Central Maine News: May 13, 2015

These are some of the stories central Maine is talking about today.

Yasmine Habash left for Nepal more than a week ago to search for her mother, central Maine Yoga instructer, Dawn Habash. The mom has been missing since last month's earthquake. The daughter says, she herself, is safe in the country’s capital, following another quake that hit this week, killing at least 37 and injuring more than 1,000. (Kennebec Journal)

Maine Gov. Paul LePage is in Washington to discuss energy issues with members of Congress. He will testify before the House Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Energy and Power this morning. The committee will review legislation that seeks to streamline the permitting of natural gas pipelines and another proposal that aims to reduce the regulatory burden on hydropower production. (AP)

The lawyer for a Maine man charged with killing his grandmother last year says his client still needs to undergo a psychological evaluation and has no scheduled court date. Police charged Dana Craney of Wilton with murder in the Dec. 20 death of Joanne Goudreau. He remains in custody at the Franklin County Jail. (AP)

Maine legislators and representatives for four American Indian tribes are set to meet again about the tribes' call for shared management of commercial fish species. Representatives for the Passamaquoddy tribe say their bill would allow state regulators to enter into a "memorandum of agreement" about marine resources with the tribes. The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources will discuss the issue today. (AP)

Justin G. Lebourdais, 30 of Winthrop has admitted to breaking into neighbors’ homes and stealing items, including eight Build-a-Bear gift cards meant for one of the victim’s grandkids. According to the Kennebec Journal, he has pleaded guilty to burglary, theft and receiving stolen property to the incidences from last December.

A Maine legislative panel is recommending the reappointment of a judge who was criticized last year for trying to restrict news coverage in his courtroom. The Judiciary Committee unanimously supported Judge Jeffrey Moskowitz's reappointment to the District Court yesterday. He will now need to be confirmed by the full Republican-controlled Senate. (AP)

A Saco woman faces charges she stole more than $37,000 from a legally blind man she volunteered to care for. York County authorities allege Susan Sajecki took money from the housebound victim's bank account and ran up bills on his credit card. (AP)

Yesterday Governor Paul LePage called for a plan to ease Mainers out of poverty. His plan is for a new tiered welfare program that would ease the transition from welfare to work. Democrats have already called for a similar measure. LePage says his plan would then gradually wean people off welfare. Leaders from both parties say they're hopeful they can work out their differences and find meaningful welfare reform. (AP)

A demonstration took place in Portland yesterday to bring attention to the city's homeless problem. Dozens gathered in front of city hall, some laying on blankets on thee ground to prove a point. The city recently cut shelter services and closed the overflow shelter at Preble Street. The city said normally they receive $8.6 million from the state to go towards shelter costs, but in 2016, they'll only be reimbursed $3 million. (AP)