During a 30-minute press conference at the Blaine House last week, Gov. Paul LePage defended his administration, chastised the Legislature and, once again, brought up his relationship with the press.

AUGUSTA — Officials say the state will owe the retirement system about $80 million less than had been expected over the next two years, giving state workers and teachers hope that proposed changes to the system might be scaled back.

AUGUSTA — Republicans unveiled a tax-cut package Thursday that would lower the income tax, create an annual sales tax holiday and eliminate the sales tax on fuel used in all commercial vessels in the Gulf of Maine.

AUGUSTA — Republicans unveiled a tax-cut package Thursday that would lower the income tax, create an annual sales tax holiday and eliminate the sales tax on fuel used in all commercial vessels in the Gulf of Maine.

AUGUSTA — Democrats are giving Gov. Paul LePage a grade of “incomplete” for his first 100 days in office, saying he needs to focus on jobs and the economy.

AUGUSTA — The House of Representatives could vote as soon as today on a second supplemental budget to get the state through this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

AUGUSTA — The House of Representatives could vote as soon as today on a second supplemental budget to get the state through this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

AUGUSTA — Gay-rights advocates are looking toward the next three presidential elections as they consider pushing once again for Maine to legalize gay marriage, according to the leader of EqualityMaine.