Welcome to the Sunrise Herald with Giselle Goodman, the place to go to get the news from overnight and beyond...

IN THE WEATHER

At 9 a.m., it was 42 degrees with clear skies in downtown Portland.

Another chilly start to an otherwise beautiful day. The breeze that joined us yesterday afternoon will return; however, the air temperature is supposed to be even warmer today, with highs near 70. Yes, teenage person, you may wear flip flops and shorts today, as long as your school dress code and parents approve of it...

From Bill in ROCKLAND:: 29 degrees again, clear, and calm in Rockland.
From Shawn in YARMOUTH: It is 32 degrees here at 6:15. It looks like the dawning of another gorgeous day. The sky is clear blue, the sun is on the tops of the pine trees and there is a very light wind. Even warmer than yesterday, I hear. Bring it on!!!
From Mark in BRUNSWICK: 32 degrees, bright sunshine and you can hear the chickadees, mourning doves and a cardinal this a.m. Last night, you could also hear the peepers for the first time in our area.
From James in CAPE ELIZABETH: We have bright blue skies, birds are singing and our first daffodils have FINALLY opened. Oh yes, it is a balmy 33 degrees at 6:30.
From Karen in STEEP FALLS: It's another chilly morning with temps sitting at 29 but rising steadily. Another gorgeous day is on tap and I can't wait! I can see grass in my back yard now. It's going to be a great day! Enjoy!

ON THE ROAD:

• Between mile 67 and mile 68 in New Gloucester on the Maine Turnpike, north and southbound lane closures are scheduled between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Mayall Road Bridge for bridge work.

Lane closures on both the north and south sides of the Maine Turnpike continue today due to sweeping in various spots from Kennebunk and Falmouth. They come up fast, so keep on the lookout.

ON THE OCEAN:

Same thing as yesterday: A south, southeasterly wind blows a constant 5 to 10 knots this day, making the coast the coolest and breeziest spot in Maine. Seas 1 to 2 feet.

High tide today in Portland at 9:07 a.m. and 9:39 p.m. Tide is lowest 3:21 p.m.

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MATTHEW CUSHING, THE OLD ORCHARD BEACH MAN charged with stabbing to death three family members in their home in February, will be arraigned at 1 p.m. today in York County Superior Court on three counts of murder and one count of arson.

Cushing, 21, was indicted by a York County Superior Court grand jury on the counts last week. Today, he formally responds to those charges.

According to police documents, Matthew Cushing admitted to killing his mother and stepfather, Carol and Chris Bolduc, both 42, and his stepbrother, 15-year-old Joshua Bolduc. Furthermore, police contend Cushing also admitted to setting fire to the family's house at 15 Birkdale Circle, where the bodies were found.

Cushing has no previous criminal record.

A PORTLAND POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS ARRESTED last month on a charge of domestic violence and reckless conduct with a firearm was scheduled to make his first court appearance yesterday on the charges.

Brian Regan, 39, was arrested by Westbrook police on March 18 for assaulting his wife and firing a gun during an altercation at the couple's home there.

The court proceedings from yesterday were were continued until next month.

Regan, a 14-year police department veteran, was acquitted of assault five years ago in a police brutality case.

In this latest charge, Regan maintains that his wife attacked him at their home in Westbrook and that he acted in self-defense. He has been placed on administrative leave with pay.

Associated Press report

A 74-YEAR-OLD MAN FROM CAPE ELIZABETH was pronounced dead following a two-car crash in Gorham on Route 22 yesterday.

Around 2:30 p.m. yesterday 74-year-old Ruel Ordway's eastbound Ford Explorer veered into oncoming traffic and hit a westbound Toyota Rav4 near the South Street intersection, police said in a written statement.

The other driver, Katherine Hawes, 34, of Lyman, was taken to Maine Medical Center, where she was treated and released. Ruel was also taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Witnesses saw Ordway slumped over the wheel before the crash, which was reported about 2:42 p.m., but police were unsure Wednesday if a medical condition may have contributed to the accident.

A WOMAN FROM MAINE WILL SPIN THE BIG WHEEL TONIGHT and compete for lots of fabulous prizes on the TV game show "Wheel of Fortune."

Lisa Ramus of Freeport, a flight attendant and mother of one, joins the show during the ''Wheel of Fortune'' Pet Lover's Week. Petco Foundation will be making $1,000 donations to Mayor's Alliance For Animals, New York; Perfect Pet Rescue, Los Angeles; Kittico Cat Rescue, Dallas, and Homeless Animal Relief Project in Mississippi.

Viewers will get to see photos of contestants' pets, including Ramus' pet, Kai Kitty.

The episode will air locally at 7 p.m. on Portland TV station WMTW (Channel 8).

THERE'S ALSO ANOTHER GAME SHOW ON TV TONIGHT, BUT THIS ONE IS A LOT MORE LOCAL. Nine youths from Maine will be broadcasting live at 7 p.m. on Portland Community Television Network's Channel 4, showing off their talents and telling viewers what keeps them drug and alcohol free.

The contestants will perform in word, song, and video their thoughts on what it means to be young today, and why they choose not to drink alcohol or use other drugs.

Viewers will be able to share their comments in real-time via the 21 Reasons blog, accessed through 21 Reasons.org

Viewers and the studio audience will vote for the most sincere, creative, and passionate contest entry. Grand prize for this "American Idol" style contest is a $250 Maine Mall Gift Certificate.

Celebrity judges include our own Justin Ellis, Generation NXT columnist, Sgt. Scott Pelletier of the Portland Police Department, and Shannon Moss, News 8, WMTW.

Thursday’s event, co-sponsored by 21 Reasons and the City of Portland Public Health Division, Department of Health and Human Services, will celebrate the efforts of local youth, their families, and the community to prevent underage drinking. It is being held as part of Youth Alcohol Prevention Month in the city of Portland.

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