Liberty Graphics in Midcoast Maine is gearing up for the biggest order in its history: 35,000 copies of a vintage 1990s T-shirt worn by Taylor Swift.
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.
Layoffs loom for 2,500 Maine state workers who are federally funded
The layoffs would be done according to seniority, so federally funded employees could bump less senior workers whose jobs are state funded.
Maine company will reissue otter T-shirt Taylor Swift wore in ‘Showgirl’ film
Liberty Graphics in Midcoast Maine will reprint the shirt as part of a fundraising campaign to benefit the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. Swifties donated more than $1.3 million in a day.
Older Mainers stay connected with help from community groups
Age-friendly organizations across the state are hosting social events, volunteering free rides and providing other services and supports necessary for Maine’s seniors to stay active in their communities.
Key resources for older Mainers
Whether you’re looking for a ride to appointments or opportunities to volunteer, these groups can help you.
Portland Jetport not showing video that blames shutdown on Democrats
Several major U.S. airports have declined to display the video of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem because of its partisan content, according to local authorities.
Portland jetport cracking down on parking scofflaws
The airport’s pick-up parking lot is for immediate arrivals only, but some vehicles have been left there unattended for hours, even days.
Maine hotels named among the best in the world, region
The White Barn Inn in Kennebunk makes both lists as a winner of the 2025 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, along with 4 other hotels that ranked as regional favorites.
H-1B visa’s $100,000 price hike leaves Maine employers worried about impact
President Donald Trump imposed the fee on foreign workers hired to fill professional positions, claiming the program was being abused. Business and immigrant advocates say that’s not true and that the fees will hurt small businesses.
Fewer Canadians traveling Maine Turnpike this summer
The average daily volume of Canadian motorists paying cash at tollbooths from May through August fell 43%, from 2,377 in 2024 to 1,339 this year.