Maine Public staff

It's Friday and time again for Maine's Political Pulse. 

Maine Public’s political reporters Mal Leary and Steve Mistler spoke with Irwin Gratz about Betsy Sweet's campaign announcement, state budget debates, and more.

Moer to read:

Our gardening experts return to help with planting, pruning, weeding, whacking and whatever else comes to mind regarding garden care. 

• Pamela Hargest, horticulturalist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
• Bill Cullina, executive director, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
  

A study published earlier this year in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) details what doctors nationwide are calling the next drug crisis. From 2005 to 2015, benzodiazepine prescriptions increased 50 percent. We’ll examine the role of benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety, pain management, as well as a possible link to the opioid crisis.

Our panel of veterinarians will discuss the latest news from the world of pet care and answer our listener questions. 

• Deirdre Frey, VMD, Vet At Your Door, P.C.
• Meghan E. Vaught DVM, DACVECC, Criticalist | ECC Medical Director, Maine Veterinary Medical Center
• Kate S. Domenico, Veterinarian at Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital in Scarborough
  

It’s Friday and time for Maine's Political Pulse, a weekly roundup of the latest news from Augusta and Washington.

Political reporters Mal Leary and Steve Mistler joined News Director Mark Simpson to discuss Gov. Janet Mills' budget and the Democratic Party's standing in the Maine Legislature.

Further reading: