The economic fallout from plummeting demand and prices is producing the worst conditions local lobster fishermen have seen in years, and the peak season is only just beginning.
COVID-19 pandemic
Posted inAmerican Journal, The Forecaster
Westbrook Scout’s garden grows with new purpose
Charles Spinney’s garden at the Scarborough Veterans’ Home is accessible to all residents, just in time for it to take on a bigger role in light of the pandemic.
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Closed until further notice
Schools all over the state are wrestling with the question of whether and how to reopen this fall. Let me make it simple for them. Don’t. Maine public school systems have been working on contingency plans geared to the state’s designating communities as green (OK to return to in-person instruction), yellow (best to try hybrid […]
Posted inLocal & State, News
Pandemic likely to cost Maine cities and towns over $124 million this year
In a report to the Legislature, the Maine Municipal Association says communities are reporting reduced sales tax revenue, fewer fees collected, and lost motor vehicle excise tax revenue.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Bill would let Maine restaurants sell alcohol to go until 2022
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Louie Luchini, said an emergency order by Gov. Janet Mills that allows restaurants to sell booze to go has been key to their survival during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Letter: Reader invites Balentine to perform an experiment
According to John Balentine’s most recent column (“Follow the science and reopen schools,” July 24), “… kids (are) resistant to COVID-19 …” If Mr. Balentine believes this statement and, therefore, schools should reopen in the midst of the pandemic, I should like to suggest we employ a simple experiment to prove or disprove his thesis. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Lakes Region Weekly
Free COVID-19 test site opens Monday in Westbrook
The “Swab and Send” facility will test anyone with an appointment in an effort to prevent outbreaks.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Nation & World, News
Maine state budget facing COVID-19 shortfalls of $1.4 billion over next 3 years
What the state gained in revenue on taxable grocery store items and building supplies when the pandemic hit didn’t come close to making up for what it lost in sales tax because restaurants and lodgings were shuttered.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine cities and towns hopeful for federal relief
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.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine businesses say survival may hinge on more help
Business owners say the federal Paycheck Protection Program loans helped them weather what they hope was the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they remain unsettled and worried about the future.