A fungus that turns the rash-causing pests into the ‘crawling dead’ may lead to a sharp drop in browntail populations this year, scientists say.
Joe Lawlor
Staff Writer
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.
Wait times balloon for Maine mental health services as access barriers persist
The Mills administration and lawmakers have invested $34 million in mental health initiatives, but critics say it’s not enough.
Northern lights likely to put on a show in Maine on Friday, Saturday nights
The aurora borealis is difficult to predict, but keep an eye on the northern sky on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Maine health and human services commissioner is stepping down
Jeanne Lambrew, who led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, will begin a job at a Washington-based think tank and teach at Harvard University.
MaineHealth helping test new Lyme vaccine
A researcher says earlier tests on vaccine show promise. If proven safe and effective, it could be ready for public rollout in 2 to 3 years.
Researchers launching tick study after record year for Lyme disease
Scientists want to learn how the weather and other wildlife influence deer tick populations and the health risks to humans. The state already has recorded 261 Lyme disease cases this year.
Access to dental care in Maine reaching a crisis point
There are not enough appointments available for people whether they have MaineCare insurance, private insurance or are self-pay patients, according to the Maine Dental Association.
Maine reaches milestone for school-required vaccinations
The state’s K-12 schools reached “herd immunity” – when at least 95% of a population is vaccinated – for the first time since 2011, health officials said Tuesday.
Four Kennebec River dams are up for relicensing
The Natural Resources Council of Maine has criticized the plan, however, saying there aren’t enough protections for wildlife.
Navy vessel sunk off Maine coast during World War II to be remembered at ceremony
The ceremony will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, 79 years to the day since the USS Eagle 56 was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Cape Elizabeth.