Rachel Ohm

Press Herald

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.

Latest

Published
April 7, 2025

How Trump’s actions are affecting — and targeting — Maine

In addition to a new federal lawsuit against the state, the new administration’s actions include multiple efforts to pull funding over Maine’s policies regarding transgender athletes, as well as unrelated cuts to health care funding and medical research grants.
Published
April 6, 2025

Should transgender athletes be able to compete in high school sports? Here’s what Maine students say about it.

As state and federal officials argue over whether allowing transgender athletes to compete violates the law, we asked students for their thoughts on the issue.
Published
April 5, 2025

Lawmakers may impose impact tax on megayachts visiting Maine

Supporters of the bill say the charge could be easily weathered by the wealthy owners of the private, luxury vessels. But critics say it could serve as a deterrent to tourism.
Published
April 4, 2025

Maine lawmakers ask RFK Jr. to reconsider dismissal of heating assistance staff

In a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services secretary, 92 Maine lawmakers asked for an explanation of how the LIHEAP program will run without its federal staff.
Published
April 3, 2025

State audit flags deficient oversight of outside contracts, school meals, welfare

Maine’s financial services department said it takes all findings seriously and will work to address them, while Republicans have asked for a federal investigation on particular issues related to how the state awards contracts.
Published
April 2, 2025

Maine’s first Office of New Americans director steps down after 3 months

Tarlan Ahmadov submitted a resignation letter Tuesday, citing health reasons. His appointment had been criticized by members of Maine’s Armenian community.
Published
March 31, 2025

Maine lawmakers hear proposal to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms

The proposal from Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, would decriminalize the possession of one ounce or less of psilocybin for adults over age 21.
Published
March 28, 2025

Hourslong hearing highlights continuing tension over Maine abortion laws

Residents opposed to abortion urged lawmakers to roll back laws that expanded access in Maine and called on the Legislature to pass a bill criminalizing abortion even after the sponsor said she no longer supported it.
Published
March 27, 2025

Maine officials refuse to sign Trump agreement on transgender athletes

The Maine Principals’ Association and Greely High School said it would violate Maine law for them to sign the agreement requiring the barring of transgender athletes.
Published
March 26, 2025

Gun control debate returns to Maine State House as lawmakers take up new bills

Lawmakers heard proposals for banning bump stocks and other rapid-fire devices, prohibiting untraceable ‘ghost guns’ and easing Maine’s concealed carry law.

Sign In: