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
March 30, 2021

Maine colleges will encourage, not require, students to get vaccinated

Several campuses say they are strongly encouraging their students and staff to get vaccinations but won’t require them as long as the vaccines are authorized only for emergency use by the FDA.
Published
March 26, 2021

Coronavirus cases increase across University of Maine System

The positivity rate remains below the state average but some students and staff are not participating in weekly COVID-19 testing.
Published
March 23, 2021

$1 million UMaine grant will expand rural telemedicine and distance learning

The grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will fund technology improvements at 42 higher education and health care sites around the state.
Published
March 22, 2021

Maine attorney general to file civil rights complaint in attack on Asian woman and daughter in Portland

The complaint seeks an order protecting the family that was targeted by prohibiting the man charged in the attack from having any contact with them and from violating the Maine Civil Rights Act in the future.
Published
March 19, 2021

Maine community colleges to boost on-campus learning in fall

Expanded in-person classes, residential hall capacity and a return to other on-campus activities are expected.
Published
March 19, 2021

Maine speeds vaccinations: Residents 50 and older eligible starting Tuesday, all adults April 19

The accelerated timeline comes as some providers are reporting available appointments and as the state is expecting to see an increase in supply from the federal government.
Published
March 18, 2021

Portland school staffer is a finalist for national Custodian of the Year

Donna Colello, the head custodian at Ocean Avenue School, has been working for Portland Public Schools for 25 years.
Published
March 14, 2021

Distancing requirements limit reopening options for Maine schools

They remain the biggest barrier to in-school learning, as teacher vaccinations lead parents to pressure districts for more classroom time.
Published
March 13, 2021

Maine man accused in 1986 Connecticut killing indicted on child porn charge

Marc J. Karun of Stetson, who was indicted Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Bangor, also faces murder and kidnapping charges in connection with the slaying 35 years ago of an 11-year-old girl.
Published
March 12, 2021

Vaccine clinics around the state give older school employees a shot in the arm

Those 60 and older are being vaccinated in Brunswick and at other dedicated clinics this weekend as the state continues its efforts to prioritize educators and childcare workers.