Category: In the news

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – The new chair of an authority that seeks to expand broadband in Maine is a policy specialist from an organization that works on sustainability for Maine’s island and coastal communities. State officials say Island Institute senior policy officer Nick Battista is the new chair of ConnectMaine Authority. The authority is tasked… Read more »

We know that climate change is dangerously affecting our planet. The topic of climate change can seem overwhelming, and our goal is to use these discussions as a jumping off point for a series of locally-grounded and useful material that Mainers will find helpful in thinking through how the climate crisis is affecting their communities.… Read more »

ROCKLAND — The Island Institute recently promoted several program staff to leadership positions within the community development organization. Kendra Jo Grindle was recently promoted to the position of Senior Community Development Officer, serving as both the Strategic Lead and Project Lead for the Broadband Team as well as the Strategic Lead for the Sea Level Rise Team.… Read more »

Sea-level rise due to global warming along the coast of Maine is increasing at a rapid pace, with some estimates predicting levels to rise by as much as two feet by 2050. We’ll discuss what is causing the waters to rise more quickly, how it will impact coastal communities and structures, and what towns and… Read more »

The Maine Technology Institute and FocusMaine have awarded the Rockland-based Island Institute a $300,000 contract for spearheading an industry-wide roadmap to grow the state’s marine economy. Under the three-year contract, announced Tuesday in a news release, the nonprofit advocacy and policy organization will serve as program director for SEAMaine, Maine’s Marine Economy Roadmap/Workforce Development Project.… Read more »

The Archipelago Fine Arts Gallery, the gallery portion of the Island Insitute’s store, located at 386 Main Street in Rockland, has launched a new show, “20 Miles,” celebrating Maine’s working waterfronts. The exhibit will be on display through September 27. “20 Miles” features the work of Susan Tobey White and her series “Lobstering Women of… Read more »

Sea level rise is one of the many effects of climate change that is already visible in Maine, a state with 120 coastal communities. By 2050, the state will likely see between 1.1 to 1.8 feet of sea level rise, en route to 3 to 4.6 feet of sea level rise by year 2100, according… Read more »

Maine’s High-Speed Internet Infrastructure Bond Issue, which we first wrote about a month ago, has passed. 76% of voters said yes to Maine Question 1, which authorizes the issuance of $15 million in general obligation bonds to fund projects which will expand broadband access for residents in underserved and unserved areas. Underserved areas are those where less… Read more »

The importance of high-speed internet connections has been driven home by the coronavirus pandemic, with more Mainers working from home while thousands of students finished out the school year online. That may be one reason why voters last week backed a $15 million bond to help communities in the state that lack adequate internet service… Read more »

For some, getting to college graduation can seem like a marathon, but Anne McKee decided her graduation would include an actual ultramarathon. McKee graduated Saturday from Bowdoin College and, absent a formal, in-person graduation ceremony, marked the occasion by running the more than 50 kilometers from the college in Brunswick to her Hallowell home, receiving… Read more »