AUGUSTA — A governor threatening a veto, a slim Republican majority in the Legislature, tight financial deadlines and an upcoming election all fueled political tensions this week over the budget compromise that the state needs to close a $221 million gap.

AUGUSTA — State Rep. Mark Dion, D-Portland, said Tuesday that he now has more evidence that state Treasurer Bruce Poliquin has violated the Maine Constitution by engaging in private business.

AUGUSTA — A governor threatening a veto, a slim Republican majority in the Legislature, tight financial deadlines and an upcoming election all fueled political tensions this week over the budget compromise that the state needs to close a $221 million gap.

AUGUSTA — Portland Mayor Michael Brennan met with Gov. Paul LePage on Wednesday to try to head off state budget cuts that could cost Maine’s largest city millions of dollars.

AUGUSTA — Lawmakers and coastal town officials are calling for tighter limits on the use of a tree-growing property tax exemption that they say is being abused as a tax shelter by wealthy oceanfront landowners.

AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage formally created a state task force Wednesday to fight prescription drug abuse and addiction in Maine.