The bill, a pared down version of a larger tribal sovereignty bill, would give Wabanaki Nation tribes greater authority to prosecute crimes that occur on tribal lands.
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, Schools and Education
Bernie Sanders to deliver University of New England commencement speech
The independent senator from Vermont will speak at the university’s graduation ceremony at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on May 18.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Four months after Lewiston mass shooting, pressure builds for long-sought gun safety reforms
But Maine defenders of traditional gun rights also turned out in force at last week’s hearings, and it’s unclear if the support to enact changes will be sustained.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Physicians, gun owners, activists pack Maine State House for hearing on gun reform
Dozens of people testified for and against a pair of bills that include expanding background check requirements to advertised private firearms sales and a 72-hour waiting period on purchases.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Politics
Committee backs bill requiring health insurance to cover non-prescription birth control
The bill, inspired by federal approval of the first over-the-counter birth control pill, now faces votes in the House and Senate.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Politics
Trump and Biden win Maine’s Super Tuesday primaries
Election clerks and Maine’s secretary of state reported low turnout as the state also rolled out a new semi-open primary system that allows unenrolled voters to participate in party primaries.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine gets $10 million federal grant for heat pumps in mobile homes
The award from the U.S. Department of Energy will support the installation of heat pump systems in 675 households as well as workforce training for local installers.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers are trying again to expand the rights of Indigenous tribes
House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross presented a sweeping bill Monday to expand the rights of Maine tribes to govern themselves, but negotiations are focused on a few specific reforms that supporters say have a chance to pass this year.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Politics
Maine voters gear up for March 5 presidential primaries, though many are unhappy with the choices
Although the outcomes of the Democratic and Republican primaries seem clear-cut, some voters look forward to casting ballots for their preferred candidates while others dread a rematch of the 2020 presidential race.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Maine teachers call on lawmakers to raise their minimum salary
A bill before the Legislature would increase the minimum teacher salary from $40,000 to $50,000 by the 2027-28 school year. Another proposal would establish a minimum wage for education technicians and support staff.