The Legislature’s transportation committee says LD 487 ‘ought not to pass,’ especially without assured funding from the Trump administration.
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, Politics
Maine’s new paid family leave law faces several efforts to hamstring program
The Legislature’s labor committee on Wednesday aired more than a dozen bills that would amend, delay or outright repeal the 2023 law.
advertisement
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine takes first step toward more accurately tracking efforts to resolve housing crisis
A bill to require Maine cities and towns to report annual home construction data is headed for the House — but without bipartisan support or a mandate that all municipalities participate.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine fire officials warn of increasing wildfire risks, urge extra precautions
The Maine Forest Service said the wildfire risk is high across the southern half of the state and moderate across the northern counties.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Visitors to Maine dropped again in 2024, challenging a top industry
Spending by tourists increased slightly to $9.2 billion, but Gov. Mills anticipates further declines as Canadians curb U.S. travel plans.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
E-ZPass security shutdown delays Maine Turnpike toll charges
The MTA plans to resume posting charges to user accounts this week after the system was taken down for 12 hours last month to avoid a potential security breach.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine business owners raise alarm about tariff impacts
Companies and their customers are canceling projects, delaying expansions and struggling to make sense of Trump’s ever-changing tariff actions.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Tariffs force Maine businesses, municipalities into an uncertain future
President Donald Trump’s unpredictable shifts in tariff policies threaten to drive up costs for consumers and taxpayers.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Bill would offer more accurate data on number of homes built in Maine
LD 1184 would help housing advocates track progress in building 84,000 new homes by 2030.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
L.L.Bean sues Wisconsin company, alleging it copied signature tote bags
The trademark infringement lawsuit calls the bulk-ordered ‘boat tote’ bags sold by 4Imprint Inc. ‘confusingly similar’ and a deliberate attempt to ‘free ride’ on the Maine company’s popular item.