FairPoint seeks wage cuts, other concessions from union employees in northern New England

FairPoint seeks concessions from union workers

PORTLAND, Maine — Saddled by crippling debt, FairPoint Communications Inc. is asking its union employees in northern New England for pay cuts and other concessions as it seeks to avoid bankruptcy.

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Maine man first charged with selling stolen tractors, now accused of vandalizing car

Charged Maine man now accused of vandalizing car

PORTLAND, Maine — A Lewiston, Maine, man charged last month with selling stolen tractors on eBay is facing a new charge of criminal mischief. Matthew Theriault, 25, was indicted on charges of wire fraud and lying to an FBI agent. As a condition of his release, he promised not to commit any new crimes. Eleven days later, he was seen parking a truck behind the car of a man who had been in a dispute with Theriault's father, then quickly leaving.

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Paper, plastic and even by phone: new generation of coupons has shoppers ringing up more deals

New generation of coupons means users clip less

PORTLAND, Ore. — Electronic coupons, arriving by cell phone, Twitter, e-mail and Facebook, are helping generate an old standby's comeback and bringing in new, younger customers.

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In tough times, Portland’s ‘young creatives’ find out how to hang on as well as hang out

Portland's 'young creatives' tough out tough times

PORTLAND, Ore. — Ceramics artist Heidi Sowa had her eyes set on Portland for years. The city was not too big, had a cohesive arts community and plenty of easygoing and helpful people.

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Maine’s highest court upholds IBM heir’s adoption of lover

Maine court upholds IBM heir's adoption of lover

PORTLAND, Maine — Maine's highest court has given a legal victory to a woman who stands to stake a claim to a share of one of America's premier business fortunes thanks to her adoption by her lesbian partner.

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Yahoo wins round in Oregon nude photo court battle, not liable for third-party posting

Yahoo wins round in Oregon nude photo court battle

PORTLAND, Ore. — Yahoo has won a legal battle over removing nude photos that an Oregon woman claimed her boyfriend posted on its Web site without her knowledge or permission.

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Record Store Day: It’s time to show some love to homegrown, independent music retailers

Record Store Day celebrates indie retailers

PORTLAND, Maine — Despite the success of online retailers, explosion of Internet downloads and high-profile closings of Virgin Megastores and Tower Records stores, bricks-and-mortar record stores aren't all spinning toward oblivion.

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