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.
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, Politics
Proposal to increase Maine’s cigarette tax draws praise and concern
Health advocates have lauded Gov. Janet Mills’ proposal for a tax increase on cigarettes, though some businesses are concerned it could prompt people near the New Hampshire border to make purchases there instead.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Retired police officer selected as new chair of Maine Republican Party
Jim Deyermond of Sanford was selected as the next chair of the Maine GOP, and Scott Rocknak was picked as party vice chair in elections over the weekend.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Mills’ budget would increase cigarette tax, continue free community college
The $11.6 billion 2-year budget represents a 10% spending increase and also includes a number of changes in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Maine Trust for Local News forms quick strike reporting team
The three-person team is tasked with identifying strong investigative and narrative stories and getting them to readers quickly.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Democratic Party leader won’t seek reelection
Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake said Thursday she is stepping away for personal and professional reasons.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Gov. Mills proposes creating a Maine department of energy
The proposal would elevate the Governor’s Energy Office to a Cabinet-level department if approved by lawmakers as part of the budget.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills introduces bill to respond to severe weather fueled by climate change
The proposal would establish a new state office and a grant program to help Maine residents make investments to safeguard their homes against extreme weather.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Supporters of a Maine voter ID law hand in signatures to force referendum
Organizers of the petition drive pointed to the more than 170,000 signatures they’ve collected as evidence of support for a voter ID law, but Secretary of State Shenna Bellows raised concerns with various aspects of their proposal.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
7 things to expect from Maine’s new Legislature
Democrats will maintain majorities in the House and Senate when lawmakers return Wednesday.