The program is viewed as a watershed initiative for Maine’s immigrant community.
Kelley Bouchard
Staff Writer
Kelley writes about some of the most critical aspects of Maine’s economy and future growth, including transportation, immigration, retail and small business, commercial development and tourism, with emphasis on consumer issues, sustainability and minority ownership. Her wider experience includes municipal and state government, education, history, human rights, health and elder care, the environment and the housing crisis. A Maine native and University of Maine graduate, she was a college intern for two summers at the former Lewiston Evening Journal. She previously worked at the Ipswich Chronicle, Beverly Times and Salem Evening News in Massachusetts. Favorite pastimes include gardening, cooking for family and friends, streaming foreign TV series and kayaking at camp.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
The Portland Phoenix publishes final issue
The owners of the weekly newspaper, which restarted after a shutdown in 2019, said the pandemic kept them from attracting enough advertisers.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Legislature sustains Mills’ veto of farmworker minimum wage bill
After her veto was upheld, Gov. Janet Mills signed an executive order establishing a formal stakeholder group to pursue a state minimum wage for farmworkers.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine’s first Black chamber of commerce takes shape amid mixed reactions
Joshua Brister, owner of a semipro women’s basketball team, has launched the Maine Black Chamber of Commerce to promote interests of the state’s Black-owned businesses.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News, Politics
President Biden to visit Maine on Friday
While his itinerary here is unclear, the Biden administration has been promoting support for resilient local economies.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Coast Guard searches for missing Maine lobsterman after his boat was found empty Friday
Rescue groups searched for Tylar Michaud, 18, on Saturday after he didn’t return from checking his traps on his boat, Top Gun, off Petit Manan Island, officials said.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Out for blood: Mosquitoes are buzzing and biting as rains give way to heat
Rising temperatures and widespread standing water have created ideal conditions for the bloodsucking insects, experts warn.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Mills ‘reluctantly’ vetoes bill to improve pay, conditions for Maine farmworkers
The governor pledges to reestablish a stakeholder group with the goal of arriving at ‘a shared understanding of how to implement a minimum wage bill for farmworkers.’
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Bill to improve farmworkers’ pay, conditions in Maine awaits action by Mills
L.D. 398 would legally define farmworkers as employees, making them eligible for the state minimum wage and protecting them from some overtime requirements.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Vacation rentals slow in Maine, pushing down prices for summer travelers
In a stark change from recent years, the market is saturated with summer getaway options and short-term rental properties. The weather is only one factor.