The Senate votes to alter the law so police can’t stop a vehicle just because someone is unbuckled.

Many teachers and state employees are expected to retire before Jan. 1 to avoid proposed new health insurance costs.

Women cite the program’s benefits; the state says six similar programs remain.

Fund for a Healthy Maine would be cut by more than $17 million in the first year under Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed budget.

The conversion to a new payment system last year led to errors, DHHS says, but the money will be recovered.

The state will adjust future payments to reflect the money already disbursed, Commissioner Mary Mayhew says.

He says he’ll create ‘think tanks’ with teachers, people in higher education and environmentalists, and defends an exemption from public access.

Bruce Poliquin opposes debt-reduction alternatives to the governor’s proposed system cuts, but others say they’ll work.