Known as the dean of the State House press corps, Leary covered politics for 45 years for radio, TV and print, and even started his own news service.
Maine politics
Most of Maine’s delegation won’t even talk about an assault weapons ban
Three of the state’s four members of Congress oppose a ban, mostly because they don’t believe it’s practical in a divided government. Only Rep. Chellie Pingree supports it.
Lawmakers consider adding right to bodily autonomy to Maine Constitution
The bill, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Craig Hickman, has raised a host of possible scenarios that likely would need to be sorted out by the courts if the amendment were to pass.
Lawmakers consider panel to better integrate New Mainers into public schools
The 16-member panel would build on the lessons learned by communities with sizable New Mainer populations, such as Portland and Lewiston.
Maine lawmaker calls for sweeping review of state constitution
Democratic Sen. Craig Hickman wants to create a 13-member, bipartisan commission to study and recommend changes to state government.
Anti-abortion bills draw advocates back to Maine’s State House
While the crowd was much smaller than the one that packed the Capitol for Monday’s abortion debate, lawmakers heard several hours of testimony Friday on bills proposed by abortion opponents.
Abortion hearing continues through the night, ends Tuesday morning
Legislative committees held hearings on five abortion bills, including Gov. Janet Mills’ proposal to expand access later in pregnancy with a doctor’s approval.
Businesses ask lawmakers to relax state PFAS ban
They say the new law is well-intentioned but too broad, too aggressive and too costly for them to follow. Environmental groups are calling on state legislators to defend the PFAS law as it stands.
Lawmakers consider slip fee on foreign registered megayachts
While the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, sees the vessels as symbols of economic and environmental inequality, opponents say the ships would dock elsewhere, hurting the Maine businesses that supply and repair them.
Bill would have state environmental officials give priority to marginalized communities when deciding policy
But environmental advocates say the measure needs to go further, and business groups fear it could slow down project permitting.