) -- Northern Light Health says it has reached a new contract with Anthem that will keep in-network access for Anthem customers in the state. The contract between the largest health care provider in the state and the largest health insurer in the state expired more than a month ago. Details of the contract have not been released, but the two sides had been fighting over reimbursement rates for months. The multi-year contract takes effect retroactively to November 1 of this year....

1+ week, 3+ day ago (305+ words) PORTLAND (WGME) -- The Maine Public Utilities Commission has unanimously rejected Central Maine Power's plan to raise power bills every year for the next five years. This came after state leaders and ratepayers loudly objected. The PUC and CMP agree that improvements to the grid are necessary, just not at the price. The Maine Public Advocate expects CMP to file another rate increase proposal. Nonetheless, many residents say they were pleasantly surprised that the plan, in its current form, was denied. "I'm surprised they did the right thing," Portland resident Raymond Ouellette said. CMP's five-year plan has been voted down. The PUC rejected CMP's proposal, which would have raised prices $35 a month on most bills over the course of five years. CMP said while affordability is a concern, it insisted it needs the money to upgrade the grid and hire more…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago (137+ words) In a thrilling boys Class B South soccer championship, long-time rivals Greely and Yarmouth faced off with a spot in the state finals on the line. The first half saw no score as Greely's keeper, ... Yarmouth triumphs over Greely in boys Class B South soccer championship by Dave Eid, WGME In a thrilling boys Class B South soccer championship, long-time rivals Greely and Yarmouth faced off with a spot in the state finals on the line. The first half saw no score as Greely's keeper, Landon Dominski, made impressive saves, including an acrobatic stop off a free kick. However, Yarmouth's Clippers broke through late in the first half when Gideon Aherns delivered a perfect corner kick that Finn Grimnes headed into the net. Yarmouth ultimately secured a 2-1 victory, advancing to the state championship....

3+ week, 2+ day ago (143+ words) Kennebunk previously defeated Falmouth in their first meeting of the season. High school football playoffs: Kennebunk vs. Falmouth rematch set for Friday The high school football playoffs continue Friday night with a highly anticipated rematch in Class B South. The Kennebunk Rams will face off against the Falmouth Navigators, a repeat of last year's regional final. The Navigators have overcome a slow start and key injuries, winning three consecutive games as they prepare to challenge the Rams. High school football playoffs: Kennebunk vs. Falmouth rematch set for Friday The high school football playoffs continue Friday night with a highly anticipated rematch in Class B South. The Kennebunk Rams will face off against the Falmouth Navigators, a repeat of last year's regional final. The Navigators have overcome a slow start and key injuries, winning three consecutive games as they prepare to…...