General Manager Michelle Sandman has transformed the Quality Inn & Suites into a village atmosphere for asylum seekers who have overflowed Portland’s family shelter.
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.
Maine woman becomes first Somali-American mayor in U.S.
Deqa Dhalac was formally seated Monday as the top elected leader of Maine’s fourth largest city.
Roadrunner that hitchhiked cross country to Maine is back in Nevada
The stowaway bird was flown back to Las Vegas thanks to efforts by Avian Haven and Nevada wildlife officials.
Portland police recover stolen SUV with sleeping child still inside
Investigators are seeking witnesses who may have seen the incident that occurred between Cumberland Avenue and Marginal Way on Saturday night.
Residents, travelers bemoan impending loss of Portland’s Greyhound mural
The bus station logo on a building owned by Maine Medical Center is nostalgic for many but has helped to compromise a deteriorating brick wall.
Oxford man dies in crash on Hebron Road in Paris
Police are investigating the cause of the one-vehicle crash on Route 119.
Growing homelessness and the challenges that accompany it prompt call for regional response
A regional coalition is urging Cumberland County commissioners to fund homeless initiatives in Portland and South Portland, while others are planned in Brunswick and the Lakes Region.
New Hampshire police seek driver in I-95 crash that injured 2 Mainers
The driver of a flipped SUV fled into the woods along the highway and a K-9 team failed to find the man.
Maine agencies, Afghan community leaders respond to growing number of refugees
The Afghan Community of Maine formally organizes as two new agencies join Catholic Charities Maine in resettling as many as 225 Afghan refugees.
Maine newspapers fight anonymous testimony in lawsuit challenging vaccine mandate
Newspapers in Portland, Lewiston, Augusta and Waterville are opposing the anonymity of health care workers challenging Maine’s vaccine mandate.