Municipalities have cut budgets, furloughed workers and prepared for sharp drops in tax revenue as the pandemic continues. Now, they say, they need federal help.
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.
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‘Sleep-out’ protest over lack of housing, services continues at Portland City Hall
Organizers extend the demonstration through Thursday night and increase demands to help Portland’s homeless population.
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Maine’s high court backs town in Cape Elizabeth waterfront street fight
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court agrees that several residents of the Shore Acres subdivision don’t own a strip of land between their homes and the rocky edge of Broad Cove.
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Toxic algae confirmed in ponds at South Portland’s Hinckley Park
Two ponds in the popular dog-walking spot will remain closed until fall because they have developed an algae bloom that is toxic to animals and humans.
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Effort to restore Portland’s historic African American meetinghouse sees surge of support
Many have donated recently to the group restoring the historic former Black church building in Portland, but the project needs $1 million more.
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Portland, South Portland advance climate action partnership
The South Portland City Council will vote Tuesday on an agreement to prioritize future legislative action that would allow municipalities to pursue energy priorities, such as phasing out natural gas in favor of renewables.
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Maine wardens patrolling for intoxicated boaters over holiday weekend
The Maine Warden Service and partner agencies will try to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities as boat traffic increases.
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When it rains it pours … in some parts of Maine
But the flooding in some areas won’t be enough to reverse drought conditions in much of the state, given higher than normal temperatures and lower than average rainfall forecast for the next 30 days.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine municipalities review police funding, tackle systemic racism after protests
Calls to defund police draw various responses from city and town officials across the state.
Posted inLocal & State, News
The Abyssinian and the struggle to save Black history in Maine
Leonard Cummings has led the effort to restore the Abyssinian Meeting House in Portland for 25 years; now he hopes that people show Black Lives Matter by helping to complete the project.