Staff photo by Andy Molloy

CHANGING THE COLORS: Rev. Kate Braestrup, center, collects the American flag as Capitol Security Sgt. Robert Elliot, left, and Maine Warden Service Col. Joel Wilkinson help lower it Thursday before the annual service held for fallen police officers in Augusta. Braestrup replaced the colors with the flag that adorned the coffin of her late husband, Maine State Trooper, Drew Griffith, for the ceremony.
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Big crowds expected for latest Narnia adventure film
When "Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" premiered at movie theaters in 2005, the flick was a hit at Regal Cinemas in Augusta, theater manager David Wallace said.

1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Pingree offers record as Washington reformer
Fifth in a series of profiles of candidates running in the 1st Congressional District primary races.

High school group aims to raise awareness of tobacco-related dangers
WINTHROP -- Aryn Bolster is collecting shoes -- 1,200 pairs to be precise.

READFIELD: Residents OK $2.3M deal, but school budget vote is late
READFIELD -- Residents approved a municipal budget of $2.3 million at Thursday's annual town meeting and agreed to allow the town to issue a $1.5 million bond for road improvements.

HALLOWELL: Court rules against couple in property dispute
The Maine Supreme Court has ruled against Hallowell homeowners in a property dispute with the railroad.

AUGUSTA: Charter still has many unresolved issues
AUGUSTA -- Five months into their work, Charter Commission members still appear far apart on most substantive issues before them, most recently over the petition process for citizens to place items before voters.

FAYETTE: High-speed Net access is topic for selectmen
FAYETTE -- Selectmen will discuss the town's access to high- speed Internet at their meeting on Monday, followed by a public hearing on funds to enforce the junkyard law.

SAD 11: School officials take stock of audit recommendations
GARDINER -- When Gardiner Area High School students noted in surveys they felt unsafe at school, teachers began to filter into the school's lobby and cafeteria, where hundreds of students gather to await the school day's start.

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SPECIAL REPORTS Capitals series Augusta

'THERE IS A GREAT FUTURE HERE' Augusta's layout obscures assets
[April 20, 2008]

Concord, N.H.

All the pieces fell into place for Concord a decade ago
[April 13, 2008]

Concord's business owners jump at chance in limelight
[April 13, 2008]

New Hampshire's Statehouse has proud past
[April 13, 2008]

Montpelier, Vt.

Augusta, Montpelier split on use of downtowns
[April 6, 2008]

Frugal approach keeps Statehouse well-preserved
[April 6, 2008]

Four factors contribute to city's success
[April 6, 2008]

'If you don't have pedestrian traffic, you can't cut it'
[April 6, 2008]

About this series Our three-part Sunday capitals project compares the capital cities of northern New England. Augusta, Maine's capital, is trying to reinvent itself. Two other New England capitals offer lessons.

APRIL 6: The Capitol and downtown are inseparable in Montpelier, Vt., a key reason the city remains vibrant. APRIL 13: Concord, N.H. invested in infrastructure 10 years ago. The payoff has been lower taxes and a healthier downtown. APRIL 20: Augusta's downtown merchants are committed to staying, and yearn for development along the Kennebec River.

Maine's aging boomers Maine's aging boomers face a different retirement [February 20, 2008] For many boomers, working longer is desire and necessity [February 19, 2008] Who will pay for long-term care? [February 19, 2008] New retirees' housing needs challenge communities [February 18, 2008] Impending retirements will have profound impact on Maine [February 17, 2008] Health care in crisis as work force declines [February 17, 2008] BOOMER PROFILE: Tim Bolton [February 20, 2008] BOOMER PROFILE: Sylvia Yeaton [February 19, 2008] BOOMER PROFILE: Harold Booth [February 18, 2008] BOOMER PROFILE: Penny Hathaway [February 17, 2008] BOOMER PROFILE: Mike Barden [February 17, 2008]

A look back at Maine's Governors
Dead Serious; Independent Jim Longley wanted to be 'the people's governor' [December 31, 2007] Devoted and Loyal Edmund Muskie made his mark on Maine, U.S. [November 26, 2007] 'Proper and efficient' Gov. Gardiner [November 5, 2007] Full-time governor Carl Milliken led Maine with forward thinking [September 24, 2007] Plaisted's term a painful legacy [August 27, 2007] Gov. John Hubbard 'Well-educated doctor' left his mark on Maine [July 30, 2007]

'For I Was Hungry' Series
"For I was hungry," a seven-part editorial series, documents the depth and breadth of hunger in Maine, from the dramatic increase in food pantries to the thousands of children who come to school hungry to the elderly with bare cupboards. For more, click here.