An Associated Press review of conflict databases found in the past 5 years more than 360 instances of state authorities ramming or shooting at foreign fishing boats, sometimes leading to deaths.
Business
Local, state and national business news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Stocks end lower, ending market’s worst quarter in two years
Wall Street’s downbeat finish to March comes as investors try to navigate the market risks amid surging inflation and geopolitical instability.
Got a dime? Businesses seek U.S. Treasury’s help with coin shortage
A group of trade associations that represent individual businesses including banks, retail outlets, truck stops, grocery stores and more wants assistance convincing Americans to get coins back in circulation.
Seafood industry braces for losses of jobs, fish due to sanctions on Russia
In Maine, more than $50 million in seafood products from Russia passed through Portland in 2021, according to federal statistics.
President of workforce builder FocusMaine stepping down
Kimberly Hamilton, the organization’s inaugural president, is slated to leave her position on July 1.
State launches $16 million grant program for seafood dealers, processors
The program is a component of the governor’s Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, investing federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in Maine people and businesses.
Putin demands payment in rubles for Russia’s gas, but leaves a loophole
European leaders insist payment will remain in euros and dollars and want to see the fine print of how the decree will be implemented.
OPEC sticks to modest boost in oil despite war jitters
The alliance, which includes Russia, has been unmoved by pleas from oil-consuming countries to pump more oil as energy prices soar.
Biden tapping oil reserve, aims to cut gas prices ‘fairly significantly’
The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing.
A key inflation gauge reaches 40-year high as gas and food soar
The inflation spike is taking a toll on consumers.