A company dubbed the “Walmart of Weed” is putting down roots in America’s capital city, sprouting further debate on marijuana — medical or otherwise. Just a few miles from the White House and federal buildings, a company that candidly caters to medical marijuana growers has recently opened up its first outlet on the East Coast. […]

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The head of an influential foreign policy committee in Iran’s parliament said the country does not want Turkey to host talks with world powers over Tehran’s nuclear program, raising further questions today about whether negotiations can begin as scheduled next week. The comments by Alaeddin Boroujerdi do not represent the final […]

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Former South Dakota senator and Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern has been hospitalized in Florida, his daughter said Wednesday. Ann McGovern told The Associated Press her 89-yearold father was admitted to Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Fla., on Tuesday evening for tests to figure out why he occasionally passes out […]

NEW YORK (AP) — March came in like a lion for retailers, as warm weather and demand for spring fashions helped push sales up. Retailers from discounter Target Corp. to store chain Macy’s to outdoor sports retailer Zumiez reported betterthan expected sales during the month in the latest sign that Americans are feeling better about […]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Don’t expect Mitt Romney to spend a lot of time trying to get voters to like him this fall. Instead, the likely Republican presidential nominee will probably rely on a ton of campaign cash and a barrage of nasty attack ads ripping into President Barack Obama for policies that Romney says aren’t […]

PORTLAND (AP) — An investigation into the death of a Canadian skier who crashed into a tree at the Sugarloaf resort and then died on the way to a hospital has concluded that he received quality medical care and that disciplinary action isn’t warranted against any of the emergency responders. Maine Emergency Medical Services on […]

BANGOR (AP) — A Maine woman who doused her 77- year-old grandmother with gasoline and set her afire has been committed to a psychiatric facility in Augusta. A District Court judge on Friday accepted 27-year-old Emily Cole’s insanity defense, based on reports from a doctor at Riverview Psychiatric Facility. Cole, who’s from Ellsworth, was originally […]

AUGUSTA ( AP) — A teacher evaluation bill that’s part of Gov. Paul LePage education reform package has won initial Senate approval. The Senate’s vote came without discussion Wednesday afternoon. The bill requires school administrators to develop comprehensive performance evaluation and professional growth systems for teachers and principals. Teachers found to be ineffective would be […]

PORTLAND ( AP) — Sen. Olympia Snowe will deliver what’s currently her last scheduled college commencement as a sitting senator to University of Southern Maine graduates in May. Snowe, who shook up the political picture with her decision not to seek a fourth term, is the fourth woman to be elected to both houses of […]

SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) — Sen. Susan Collins of Maine says a communication system formally accepted by the Coast Guard’s northern New England sector will save lives. Rescue 21 has been used in more than 1,400 searches and rescue cases since it went into operation in November 2009 at the Coast Guard command center in South […]