Station: WPOR

Democrats pass majority budget without Republican support

Democrats moved forward with a majority of their budget proposal still intact on Friday. The passing of the budget was backed almost entirely by Democrats, upsetting many Republicans.

Maine’s chief justice: Continuing backlog ‘hurts my heart’

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine’s backlog of criminal court cases remains about 60% to 65% higher than pre-pandemic levels, a stubborn figure the state has been unable to reduce over two years, the state’s chief justice said Thursday.

Storm damage leads to disaster declaration in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for several counties for damage sustained in a wild December storm that left tens of thousands of people in the dark on Christmas Day, officials said Thursday.

Maine lawmakers moving forward with two-part state budget

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Majority Democrats in the Maine Legislature are pushing through a “baseline budget” to ensure government operations continue in the new fiscal year while leaving the door open to discussions on new spending initiatives in a supplemental budget to be addressed later.

Maine school board director resigns due to ‘hateful’ social media posts

The school board director in Kennebunk-based RSU 21 has submitted his resignation.

Maine lawmakers shoot down proposal to increase fines for using cellphone while driving

The legislature’s Transportation Committee has rejected a bill that would have increased fines for drivers who are caught using their cell phone or other devices while behind the wheel.