Rep. Laurel Libby told fellow lawmakers that her proposal would boost the integrity of Maine’s elections, though opponents, including the Maine secretary of state, say it’s unnecessary and could foster anti-immigrant sentiment.
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 inUncategorized
Maine education officials uncertain about impact of Trump orders on diversity, school choice
Both orders call for further action by federal officials to enforce Trump administration policies, and Maine schools will be watching to see if there are any impacts to funding or programs.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Bipartisan bill would give Maine Legislature control over future state investigations
The proposal is partly in response to the formation of the commission to investigate the Lewiston mass shooting, which some lawmakers felt should have involved their input.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine cities, nonprofits ask lawmakers to reject proposed limit on housing assistance
Lawmakers are told that a proposal to limit General Assistance housing support would put hundreds of families at risk of eviction.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gun safety advocates turn in signatures to force fall referendum on red flag law
The Maine Gun Safety Coalition says it collected more than 80,000 signatures in an effort to put the measure on the ballot in November.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Sen. King votes against Pete Hegseth for defense secretary
Maine’s independent senator joins Democrats in voting against the Trump nominee over concerns about his answers regarding the rules of international warfare.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine joins effort to block Trump’s order limiting birthright citizenship
Maine plaintiffs, including the attorney general, have joined a pair of federal lawsuits arguing that the president’s executive order violates the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship to anyone born in the US.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Republican proposal would repeal 72-hour wait on firearms purchases
House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham is sponsoring a bill that would repeal the waiting period approved by lawmakers last year in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World
Maine’s delegation welcomes Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement
The deal, which has yet to be finalized, calls for a 6-week end to fighting during which hostages and prisoners would be released and additional aid would come to Gaza.
Posted inNation & World, Politics
Angus King questions Defense pick Pete Hegseth about past comments during contentious hearing
Maine’s independent senator asked President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Pentagon about his views on women in combat, torture and the war in Ukraine.