More Americans are looking for lab-grown gems for ethical or eco-friendly reasons, but making them requires massive amounts of energy and are often crafted in countries that rely heavily on burning coal for power.
Business
Local, state and national business news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Photos: Central Maine florists in full bloom for Valentine’s Day
Florists were busy across the region Tuesday as staff prepared for the annual day of love and affection.
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Posted inBusiness
Flight attendants hold airport rallies to protest lack of new contracts, raises
The union representing American Airlines wants an immediate pay raises of 33%, followed by four annual increases of 6% each, and flight attendants for numerous airlines want pay to begin at boarding.
Posted inBusiness, Nation & World, News
U.S. inflation slows but remains elevated as price pressures are easing only gradually
Tuesday’s sticky inflation data sent stock and bond prices tumbling, with financial markets now envisioning the Fed’s first cut rates in June, rather than in May or March.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Portland Jetport to receive more than $10 million from FAA for improvements
The funds are part of an $18 million federal funding package earmarked for airport terminal improvements in Maine.
Posted inBusiness
Fed officials eye ‘broadening’ disinflation as new rate-cut test
They want to see it spread to housing and other services, given that the recent slowing was driven more by goods.
Posted inBusiness
Fired FirstEnergy execs indicted in $60 million Ohio bribery scheme
Monday’s announcement also included additional charges against Sam Randazzo, former chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, who is accused of accepting bribes in return for regulatory favors.
Posted inBusiness
Recession risks are fading, economists say, but political tensions threaten economy
Just a quarter of business economists and analysts expect the United States to fall into recession this year.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
$6.5 million awarded to 6 Maine businesses for electric grid updates
The money comes from the state’s share of nearly $1 billion in American Rescue Plan funds, 75% of which has been spent or committed since 2021.
Posted inBusiness, Nation & World, News
Brands prune their offerings to focus on best sellers, leaving fewer choices
Studies show that fewer choices, not lots of variety, actually encourage shoppers to buy more.