The teacher and activist from Solon faces a steep challenge from the major party candidates, but is hoping ranked-choice voting will help pave the way for independents.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. Itโs 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 masterโs degree in journalism from New York University and when sheโs not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
USDA extends free meals for all students for entire school year
The waiver extensions announced by the federal agency Friday mean children in Maine and around the country can get free breakfast and lunch through June 2021.
Portland elementary teacher named Maine Teacher of the Year
Cindy Soule, a fourth-grade teacher at the Gerald E. Talbot Community School, received the recognition at an outdoor ceremony Thursday morning.
Alfond’s $240 million gift to UMaine System among largest ever to public higher ed institute
The money from the Harold Alfond Foundation will help transform the University of Southern Maine by providing most of the funding for a new graduate center and law school and access to a multi-university engineering program.
Portland high school families push for more in-person learning
Superintendent Xavier Botana said physical distancing and staffing challenges are preventing the district from offering more in-person options for 10th- through 12th-graders.
Sand stockpile, rock crusher may have contributed to landslide on Presumpscot
A report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also recommends how to stabilize the riverbank in Westbrook where the landslide occurred in mid-September.
Portland schools delay bringing back elementary students for full-time, in-person learning
Space, distancing and staffing challenges contributed to the decision not to resume full-time classroom instruction Oct. 13, the superintendent said in a letter to families.
UMaine System under fire for changes to retirees’ health coverage
University officials say the new insurance will save $2.5 million a year and expand benefits, but lawmakers, unions and retirees want them to reconsider it.
UMaine will remove name of eugenics advocate from academic building
A task force has recommended the board of trustees consider various options for renaming the building on the Orono campus, possibly for a person of Wabanaki descent.
Department of Education labels a 2nd county ‘yellow’ as state reports another 20 cases
The state recommends hybrid instruction for schools in Oxford and York counties, in an update to the school reopening advisory system Friday.