Ripple effects of high gas prices, soft retail sales and persistent economic uncertainty threaten to make 2026 a tough year financially for many Mainers.
economy
4 economic goals Maine business leaders want the state to reach by 2035
A new report lays out priorities to boost business competitiveness, lower housing costs and increase wages 20% within the next decade.
Older Mainers are filling gaps in a tight labor market
Often working part time, people age 65 and older have become a critical resource in the state’s economy.
Some Mainers are rethinking holiday meals in wake of rising food costs and unsteady economy
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are featuring fewer guests, smaller portions and more scratch cooking in an effort to cut costs.
Group launches ballot initiative aimed at ending recreational marijuana sales in Maine
If the referendum question makes it onto the state ballot, voters will decide the fate of the $240 million-a-year market at the polls in 2026.
Thrifting for Christmas helps shoppers save money, buy sustainably
Resale shops, thrift stores and antiques malls across Maine make it possible to find unique vintage and handcrafted holiday gifts at bargain prices.
As Maine winters get warmer, Presque Isle faces the biggest change
The city’s average temperature from December through February is 6.5 degrees higher than it was in 1970, marking one of the biggest shifts in the country.
What Maine’s back-to-school sales tell us about holiday spending
New state data shows people were willing to spend a little more money this fall, but some shoppers still plan on cutting costs for the holidays.
New Portland restaurants are leaning into nostalgia | Column
Familiar food and a timeless look are trending.
Here’s what Mainers can do to get the most out of their groceries
Use our best kitchen and shopping tips to help save you money and prevent food waste.