Central Maine News: January 6, 2016

These are some of the stories central Maine is talking about today.

(AP) — North Koreans are celebrating at the news that their country has carried out its fourth nuclear test since 2006. Twenty-two-year-old university student Ri Sol Yong in Pyongyang says, the test "gives us more national pride." The White House says it can't confirm the test, but says it would be a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

(AP) — The jackpot in Wednesday night's Powerball drawing is now an estimated $450 million. It would be the largest jackpot since a Powerball prize that climbed to $564.1 million last February before it was won by players from North Carolina, Texas and Puerto Rico.

(AP) — The National Rifle Association says President Barack Obama's efforts to tighten sales of firearms in the U.S. are "ripe for abuse." On Tuesday, the president revealed his plans for expanded background checks and other measures. The centerpiece of Obama's plan is an attempt to narrow the loophole that exempts gun sales from background checks if the seller isn't a federal registered dealer.

(AP) — Police say Herman Derico who shot three people to death before killing himself was "troubled" and had several illegal drugs in his system. Maine State Police say they still don't know why Derico launched the rampage on Nov. 4 in Oakland. Police say he killed his girlfriend, 28-year-old Amy Derosby, her sister, 30-year-old Amanda Bragg and Bragg's boyfriend, 29-year-old Michael Muzerolle, then killed himself. Test results released Tuesday show Derico had drugs, marijuana and alcohol in his system. There was also evidence of cocaine use. Detectives found Derico had been treated at hospitals for mental health issues and had been prescribed drugs for anxiety, depression, paranoia and insomnia. He left no note and police say the only people who can explain his actions that night are dead.

(AP) — Rockland city manager has seized the computers of some city employees amid a personnel-related investigation. He seized the computers days before the city council voted Jan. 2 to have a closed-door meeting with him over personnel matters. The city manager launched the investigation but hasn't released any further information.

(WGME) -- Maine lawmakers have made fighting drugs the number one priority of the legislature this year. According to WGME, they’ve introduced a nearly $5 million plan from both parties in Augusta to curb Maine's heroin epidemic. But the legislation is in for some hurdles. After previously agreeing to the deal, Governor LePage now says he doesn't support the bill as written because of what he calls favoritism toward certain drug treatment agencies. Republican support is needed to pass the bill.

(WGME) -- A bus carrying 16 elementary school students is banged up after a crash in Gardiner. According to WGME, witnesses say a sedan rear-ended a school bus as it was stopped to let a student off. Gardiner police say it happened on this stretch of Route 201 around 3:20 Tuesday afternoon. They say the driver was apparently blinded by the sun. No one was injured. Police say the car involved was totaled and the bus has some minor damage.

(WABI) -- Augusta Police have a new plan to improve motorist and pedestrian safety on the city’s streets. They’re increasing patrols at two of Augusta’s rotaries on both sides of Memorial Bridge. They will be using marked and unmarked vehicles and foot patrol is also a possibility. They looking to do is address some safety concerns for both pedestrians and vehicles. According to WABI Augusta Police say they’re looking for people to slow down when entering the roundabouts and to pay more attention.