About 13,400 Mainers filed for unemployment benefits last week, less than half the previous week’s number, but an upcoming eligibility expansion is likely to trigger a resurgence of claims.
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, News
Still no date in sight for expansion of Maine unemployment benefits
Maine and other states are still figuring out how to implement a massive adjustment to the jobless claims system to include contractors and self-employed workers.
advertisement
Posted inBusiness, Nation & World, News
Federal loan program a Catch-22 for some Maine small businesses
As $1.5 billion in economic relief flows into the state, some small employers say restrictions and deadlines will prevent the program from saving jobs as intended.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine unemployment claims hit new record of nearly 31,000 last week
After 3 consecutive weeks of record claims, an estimated 11% of Mainers are now out of work.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Smartphone, traffic data reveal sharp reduction in Mainers’ mobility
Movement in densely populated areas of southern Maine has plummeted, while declines in some rural areas have been less pronounced.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Shortages of some grocery list staples could last for months
There’s plenty of food on store shelves, but the supply chain is scrambling to keep some basic items in stock amid unprecedented demand created in part by people staying home and cooking.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Times Record
Second COVID-19 case at BIW triggers more calls to close the shipyard
Some lawmakers want the shipyard shut down to limit further spread to workers and their communities, but Bath Iron Works says its work is essential to national security and Gov. Janet Mills says she does not have authority to close the business.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine unemployment claims hit new record of nearly 24,000 last week
As many as 87,000 Mainers will be out of work by the end of June because of coronavirus, one economic policy group estimates.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine retailers deemed essential prepare to follow new state mandates
Supermarkets, grocers and convenience stores will stay open but must limit the number of customers at any time and take other measures to limit coronavirus transmission.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Spectrum house calls spark health concerns for worker
An employee says technicians are still being sent into customers’ homes to service internet and cable TV, without sufficient protection.