The governor used her State of the State address to call for measures ‘true to our culture,’ including a more robust yellow flag law and creating a felony for people who sell firearms to those prohibited from having them.
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.
Director of Lewiston shooting commission says it’s running into problems getting information
Anne Jordan tells lawmakers that subpoena power is needed, testifying that the commission has run into situations where people have refused to appear or have not been willing to produce records.
Lawmakers considering proposal for state board to permit affordable housing
The bill from Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, would give developers proposing affordable housing in areas identified for growth an alternative pathway to having their projects approved.
Sheriff’s officers defend response to reports on Lewiston shooter’s mental health
Five members of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office tell the commission investigating the mass shooting that they had limited options given that Robert Card hadn’t committed a crime.
Maine’s high court won’t take up question of Trump’s ballot access
The Supreme Judicial Court says it can’t rule on the dispute because there wasn’t a final judgment when a lower court sent the case back to Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to await the outcome of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on a Colorado challenge.
Mills introduces legislation to grant subpoena power to Lewiston shooting commission
The bill, which would authorize the commission to obtain documents and compel witness testimony, has bipartisan support in the Legislature.
Bellows urges Maine high court to rule quickly on Trump ballot access to avoid voter confusion
Donald Trump said the state court should wait for the U.S. Supreme Court to provide clarity on whether he can be barred from the primary ballot, but the secretary of state said such a federal ruling may or may not settle the dispute in Maine.
Proposal for constitutional right to abortion draws advocates, opponents to State House
Lawmakers heard nearly 6 hours of testimony on the proposal, which faces an uphill battle requiring two-thirds support in both the House and Senate in order to be sent to voters.
Maine Republican announces bid to unseat King at Collins’ urging
Demi Kouzounas, the former chair of the Maine Republican Party, announced on Friday that she will run against independent Sen. Angus King for his U.S. Senate seat. Sen. Susan Collins says she does not plan to make a formal endorsement in the race.
Gov. Mills calls meeting of scientists, state leaders to discuss impact of recent winter storms
The Maine Climate Council will discuss impacts of recent storms that caused widespread flooding and damage as it prepares to deliver an updated climate action plan by the end of the year.