Under the legislation, employers could pay front-line direct care workers up to 140% of the state minimum wage, or $20.51 an hour.
Joe Lawlor
Staff Writer
Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press Herald. He is still considered “from away” but since then, he has learned what a “dooryard” is, eaten “whoopie pies” drank Moxie and boiled some “lobstahs.” The stories he enjoys most are when he learns something and meeting inspiring people.
He lives in South Portland - aka “SoPo” - with his wife, Melanie, and two school-age children.
Posted inLocal & State
Police use of Maine’s yellow flag law spiked in final months of 2024
Gun reform advocates are aiming to force a red flag law referendum that they say would better protect society against gun violence.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, Nation & World
Flu surging in Maine; COVID-19 prevalence also ‘very high’
It’s not too late to get vaccinated, public health experts say.
Posted inHealth
Browntail moth populations in Maine crashed in 2024, so expect a less itchy spring
Hairs from the browntail moth caterpillar cause a red, itchy rash that can linger for weeks.
Posted inHealth, Life & Culture, Local & State
Here’s what you need to know about bird flu
There have been no human cases reported yet in Maine, and 66 cases across the U.S., according to the CDC.
Posted inHealth
U.S. to expand autism research under new law co-sponsored by Maine Sen. Susan Collins
The $2 billion law will fund autism research and programs over the next 5 years.
Posted inLocal & State
State investigates complaints that Falmouth day care gave melatonin to children
The child care operator could face licensing action but says she is appealing the findings and has denied the allegations.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
North Yarmouth widower sues J&J for $25M over talcum powder
The company denies the accusation that its products caused mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.
Posted inHealth
Closure of Maine’s rural birthing centers is part of national ‘crisis’
Women living in rural Maine communities are driving long distances to deliver their babies and struggling to access other care, mirroring a trend that’s expected to get worse.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine reproductive health providers seek $6 million ahead of Trump term
Planned Parenthood and Maine Family Planning will ask the state for funding to support non-abortion services such as primary care, screenings and birth control.