Latest Maine Headlines

All the headlines from our Maine Topic Page, ordered by recency.

Lawmakers OK Maine Helmet Law Change

Apr 22 2009 // A bill to increase the age for mandatory motorcycle helmet use in Maine has been given final approval by the Legislature and sent to Gov. John Baldacci for his signature. The bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Emily Cain...

National Advocacy Group Urges Maine to Fight Insurance Fraud

Apr 20 2009 // A national advocacy group is urging lawmakers in Maine to create an insurance fraud bureau.The Pine Tree State has the highest per-capita rate of insurance fraud in America, according to the Coalition Against Insurance...

It Figures

Apr 20 2009 // $6.4 MillionAmount awarded to Stephanie Baril, of Haverhill, Mass., who was severely injured when a drunken driver struck her vehicle, although her lawyer says she is unlikely to see much of the money. Attorney Daniel...

Best Upgrades Maine’s MEMIC Group

Apr 10 2009 // The financial strength rating of Manchester, New Hampshire-based MEMIC Indemnity Co. as well as its Maine-based parent company have been upgraded by A.M. Best Co.MEMIC Indemnity is now rated “A” (Excellent), up...

Anti-Fraud Group Urges Maine to Fight Insurance Fraud

Apr 9 2009 // An national advocacy group is urging lawmakers in Maine to create an insurance fraud bureau.The Pine Tree State, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, has the highest per-capita rate of insurance fraud in...

Maine Seat Belt Use on the Rise

Apr 8 2009 // More Mainers are buckling up while behind the wheel.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belt use in Maine rose to 83 percent of drivers last year. That was up from 79.8 percent in 2007....

Maine Condo Groups Seek Relief for Unpaid Fees

Apr 7 2009 // With more condominium owners defaulting on their mortgages, condo associations in Maine are seeking relief.When condos are foreclosed upon and their owners leave, the other condo owners are left to pick up the tab for...

Former Maine CEO in Hot Seat over AIG Bonuses

Apr 7 2009 // The public outrage aimed at American International Group over bonuses given to its executives has reached the man whose committee approved the payouts: James F. Orr, former chief executive officer of Unum Corp.The Portland...

Maine Wants Crack Down on Impaired Snowmobile, ATV Operators

Mar 18 2009 // A bill to crack down on impaired operators of boats, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles in Maine proposes lifting motor vehicle licenses of offenders. The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee scheduled a hearing...

Maine Commissioner Urges Residents to Consider Flood Insurance

Feb 25 2009 // Although portions of the state are still mired in more than a foot of snow, Maine’s insurance superintendent is urging residents to evaluate their need for flood insurance — especially with spring approaching...

Alleged Arsonist Pleads Not Guilty of Setting Fire in Maine Town

Feb 4 2009 // A 31-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to arson charges arising from a September fire that destroyed several downtown businesses in Milo. Christopher Miliano appeared Monday in Piscatquis County Superior Court, where he...

Appeals Court Upholds Forklift Verdict

Feb 2 2009 // The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a verdict against the manufacturer of a forklift on which a Maine man was killed five years ago. A Maine jury ordered Crown Equipment to pay $4.2 million to the widow of a...

Specter of Danger Surrounds Cell Phones in Cars

Jan 25 2009 // Earlier this month, lawmakers in Maine and Delaware said they would consider restrictions on drivers’ cell phone use, but a national safety group says that the only sufficient limit to guarantee safety is a complete...

Maine and Delaware Consider Restricting Drivers’ Cell Phone Use

Jan 16 2009 // The states of Maine and Delaware are considering limits on how drivers use cell phones.A Delaware lawmaker is trying again to pass legislation barring the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Rep. Joe Miro says...

Economic Link Suspected in Maine Arson Fires

Dec 30 2008 // Maine’s fire marshal says a rise in arson fires is likely related to the slumping economy.State figures thus far this year show 134 confirmed incendiary, or arson, fires representing $8 million worth of property. An...

Maine Mercury Cleanup at Issue in Federal Ruling

Dec 10 2008 // A federal judge has refused to block Maine environmental regulators from enforcing a mercury cleanup order at a former chemical plant’s Orrington landfills.Mallinckrodt LLC of St. Louis, a subsidiary of U.S....

New Markets

Nov 30 2008 // The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com.Waste Haulers Market Detail: ELM Insurance...

New Restrictions for Maine Drivers

Nov 30 2008 // The second of two Maine laws adopted in April to tighten regulations for getting a driver’s license has gone into effect. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap says the new law requires license applicants to show...

New Restrictions for Maine Drivers

Nov 30 2008 // The second of two Maine laws adopted in April to tighten regulations for getting a driver’s license has gone into effect. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap says the new law requires applicants to show they’re...

Injured Maine Man Wins $5M Award for Electrical Accident

Nov 19 2008 // A Maine man has been awarded nearly $5 million in damages for injuries he sustained six years ago in an electrical accident at a Penobscot boatyard.Bryan Smith, now 24 and formerly from Bucksport, was operating a crane to...