Michael Shepherd

Staff Writer

Latest

Published
April 18, 2013

LePage: Federal audit just routine

But that contradicts reports that said U.S. officials were probing claims of meddling by the governor and his administration.
Published
April 17, 2013

State may opt out of unemployment extension program

Maine is considering opting out of an emergency unemployment program after its funding was hit in federal budget cuts earlier this year.
Published
April 15, 2013

Democrats brand A-F grading system a ‘scarlet letter’ for schools

A proposed A-F grading system for Maine schools was one of the biggest policy revelations in Gov. Paul LePage’s February State of the State address. Since then, the Department of Education has said the system would not carry any official consequences for districts — it would incorporate factors such as test scores, graduation rates and […]
Published
April 14, 2013

Democrats call LePage’s school-ratings plan a ‘scarlet letter’

Democrats call Gov. Paul LePage’s school grading system a “scarlet letter”; lobstermen consider unionizing; an Esquire magazine blogger verbally bludgeons LePage; and legislators join schoolchildren for April vacation.
Published
April 13, 2013

LePage courts gunmakers to come to Maine

Maine has already contacted two gun companies that have spoken of leaving their states.
Published
April 12, 2013

Source: Maine A.G. reviewing document shredding by state official

A CDC official allegedly ordered records destroyed that could show favoritism in funding.
Published
April 12, 2013

City officials back bills to save state aid

Gov. Paul LePage wants to suspend revenue-sharing, which would force cities and towns to increase local taxes, critics say.
Published
April 11, 2013

Maine fishing bill seeks access for big boats

The proposal aims to expand Maine’s groundfishing quota while easing limits on larger vessels.
Published
April 10, 2013

Groundfishing bill faces no opposition at public hearing

A bill that could help Maine’s long-ailing groundfishing industry by allocating $3.5 million to the Maine Groundfish Permit Bank faced no opposition at a public hearing Wednesday.
Published
April 9, 2013

Maine groups tangle over guns in vehicles at work

Democrats are trying to roll back a 2011 law that allows employees with concealed-weapons permits to keep guns in their cars at their office.