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.

Maine

Black Portland councilors criticize city and police statement on Tyre Nichols

by Rachel Ohm February 2, 2023February 2, 2023

Councilors Victoria Pelletier and Regina Phillips said they were disappointed that Black members of the City Council weren’t consulted on the statement issued by the mayor, interim city manager and interim police chief.

Maine

Portland to open temporary shelter as Maine braces for extreme cold

by Rachel Ohm February 1, 2023February 1, 2023

With dangerously cold wind chills predicted, the city will operate an emergency shelter at the Salvation Army’s gymnasium on Friday and Saturday nights.

Maine

Portland fires contractor, hires new firm to study historic districts

by Rachel Ohm February 1, 2023February 1, 2023

The city says that PlaceEconomics’ draft report was missing information, but the company counters that the city was difficult to work with and was unhappy that its report was not more critical of historic preservation.

Maine

Portland Public Library names new executive director

by Rachel Ohm January 31, 2023January 31, 2023

Sarah Moore will start on April 19, coming to Maine from Indiana, where she has served as executive director of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library.

Maine

Portland budget challenges include inflation, revenue losses, homeless services

by Rachel Ohm January 30, 2023January 30, 2023

City Councilors Monday said they are looking at the upcoming budget as a chance to stabilize and rebuild the city after COVID-19.

Maine

Portland shaken over recent killings of homeless people

by Rachel Ohm January 28, 2023January 27, 2023

Friends of Bethany Kelley and Nicholas ‘Wolf’ Gardner continue to look for answers in their deaths. Advocates worry there aren’t enough resources to help as deaths among homeless people continue to rise.

Maine

Man’s death at campsite near Fore River Parkway ruled a homicide

by Rachel Ohm January 26, 2023January 27, 2023

Nicholas J. Gardner, 36, a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe who was also known as Wolf or Little Wolf, was pronounced dead at the scene on Jan. 18. Police are not releasing a cause of death.

Maine

One month after Edgecomb toddler killed, neighbor remembers ‘perfect kid’

by Rachel Ohm January 26, 2023January 25, 2023

Maine State Police have not released a cause of death for Makinzlee Handrahan, 3, who was found unresponsive Christmas morning, or filed any criminal charges despite ruling her death a homicide.

Maine