The pledge, recently challenged by three South Portland students, is the source of persistent questions in U.S. society about who should, must or will recite it.
Matt Byrne
Matt Byrne has covered crime and public safety for the Press Herald since 2016. It is his second beat since being hired at the Press Herald in late 2012, when he left the Boston Globe's suburban news bureau. Matt grew up outside Philadelphia, moved to Boston to attend Emerson College and now loves living in Maine. When he is not nerding out on court documents or listening to a police scanner, Matt loves to work on old cars, make things out of metal and try new craft beers. Offers to drive your race car, or news tips, are always welcome.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Portland mayor meets with Gov. LePage to discuss docked shelter payments
Mayor Michael Brennan and the governor discuss their disagreement over General Assistance funding for Portland’s shelters, along with education and workforce issues.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland settles lawsuit filed by couple charged after filming police vehicle stop
They sued for false arrest and now will get $72,000 in a case involving the rights of citizens to shoot video of officer conduct.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Engineer battalion to stay in Maine, LePage pledges
The governor makes his intentions clear after firing the Maine National Guard’s leader for deceptions over a plan to move the 133rd out of state.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Sanford man, 91, returns to memory-care facility after breaking out to see girlfriend
Real L’Heureux, 91, was away overnight to visit Grace Harakles, but returned to the dementia care facility so he could take his medications.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Senior’s daring escape for love’s sake raises a troubling question
Real L’Heureux, who has been diagnosed with mild dementia, busted out of an assisted-living center in Sanford to be with his girlfriend.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Windham, Raymond residents to vote on new school cost-sharing plan
A vote Wednesday will determine whether taxpayers of Windham will pay a larger portion of the education budget.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Life at the Oxford Street Shelter: ‘Will I get a bed tonight?’
Clients hope the answer is yes, even though it can mean a restless night of crowding, personal vulnerability and disturbances.
Posted inFood
Maine cast-iron collector explains the pull of the pans
Grubby, rusty, unlovely – it doesn’t matter to Fritz Appleby and others who are devoted to the cookware.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Portland officials set to toughen requirements for homeless shelter users
Councilors concede the city will have to abide by new state policies effective May 1 and lose some shelter cost repayments.