Many businesses report poor sales and low customer counts as the coronavirus pandemic continues to strangle commerce.
Peter McGuire
Peter McGuire is a business reporter covering Maine trade, transportation and tourism. A proud native of the western Maine mountains, there is a good chance he’d rather be playing outside. Peter has covered local news for Maine newspapers in Oxford County, Brunswick, Waterville and Portland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Boston University. He lives in Biddeford with his wife Stephanie and brown rescue dog named Emmy Lou.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Demand for unemployment aid remains high in Maine even as new claims dip
Nearly 80,000 Mainers filed continuing federal and state unemployment benefits last week, more than twice the number during the worst week of the Great Recession.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Concord Coach Lines to restart Maine-Boston bus service in mid-August
The popular passenger bus line suspended its daily service in late March in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inBusiness, News, Sports
Domino’s pizza franchises to hire 150 in Maine
The national chain, which focuses on takeout and delivery, is hiring for positions across 2 dozen locations in the state.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
New jobless claims in Maine fall again, but tens of thousands still rely on aid
More than 87,000 continuing claims for assistance were filed last week, as supplemental benefits to support the economy and keep people out of poverty lapse.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine’s tourism industry on life-support as visitors trickle back
Hotel occupancy and out-of-state traffic increased over July but many businesses are still barely hanging on and hope to survive through the summer.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
As safety net disappears, out-of-work Mainers plead for more help
Labor advocates warn of deep economic pain as the $600 extra weekly benefit is set to expire, but business groups expect losing added jobless pay will encourage people to go back to work.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine to update jobless payment amounts for self-employed, contractors
Starting this week, workers collecting federal benefits may be entitled to more than the $172-per-week minimum.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine employers could be taxed by state on federal emergency loans
Businesses and nonprofits will owe state income tax on the forgiven portion of Paycheck Protection Program loans unless legislators change state law.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Low-income Mainers barely hanging on to keep paying rent, research shows
Some are falling behind on other bills, using food pantries or relying on federal and state assistance, which experts say is not sustainable with financial aid programs set to expire.