PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The city of Portland is starting a number of programs to build a better business climate. Mayor Michael Brennan announced the initiatives at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Portland has started a Business Visitation Program. City leaders aim to meet with one local business each week to find out how the city can help that business grow.
Portland also has hired a consultant to look for places where permitting, licensing and inspection processes can be improved both in the short term and the long term.

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Experts say nearly 800,000 people in this country suffer from a new or recurrent stroke each year. A timely diagnosis and treatment can increases a patient's chance of survival. For the first time in Maine, there is a one of a kind specialist who is performing less invasive surgeries on patients. The procedures are reducing the risk of complications and shortening recovery times.

Donald Cohen was talking to his wife on the phone last September when something terrible happened.

I started slurring my speech and I didn't have any feeling on my left side.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A giant transformer that's part of Central Maine Power's infrastructure upgrade is due to ship out.

The transformer, which weighs 285 tons, was delivered to Portland Harbor on Saturday, and will ship out via rail Wednesday to the town of Leeds. From there, it'll be moved to Lewiston this weekend.

The transformer is part of CMP's $1.4 billion infrastructure upgrade that calls for six new substations and upgrades to 40 existing substations, as well as overhaul or installation of nearly 440 miles of transmission line that doubles the capacity of the backbone of the power grids.

The giant transformer will lower voltage from the grid to supply electricity to communities in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford and Sagadahoc counties.