Whether you’re expecting a gift from Grandma or a lobster feast from your favorite restaurant, the people making home deliveries could use some consideration during the winter holidays — and always.
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.
Thousands of Mainers still in the dark after windstorm
Over 20,000 people are still without power after violent gusts of up to 60 mph and an inch of rain hit the state on Friday.
Maine businesses criticize new work permit limits for asylum seekers
Business leaders say restrictions imposed by the Trump administration will make it nearly impossible for some companies to stay fully staffed, especially in Maine’s seasonal, food production and agricultural sectors.
New construction training program aims to fill Maine’s worker shortage
The Maine Community College System and Associated General Contractors of Maine are establishing a pre-apprenticeship program to prepare adult Mainers for in-demand building trades.
Thrifting for Christmas helps shoppers save money, buy sustainably
Resale shops, thrift stores and antiques malls across Maine make it possible to find unique vintage and handcrafted holiday gifts at bargain prices.
Border agents apprehend record number of people in Maine illegally
The individuals arrested in fiscal 2025 came from 46 countries, according to Houlton Sector Maine of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Holiday gatherings offer a chance to talk about scams
It’s a complicated subject, but having a frank discussion now could prevent heartbreak, trauma and serious financial losses in the future.
How a Maine couple gave their $1.3 million retirement savings to bitcoin scammers
Larry and Barbara Cook are risking public embarrassment to spare others from a similar trauma. In the process, they’re helping to rewrite federal and state income tax laws related to fraud losses.
Maine will resettle only 50 refugees this year, all white South Africans
Reductions by the Trump administration continue after Maine was allowed to resettle about half of the 950 refugees allocated last year.
Maine travelers anxious over nationwide flight cancellations
At Portland International Jetport, at least 96% of flights are connected to 15 major airports directly impacted by FAA-required cancellations.