SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine Community College System has requested a 13 percent increase in state funding with a bulk of the new money set to go toward the expansion of workforce development programs.

The Portland Press Herald reports Maine’s allocation to the seven-campus system would jump from $62 million in 2017 to $70 million in 2019 if the increase is approved by lawmakers.

PITTSFIELD, Maine — Maine State Police say they’ve charged an 18-year-old Manchester man with driving a Dodge Neon at 146 mph on Interstate 95. That’s more than twice the 70-mph speed limit.

Police say 18-year-old Tyler Barrows was stopped in Pittsfield, Maine, on Wednesday and was charged with criminal speeding, a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

AUGUSTA, Maine - State revenues are above projections by nearly $16 million after the first two months of the budget year. State tax receipts reflect the summer tourist season.
 
State Finance Commissioner Richard Rosen says Maine’s economy continues slow but steady growth, with income tax revenues reflecting lower unemployment rates. “We can all feel it," he says. "You see the 'Help Wanted' signs nearly everywhere you go, and there is upward pressure on wages.”

STANDISH, Maine - Many Maine families who rely on shallow private wells have been forced to change the way they live due to the area's drought.

The Portland Press Herald reports well drillers are being inundated with calls from people who want dry wells drilled deeper or those who fear their water source is close to drying up. Homeowners have also turned to companies to deliver tanks full of drinking water to temporarily refill their wells.

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Elections Practices is asking lawmakers next session to ban political action committees set up by candidates from paying those candidates or their family members.