Maine: Unemployment claims up; July 4th Pops canceled again
April 9, 2021 GMT
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) New unemployment claims rose again in Maine despite an increase in hiring around the country.
The Maine Department of Labor reported 2,100 initial claims for state unemployment insurance for the week that ended April 3. That was an increase from 1,600 claims the previous week.
However, the agency also reported 200 initial claims for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance during the same week. That number decreased from 400 the previous week. The total number of people who filed an initial claim or reopened a claim rose from 2,400 to 3,000.
The Labor Department said the increase in unemployment claims in Maine is due to layoffs in sectors such as retail trade and food services. Seasonal layoffs in sectors such as skiing also played a role, the department said.
Read Article
Portland’s Fourth of July celebration has been cancelled but a fireworks display, by itself, may still be held.
Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer
Portland’s annual Fourth of July celebration will not be held this year, at least not in its full form.
The annual celebration featuring the Portland Symphony Orchestra performing on the Eastern Promenade will not happen in 2021 because of health and safety concerns, organizers announced Friday.
Related
But the city of Portland may still put on a fireworks display, according to a joint news release from event organizer Shamrock Sports & Entertainment, the PSO and the city. City spokesperson Jessica Grondin said City Manager Jon Jennings plans to include about $30,000 for the fireworks display in his budget proposal. The PSO may also have some kind of summer performance, the release said.