The office of Gov. Janet Mills testified against the red flag proposal, saying Maine’s existing yellow flag law is working and the requirement for a mental health evaluation is reasonable.
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 protect children from online harassment and ‘doxxing’ advanced by Maine lawmakers
The bill would allow minors, or their parents or guardians, to sue a person who discloses their personal information in a way that causes them harm or to fear for their safety.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers reverse course, reject decriminalizing psychedelic mushrooms
A bill to allow possession of small amounts of psilocybin came close to passing, but was ultimately rejected by lawmakers.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine lawmaker injured in car crash on way to Augusta
Rep. Holly Eaton is expected to be in intensive care for the next few days because of complications following spinal surgery, according to a GoFundMe set up over the weekend.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Bill to amend medically assisted suicide law draws emotional debate from Maine lawmakers
The proposal to allow doctors to waive the waiting period for terminally ill patients to receive life-ending medication was rejected by 1 vote in the Senate after getting initial approval in the House last week.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Standoff over red flag hearing continues in Maine Legislature, may go to court
A state law passed in 2019 requires public hearings for citizen initiatives, though a hearing was never held on a 2021 proposal later approved in a referendum.
Posted inBusiness, Politics
Maine hotels may be forced to stop using those small plastic bottles of shampoo
A bill winning support in the Legislature would prohibit hotels, motels and other guest lodging from using single-use plastic containers of less than 6 oz. for health and beauty products.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Proposed roll back of Maine’s new paid family and medical leave program rejected
Initial votes Monday indicated lawmakers are unlikely to pass changes Republicans had sought to repeal the program or make it voluntary.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills signs law designating Jan. 6 as ‘day to remember’
The new law will require the governor to sign a proclamation each year honoring the resilience of democracy during the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S. Capitol.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Legacy of Margaret Chase Smith’s ‘Declaration of Conscience’ speech lives on 75 years later
The iconic speech by the U.S. senator from Skowhegan was delivered on June 1, 1950, and is still remembered today as a testament to Maine’s political values.