Joe Lawlor

Press Herald

Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press Herald. He is still considered “from away” but since then, he has learned what a “dooryard” is, eaten “whoopie pies” drank Moxie and boiled some “lobstahs.” The stories he enjoys most are when he learns something and meeting inspiring people. He lives in South Portland - aka “SoPo” - with his wife, Melanie, and two school-age children.

Latest

Published
June 16, 2023

Activists on both sides of abortion debate fill the halls in Maine’s State House

A proposal backed by Gov. Janet Mills to expand abortion access later in pregnancy is headed for votes next week in the House and Senate.
Published
June 5, 2023

Rainy, cold weather may have silver lining: fewer browntail moths

The weather conditions may have caused the proliferation of a fungus that kills the browntail moth caterpillars.
Published
June 4, 2023

Parents of special needs children place hopes in bill that would pay them as caregivers

The bill, by Rep. Jessica Fay, was voted unanimously out of committee
Published
May 29, 2023

Maine researchers, patients help shed new light on mysteries of long COVID

A new national study tracked 10,000 patients in Maine and across the country.
Published
May 25, 2023

Gov. Mills proposes changes to paid family leave plan

As proponents rally to build support for the bill, the governor recommends tightening eligibility and reducing payouts for the proposal, which is under attack from some business groups that say it would be too burdensome on employers.
Published
May 23, 2023

Business groups come out against paid family leave proposal

But the groups also said they are willing to seek a compromise that could address the business community’s concerns.
Published
May 22, 2023

Lawmakers seek compromise on Maine paid family leave bill

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, will have a public hearing on Thursday.
Published
May 19, 2023

Opportunity Alliance receives grant to help Maine immigrant community access infant food program

The $710,000 initiative will raise awareness in the immigrant community about the Women, Infants and Children food assistance program.
Published
May 19, 2023

Top federal official calls for more funding to study PFAS crisis

Maine’s congressional delegation is backing efforts to secure funding for more PFAS research at the federal level.
Published
May 18, 2023

Maine committee supports flavored tobacco ban

Supporters say the ban will keep teens from becoming addicted to nicotine, while foes say adults should be able to purchase the products. The House and Senate will vote on the bill in the coming weeks.