Six months after SAD 51 issued two racial equity letters, the district continues to see backlash from a resident who has alleged an illegal meeting and hiring.
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.
UMaine System to hire ombudsman to assist retirees with insurance change
The ombudsman will be charged with helping to guide the transition to a new health insurance exchange that has met pushback from unions and retired employees.
For hardy Maine teachers and students, outdoor learning will continue this winter
With the right preparation and community partnerships, some educators are planning on keeping outdoor learning going through the winter as a means of fighting COVID-19.
Victim in fatal Wales crash identified as Augusta man
Police believe John Bennett Jr., 52, may have suffered a medical event that led to his dump truck overturning on Route 126 Friday morning.
Maine Catholic churches voice frustration while limiting in-person attendance
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland will follow new state coronavirus guidance limiting attendance to 50 people, but says its 141 churches have operated safely throughout the pandemic.
Mainers say they back mask mandate, even if they won’t follow it to the letter
While they hope the governor’s new order leads to more mask wearing, some admitted they will still take off their masks when it doesn’t seem to make sense to wear them.
Four Maine counties now designated ‘yellow’ in state’s reopening advisory system
Knox and Franklin counties have been added to the state’s list of places where hybrid instruction is recommended, while Waldo County has returned to green but is being closely watched.
Ninety-one Portland students, staff in quarantine, as district reports 5th new coronavirus case
Portland Public Schools will post weekly COVID report cards to keep the public updated on cases going forward.
Pingree declares victory in Maine’s 1st Congressional District
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree was leading opponent Jay Allen by about 20 percentage points early Wednesday morning.
Sanford superintendent says flu vaccine provider failed to check for parents’ signature
Matt Nelson says three students got shots without their parents’ consent because the provider didn’t notice that the permission forms hadn’t been signed or the signature had been crossed out.