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
August 3, 2021

Portland bookstore joins effort to replace books lost in Frenchville school fire

The book drive is part of a statewide effort involving Maine authors, bookstores and literary groups to replace 9,500 books lost in a blaze last month.
Published
August 2, 2021

Northern Light Health to require vaccines for employees after FDA gives full approval

The health care network announced Monday that it will require employees to be inoculated within six weeks of full vaccine approval.
Published
August 2, 2021

Maine schools weigh masks, vaccines and pooled testing for fall return

With the start of classes about a month away, superintendents are taking their time with decisions, knowing there could still be more changes with COVID-19 and the latest guidance.
Published
July 29, 2021

Maine panel of experts weighs in on how schools can open safely amid COVID

A pediatrician, a family physician and an elementary school principal at a virtual forum discussed vaccines, mask policies and other factors that will play into opening schools safely this fall.
Published
July 29, 2021

Millinocket hospital is first in Maine to require COVID vaccines for employees

Millinocket Regional Hospital will require its entire staff to receive Pfizer or Moderna shots once they receive final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Published
July 26, 2021

UMaine System trustees advance proposal for boutique hotel on Orono campus

A public-private partnership would allow for the development of an 87-bed boutique hotel using the vacant Coburn and Holmes Halls.
Published
July 26, 2021

Maine hospitals and health care providers hesitate on staff vaccination mandate

Several hospitals and other providers say they are still considering vaccine requirements for staff, amid calls for mandatory inoculation by national groups and some states.
Published
July 26, 2021

Summer camps build on effort to extend vocational programs to middle schoolers

Career and technical education schools around Maine are piloting programs for middle schools and offering summer camps as part of a statewide effort to engage younger students.
Published
July 23, 2021

New vaccination numbers in Maine hold steady amid rise in COVID cases

Maine already has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, but some providers say they are continuing to see interest from small numbers of people looking for convenience.
Published
July 19, 2021

Two members of Maine child welfare board resign, citing inaction by DHHS

They say their resignations, following a string of children’s deaths in Maine, stem from longstanding concerns about the department’s response to the ombudsman’s office.