A panel rejects Jonathan McKane’s nomination 8-5, though it will still go before the full Legislature.

The state’s Democratic leaders will exert public pressure on Gov. LePage to give up his resistance and follow other Republican governors.

‘Flies’ author identified / Grand theft auto / Why they call it ‘Vacationland’ / Differing on guns, aligned on business

Several bills are proposed that would further block access to government data, inhibiting the public’s right to know.

Democrats denounce the governor’s threat to stop any legislation other than his plan to resolve Maine’s debt to medical centers through a new state liquor operation.

The measure would maintain or boost revenue sharing in the next three fiscal years for cities and towns, bucking Gov. LePage’s budget proposal.