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.
Kelley Bouchard
Staff Writer
Kelley writes about some of the most critical aspects of Maineโs 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.
President Biden to visit Maine on Friday
While his itinerary here is unclear, the Biden administration has been promoting support for resilient local economies.
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.
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.’
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.
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.
Maine will get $272 million in federal funds to expand broadband
More than $42 billion has been allocated nationwide to expand high-speed internet access, and Maine’s share is the largest of any state in New England.
Pratt & Whitney to ramp up jet engine program, potentially adding hundreds of jobs in North Berwick
The company is more than doubling the size of its upgrade team in preparation to redesign the F-135 engine.
Maine wants to use $200 million to expand broadband access, starting where it’s needed most
The state is deciding how to use federal funds for improving high-speed internet access, and wants public input on some of the priorities that have been identified so far.
A mother-daughter love story rooted in Maine
With the help of her daughter in Los Angeles, a 73-year-old mom in South Portland finds a deeper understanding of modern relationships.