A White House official says 98% of U.S. households that received COVID-19 relief checks in December will also qualify for the next round of payments.
Business
Local, state and national business news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
U.S. jobless claims tick up to 745,000 as layoffs remain high
All told, 4.3 million Americans are receiving traditional state unemployment benefits.
Majority of small businesses not requiring vaccines, tests
The latest Small Business Pulse Survey is among a series of surveys the Census Bureau has conducted since last spring to measure the effect of the pandemic.
Former Jackson Lab employee being investigated by FBI
A scientist who worked for the company in Connecticut is accused of failing to disclose income from Chinese research institutions when applying for federal funds in the U.S.
Technology stocks lead indexes lower as bond yields resume climb
Treasury yields hit the psychologically important 1.50% mark last week as investors braced for stronger economic growth but also a possible increase in inflation.
Pandemic puts 1 in 3 nonprofits in financial jeopardy
Among the most vulnerable, a study says, are those involved in arts and entertainment, which depend on ticket sales for most of their revenue.
House panel seeks storm documents from Texas grid operator
Severe winter storms in Texas ‘have occurred repeatedly over decades, and ERCOT has been unprepared for them,’ says a subcommittee chairman.
Legislative panel votes to keep Maine’s ban on plastic shopping bags
Enforcement of the law has been temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Portland wine bar MJ’s will not reopen
The owner of the wine bar in One City Center says he’s working on a new venture.
BIW adding addition for employee breakroom, bathrooms
The three-story, 21,050-square-foot building will be located at the Bath shipyard.