Michael Shepherd

Staff Writer

Latest

Published
February 22, 2013

Another gun ad targets Susan Collins

Organizing for Action wants Maine’s Republican senator to close loopholes in background checks.
Published
February 21, 2013

Maine lawmaker pushes to legalize small amounts of marijuana

Similar propositions have been defeated before in Maine, but now two other states have legalized it, demonstrating a wider acceptance.
Published
February 20, 2013

Bill would slow lawmakers’ transition to lobbyists post-term

AUGUSTA — Days after he resigned from his Maine Senate seat in 2011, David Trahan began lobbying his former colleagues on behalf of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.
Published
February 20, 2013

Maine bill targets ‘revolving door’ between legislating, lobbying

The proposed law would bar members of the current and future Legislatures from serving as lobbyists until one year after their terms end.
Published
February 19, 2013

Bill would ease police efforts to keep guns out of irresponsible hands, police say

AUGUSTA — While the Legislature moved Tuesday to shield concealed-weapon permit information from the public, Maine’s law enforcement community says better access to the information could help police get guns out of the hands of criminals.
Published
February 19, 2013

Committee pulls plug on proposal to ban handheld cellphone use while driving

AUGUSTA — A legislative committee voted 10-1 Tuesday against a bill that would ban most motorists from using handheld cellphones.
Published
February 15, 2013

Changing attitudes toward gun control swamp police with concealed-weapons permit applications

AUGUSTA — If you want a concealed-weapons permit from the Maine State Police, be ready to wait three or four months. There’s a 2,500-application backlog.
Published
February 15, 2013

Bangor newspaper rescinds request for concealed-gun data

After drawing harsh criticism from gun-rights advocates, the Bangor paper informs law enforcement agencies that received the request to disregard it.
Published
February 14, 2013

Republicans, public criticize Bangor paper’s request for concealed weapons permit information

A Bangor newspaper came under a withering attack from gun-rights advocates, top politicians and hundreds of online readers Thursday after requesting personal information on concealed weapons permit holders from all Maine police departments.
Published
February 14, 2013

Bangor newspaper’s request for gun data causes uproar

The newspaper requests personal information on concealed-weapon permit holders, which causes a backlash that stretches from Facebook to the State House.