BRUNSWICK Charlotte Berry is a people person. She laughs. She laughs a lot. Nearly all the time, in fact. She sells Christmas trees and wreaths in the Brooks Feed and Farm parking lot on Union Street in Brunswick. She’s been doing it for years. Here’s her take on the job: This is not my first year […]

It has become abundantly clear to me in the last month that before having children I should have attended a dog obedience class. It’s also become clear, thanks to our adolescent dog, Sparky, what I should expect from my soon- to- be adolescent son, Ford. Now, I’m not saying my children are like dogs and […]

Gardeners are easy to shop for. We all need the practical ( rubberpalmed stretchy garden gloves, watering wands, garden scissors, plant labels) and appreciate the whimsical ( a nice garden gnome to surprise the grandkids). Gardening books keep us occupied during the long winter nights, and garden tools keep us dreaming of perfect peonies. Here […]

It’s true — apple juice can pose a risk to your health. But not necessarily from the trace amounts of arsenic that people are arguing about. Despite the government’s consideration of new limits on arsenic, nutrition experts say apple juice’s real danger is to waistlines and children’s teeth. Apple juice has few natural nutrients, lots […]

WASHINGTON It’s the kind of stuff that gives moms nightmares: a machete near a play area, household chemicals accessible to preschoolers, and instructors teaching without a criminal background check. These violations and others were found at Head Start centers across the country, according to a report released today by the inspector general of the Health […]

GENEVA ( AP) — One of two research teams hunting for an elusive sub-atomic particle believed to be a basic building block of the universe announced today that it has narrowed down the search thanks to the latest data. The Higgs boson — also known as the so-called “God particle” — is more likely to […]

Agencies face budget curbs in $1 trillion bill WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing a weekend deadline to avoid a government shutdown, a combative Congress appears on track to advance a massive $ 1 trillion- plus yearend spending package that curbs agency budgets but drops many policy provisions sought by GOP conservatives. Lawmakers reached a tentative agreement […]

RAINIER, Wash. ( AP) — Two Army helicopters crashed Monday night at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in an accident that killed four soldiers, a military spokesman said late Monday. The two- seat reconnaissance choppers crashed after 8 p.m. in the southwest training area of the sprawling base, according to the Army. The victims were not immediately […]

NEW YORK ( AP) — Four more suspects have been taken into custody following the deadly shooting of a New York City police officer who was responding to a break-in in Brooklyn, authorities said today. They include a man who had struggled with an officer at the shooting scene on Monday. They also include two […]