A statewide ban on cellphones in schools, $300 relief checks, investments in housing and more.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Janet Mills proposes $300 ‘affordability checks’ in her final State of the State
The governor focuses on affordability in her speech Tuesday night, also calling for a $70 million investment in housing and continuation of Maine’s free community college program.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine made $45.6M in improper payments for autism services, feds say
A state official said that the federal audit should not be interpreted as evidence of fraud.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News, Politics
Why some Mainers support ICE’s increased enforcement in the state
Homeland Security’s ‘Operation Catch of the Day’ has found vocal and widespread support among Maine’s conservatives, though some are expressing concern over the federal agents’ tactics.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Federal government ‘sowing intimidation and fear’ with ICE raids, Gov. Mills says
The governor said her administration is committed to ensuring the safety and civil rights of people across Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine secretary of state will keep saying no to undercover license plates for federal agents
Shenna Bellows said her department is waiting for more information from federal authorities before it lifts its pause on giving out undercover plates.
Posted inLocal & State, News
A new anti-ICE law isn’t in effect yet. Maine State Police are already following it.
Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck issued a directive last month immediately implementing the law’s underlying policies for his agency.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
One year in, Trump’s Maine supporters say he’s doing a great job
President Donald Trump has brought a flurry of broad-reaching changes since taking office one year ago, and they’ve been largely welcomed by Republican voters.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Janet Mills announces plans to improve bus safety following Rockland, Standish deaths
The governor is proposing $4.3 million for enhanced bus safety measures and has signed an executive order to create a commission to look at other ways the state can improve transportation safety for students.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
How common is MaineCare fraud?
The Maine Office of the Attorney General investigates dozens of complaints each year, while the Department of Health and Human Services is also involved in responding to issues.