Gross domestic product is projected to have grown at an annual rate of 4.5% last quarter, more than double the pace in the prior period, according to a Bloomberg survey.
Business
Local, state and national business news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Maine asks for federal waiver to let asylum seekers go to work
Although there is no provision for such waivers, the request comes as advocates lobby Congress to support a bill sponsored by Rep. Chellie Pingree to shorten the waiting time for work permits.
Interest rate on retail credit cards hits 30% as holiday shopping season starts
Tempted to use that store credit card on holiday purchases? Don’t, unless you immediately pay off the balance. Otherwise, consumers are looking at 30% interest – or more.
Rhode Island seeks answers to explain decline of state’s signature quahog clam
The quahog clam has been in steep decline in Rhode Island since the 1980s. Everything from oxygen deficiency to changing aquatic life and climate change are possible explanations.
Many U.S. families to get a break on winter heating costs, but uncertainties persist
Natural gas prices are projected to decline, but the prospect of war in the Middle East could change things.
Somerset County Jail paid 140 correctional officers $133,000 in overtime case
The jail violated their labor rights from 2017-19, when administrators paid correctional officers less overtime wages than they were entitled to per federal labor laws.
Cities, states contend with more strikes as unions gain power
A widening gap with the private sector and the erosive effects of inflation are spurring workers to action.
Zippers used by clothing brands found to contain ‘forever chemicals’
PFAS can lead to conditions like kidney cancer, high cholesterol and thyroid disease.
Maine joins other states in suing Meta, claiming its social platforms harm children’s mental health
The federal lawsuit also claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law.
Portland company enters deal with Shell to generate renewable energy from Mississippi River currents
ORPC harnesses the power of moving water to provide renewable energy. The project in the Mississippi is expected to bring visibility to the hydrokinetic technology the company pioneered.