Immigrant advocates say they are worried that a new federal rule will broadly block access to asylum at the southern border. The new rule allows border agents to turn away asylum seekers if they haven’t first applied online or sought protection in a country they traveled through to reach the U.S. border. Most asylum seekers […]
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 inMaine
Portland City Council confirms Danielle West as city manager
West, who has served as interim manager since November 2021, was approved unanimously Monday night.
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Posted inMaine, Politics
Lawmakers considering proposals to create statewide database for General Assistance
Tracking information could be an essential part of larger reforms for the program, some lawmakers and state officials say.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland City Council expected to appoint Danielle West as city manager
If confirmed Monday, she would become the first woman to serve as Portland city manager. The appointment would end her 18 months of interim leadership.
Posted inMaine
Portland plans to clear Bayside Trail encampment, establish task force
City councilors provided feedback on the plans Tuesday night, with several saying they worry about the impact on people staying at the encampment, but concerns about campers’ health and safety were also raised.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Race for Portland mayor heats up as City Councilor Andrew Zarro enters
The District 4 councilor launched his campaign Tuesday, becoming the second announced candidate along with Dylan Pugh, a software developer.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Landlords pour more money into proposed rent control change
The Committee to Improve Rent Control has raised about 8 times as much cash as its opponents as the June 13 referendum approaches.
Posted inMaine
New appointment boosts Portland rent board but draws landlord’s concerns
Matt Walker has been criticized for posting on social media that he had a ‘vendetta’ against one of the city’s largest landlords.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Municipal leaders ask state to increase General Assistance reimbursements
Lawmakers are considering a handful of bills that would increase the state reimbursement to 90%.
Posted inMaine
Plans to remove Bayside Trail encampment on hold as city seeks more feedback
The City Council’s Health and Human Services and Public Safety Committee will look for more input from community partners and staff before meeting again next week.