Rachel Ohm – Lewiston Sun Journal

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.

Maine, News

Federal authorities will investigate fatal Standish school bus crash

by Rachel Ohm December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

In an unusual development, the National Transportation Safety Board is reviewing the crash that killed 5-year-old Simon Gonzalez Tuesday.

Maine, News

As community remembers 5-year-old school bus crash victim, police identify driver

by Gillian Graham and Rachel Ohm December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

The investigation into the crash that killed 5-year-old Simon Gonzalez in Standish continues, according to police.

Maine, Maine Crime, News, Schools & Education

Maine parents heartbroken after 2 students killed by school buses in a month

by Riley Board and Rachel Ohm December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

Following the deaths of students in Rockland and Standish, parents across the state said they’re devastated by the news but not necessarily more wary of putting their kids on the bus.

Maine, News, Politics

Gov. Mills will allow bill limiting police collaboration with ICE to become law

by Rachel Ohm December 15, 2025December 15, 2025

Mills announced her decision in an op-ed in the Press Herald on Monday, citing recent actions of the Trump administration.

Maine, News

MaineCare provider denies fraud allegations it says were amplified by attacks on Somali community

by Rachel Ohm December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Following claims by a former employee in national news outlets this week, Gateway Community Services said Friday that it did not falsify billing records and has been receiving threats of violence as a result of the reporting.

Health, Maine, News, Politics

Collins, King vote for Democrat-led health care subsidies extension

by Rachel Ohm December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

Collins voted to advance both a Democratic proposal to extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies and a Republican alternative, while King voted only in favor of the Democratic plan.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

Jonathan Bush removes campaign ad featuring Portland police training

by Rachel Ohm December 10, 2025December 10, 2025

The Portland Police Department asked Bush to remove the video from social media after the city said it heard concerns that it appeared to falsely indicate an endorsement.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

Why are so many betting on Graham Platner to beat Janet Mills?

by Rachel Ohm December 9, 2025December 10, 2025

Platner is leading Gov. Janet Mills on Polymarket and Kalshi, websites that allow betting on elections, sports and current events that some experts say can be better predictors of election results than polls.