Matt Byrne

Staff Writer

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.

Cops & Courts, Local & State, News

Oxford woman guilty of manslaughter in double fatal crash

by Matt Byrne May 22, 2014September 15, 2014

But Kristina Lowe, 21, is found not guilty of OUI.

Health, News, Politics

Controversial Maine welfare consultant allegedly plagiarized report

by Matt Byrne May 22, 2014

Two welfare policy experts say passages from the Alexander Group report on Maine’s welfare system were lifted without proper attribution from a 2011 paper by a Washington, D.C., think tank.

Local & State, News, Politics

Maine blocks use of welfare benefit cards at ATMs in dozens of locations

by Matt Byrne May 12, 2014

Recipients won’t be able to get cash at many bars, strip clubs, liquor stores and more as DHHS begins enforcing a 2012 anti-abuse law.

Local & State, News, Politics

In Maine, Chris Christie promises big support for LePage re-election

by Matt Byrne May 7, 2014

New Jersey’s governor visits to raise funds for his counterpart and says the race for Maine governor is among Republicans’ top priorities.

Local & State, News

Former Maine Guard leader opposes swapping engineers for infantry

by Matt Byrne May 2, 2014

The 133rd Engineer Battalion is a critical resource for the state, Maj. Gen. Earl Adams says amid other reactions to the plan.

Local & State, News, Politics

Plan for key National Guard unit to leave Maine surprises LePage

by Matt Byrne May 1, 2014

The governor, commander of Maine’s National Guard, asks the Press Herald how it learned his 133rd Engineer Battalion is poised to relocate to Pennsylvania.