Officials report higher tax revenues this year

PORTLAND (AP) — Maine officials are reporting tax revenues that are about 13.5 percent higher this fiscal year than revenues received a year earlier.

The Maine Controller’s Office said Thursday the state took in 2.1 percent more in revenue during the first six months of the fiscal year than expected. The state has collected $1.67 billion in taxes and fees since July 1, according to reports.

Overall receipts are running nearly $200 million ahead of the July-December period of 2014.

The Portland Press Herald reports revenues were boosted by personal income taxes and retail sales. Sales taxes are up 27.4 percent from the previous year. Individual income taxes collected since July 1 are up 14.9 percent.

Officials say lower oil prices probably resulted in more disposable income.

Father convicted of manslaughter in death

BANGOR (AP) — A Bangor man charged in the death of his 3-month-old son has been convicted on a charge of manslaughter.

A judge who heard testimony in November delivered the verdict against Dustin Brown on Friday.

Brown told police his son Xander, went limp during a feeding in 2012.

The state contends Brown caused a fatal brain injury, but the defense said the baby’s death was a “medical mystery.”