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.

For thousands of students without home internet access, remote learning is an extra challenge

by Rachel Ohm April 5, 2020April 5, 2020

The coronavirus has forced Maine students to study at home, highlighting how many don’t have reliable internet and technology access.

Maine, News

Maine CDC won’t reveal virus projections it’s relying on to prepare for outbreak

by Rachel Ohm April 3, 2020April 4, 2020

Dr. Nirav Shah says modeling projections are being used to inform decisions about how the state prepares, not to speculate about the potential impact. But he has not been willing to share the numbers the state has used.

Maine, News, Uncategorized

Maine CDC confirms 9th death as it reports largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases

by Rachel Ohm April 3, 2020April 3, 2020

As of Friday there were 432 confirmed cases of the virus in Maine, and 9 people had died, as state health officials repeatedly urge the public to practice social distancing and stay at home except for essential activities.

Maine, News

Eighth death reported in Maine as coronavirus cases rise to 376 and CDC plans for triage sites

by Rachel Ohm April 2, 2020April 3, 2020

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is planning to open at least one new facility soon for initial treatment of symptomatic patients, and the Togus VA Medical Center reported the death of a veteran Thursday afternoon.

Maine, Schools and Education

Portland school officials refining remote learning plans as outbreak goes on

by Rachel Ohm March 31, 2020April 1, 2020

They have been fielding questions around grading, work load and technology, and say they will continue to update plans as they get feedback.

Maine, Schools and Education

University of Maine System cancels in-person graduations

by Rachel Ohm March 30, 2020March 30, 2020

Degrees will still be awarded on schedule and individual campuses are making plans for alternative ceremonies.

Business, Maine, Schools and Education

Gov. Mills eases some workforce training rules in high-demand fields

by Rachel Ohm March 30, 2020March 30, 2020

A community college system program is working on free online training programs in fields such as medical assisting.

Health, Maine, News

Maine preparing for increased demand for key medical professionals

by Rachel Ohm March 27, 2020March 28, 2020

The director of the Maine CDC says emergency medical personnel, hospital intake workers and those who can offer critical care will be key to the coronavirus response.