AUGUSTA — How the public views art in a public space — as a message from the government or an opinion of the artist — will be at issue in federal court in Bangor when arguments begin over whether Gov. Paul LePage could remove a pro-labor mural from a state building.

AUGUSTA — How the public views art in a public space — as a message from the government or an opinion of the artist — will be at issue in federal court in Bangor when arguments begin over whether Gov. Paul LePage could remove a pro-labor mural from a state building.

Nearly a year ago, Gov. Paul LePage ordered the removal of a 36-foot mural from government property. Now a judge will decide whether the governor had the authority to do so.

AUGUSTA — Sen. Olympia Snowe’s announcement that she will retire sent shock waves through Maine’s capital late Tuesday.

High-profile members of both parties are expected to try to beat the March 15 deadline.

AUGUSTA — Sen. Olympia Snowe’s announcement that she will retire sent shock waves through Maine’s capital late Tuesday.

AUGUSTA — A lawmaker from Portland who says state Treasurer Bruce Poliquin has violated the state Constitution wants the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to weigh in on whether Poliquin should stay in office.

AUGUSTA — A lawmaker from Portland who says state Treasurer Bruce Poliquin has violated the state Constitution wants the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to weigh in on whether Poliquin should stay in office.

The Portland Democrat will seek House support for an order asking the state supreme court to weigh in on the business activities of Treasurer Bruce Poliquin.