Famed Galapagos Tortoise To Be Embalmed, Displayed

Merkel and Francis talk about a 'strong' Europe VATICAN CITY (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel, mindful of the weight of Christian voters in September elections, has discussed with Pope Francis how Europe's economy should better serve people. Merkel said the two discussed regulation of financial markets, adding that the economy hasn't always served people like it should.

NH, Vt. communities share Founder's Day HAVERHILL, N.H. (AP) — Two Connecticut River communities, one in New Hampshire and the other in Vermont, are celebrating the 250th anniversary of their founding. [] Founders' Day events on Saturday include re-enactors from the Revolutionary War in Haverhill and music, poetry and discussion in Newbury.

Merkel and Francis talk about a 'strong' Europe VATICAN CITY (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel, mindful of the weight of Christian voters in September elections, has discussed with Pope Francis how Europe's economy should better serve people. Merkel said the two discussed regulation of financial markets, adding that the economy hasn't always served people like it should.

In areas, little impact from gas drilling fees Associated Press Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 7:34 am, Saturday, May 18, 2013 According to the revenue distribution formula included in the law authorizing the fee, the state took $23 million off the top for distribution to county conservation districts, the state Fish and Boat Commission, the Public Utilities Commission (charged with administering the law), the state Department of Environmental Protection (which enforces the act), PennDOT, the state Emergency Management Agency, the office of the state Fire Commissioner and the Marcellus Legacy Fund/Natural Gas Energy Development Program. Of the nearly $181 million remaining, 40 percent (or about $73 million) went to the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which will be used for environmental projects, bridge improvement, water and sewage projects, recreation and refining or processing facilities and hazardous site cleanup. The communities may use the funds in 13 spending categories and must report how they spent it to the Public Utilities Commission and also post the information on their websites. The categories of permitted spending include road/bridge/infrastructure; water/stormwater and sewer systems; environmental programs; preservation and reclamation of waters and water supplies; tax reductions, including homestead exclusions; safe and affordable housing; records management, geographic information systems and information technology; delivery of social services; judicial services; deposit into reserve fund for future use in one of the spending categories; career and technical centers for training workers for the oil and gas industry; and local or regional planning initiatives. Fifteen of the municipalities (68 percent) opted to spend the money on roads, bridges and infrastructure (for a total of $4,558.65), while four decided to place the money in reserve accounts for future spending ($9,560.46 combined). Rouseville Borough opted to use its $59.89 in the water, sewer and stormwater category, and Frenchcreek Township used its $113 in the social services category (for the Franklin Library). The amounts received from the impact fee for Venango County municipalities can be expected to increase for the coming year as three additional horizontal wells — one Halcon well in Frenchcreek Township and two Chevron Appalachia wells in Richland Township — are included in the state Department of Environmental Protection's most recent spud report. According to the DEP's most recent spud report, four additional unconventional wells were drilled in Clarion County in 2012 and will be subject to the fee.

Busy weekend for college commencements in Maine BIDDEFORD, Maine (AP) — It's a busy day for college commencements in Maine. U.S. Sen. Angus King is the keynote speaker at the University of New England's 178th Commencement at the Biddeford campus on Saturday. The university will award 1,450 degrees at the event. Included are 26 students who make up the inaugural graduating class from UNE's College of Pharmacy. Commencement ceremonies are also scheduled for Saturday at Unity College, University of Maine campuses at Farmington, Fort Kent, Machias and Presque Isle, the University of Maine School of Law, and Husson University's Portland campus.