Advocates say more people should be able to have convictions for low-level crimes such as marijuana possession sealed by the courts, but the proposals are opposed by Maine’s governor and others.
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 inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State, Maine Crime
Commission: Police should have seized Lewiston shooter’s guns months before tragedy
The interim report, which also faults the Army, calls a Sagadahoc County deputy’s failure to take Robert Card into custody in mid-September ‘an abdication of law enforcement’s responsibility.”‘
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics, Portland Sea Dogs, Sports
Lawmakers hear overwhelming support for tax credit for Hadlock Field renovations
The proposal from Senate President Troy Jackson could provide up to $200,000 per year, or $2 million total, in tax credits for upgrades the team makes to the city-owned stadium.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Advocates rally at Maine State House for rent relief, shelter funding
The demonstration Wednesday came as lawmakers are negotiating budget proposals, including funding for a bill that would establish a pilot program for eviction prevention.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers take up gun bills, focus on waiting periods, background checks
The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee holds a work session on a series of bills that include a proposal from Gov. Janet Mills to expand background checks and update the state’s yellow flag law.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Bill expanding Maine tribes’ rights to prosecute crimes moves forward
The bill, a pared down version of a larger tribal sovereignty bill, would give Wabanaki Nation tribes greater authority to prosecute crimes that occur on tribal lands.
Posted inLocal & State, Schools & Education
Bernie Sanders to deliver University of New England commencement speech
The independent senator from Vermont will speak at the university’s graduation ceremony at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on May 18.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Four months after Lewiston mass shooting, pressure builds for long-sought gun safety reforms
But Maine defenders of traditional gun rights also turned out in force at last week’s hearings, and it’s unclear if the support to enact changes will be sustained.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Physicians, gun owners, activists pack Maine State House for hearing on gun reform
Dozens of people testified for and against a pair of bills that include expanding background check requirements to advertised private firearms sales and a 72-hour waiting period on purchases.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Politics
Committee backs bill requiring health insurance to cover non-prescription birth control
The bill, inspired by federal approval of the first over-the-counter birth control pill, now faces votes in the House and Senate.