Border crossings were down nearly 30% in August compared to last year. In spots like Calais and Houlton, the difference is palpable.
Business
Local, state and national business news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Central Maine towns grapple with rate hikes announced by regional ambulance service
Delta Ambulance officials announced a $20 to $25 increase in per capita rates for 2026 at the China town office Wednesday morning. That number could rise, officials said.
Maine saw nation’s second-worst rate of wage growth in first quarter of 2025
Maine’s average weekly wage increased by less than $40 — from $1,249 in the first three months of 2024 to $1,283 in the first quarter of 2025.
New England’s shrimp industry is struggling, with fishermen catching few in 2025
‘Environmental conditions continue to be unfavorable for northern shrimp in the Gulf of Maine,’ reports one fisheries commission.
CMP’s new plan would increase bills — again. Mills calls that ‘unacceptable’
Though state officials say Mainers are already struggling to pay their electric bills, the utility says the distribution rate increases for hiring and resiliency upgrades would occur as some temporary charges expire, mitigating the cost to customers.
Maine wedding caterer suddenly cancels contracts, leaving couples out of time and money
The Maine attorney general has fielded 17 complaints against Simply Catered by Bethany in the past two months.
How does Maine’s forest carbon credit market work?
As carbon credits gain traction, efforts are underway to help small-scale forest landowners participate.
Maine researchers adjust grant proposals, priorities to align with federal guidelines
“The minute the election happened, we started trying to change how we spoke about our work,” said Deborah Bronk, president and CEO of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay.
Rising inflation strains Americans and affects rent, minimum wage in Maine
Inflation rose last month as the price of gas, groceries, and airfares jumped, while a measure of layoffs also increased, putting the Federal Reserve in a tough spot as it prepares to cut rates at its meeting next week despite persistent price pressures.
Common Ground Fair looks to set another record after years of growth
Attendance at the longstanding Unity event had been dropping in the years leading up to the pandemic. But turnout reached an all-time high in 2024, and organizers are hopeful the trajectory will continue.