Economy Archives · Page 12 of 22 · New England News Collaborative

‘It’s Completely Empty’: Coronavirus Fears Take Toll On Chinatown Businesses

February 7, 2020

If you happened to swing by the New Golden Gate Seafood restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown this week, you might’ve been confronted with the worst sound you can possibly hear in the restaurant business: silence. On a recent weeknight, not a single customer was in sight. The only movement in the dining room came from the lobsters crawling…

One Year On Andrew Yang’s UBI: How a New Hampshire Family Spent Their $12,000

January 7, 2020

How would an extra $12,000 a year change your lifestyle? Your life? The centerpiece of Andrew Yang’s presidential campaign is something he dubs the Freedom Dividend: a payment of $1,000, every month, to every adult in America. Outside of some small-scale trials, universal basic incomes like the Freedom Dividend don’t have much proof of concept.…

Maine Lobstermen Skeptical Of Proposal To Tie ‘Whale-Safe’ Seafood Label To Use Of New Fishing Gear

December 16, 2019

A movement is emerging among conservation groups to create a “whale-safe” seal of approval for lobster caught with new types of gear designed to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales. But it could be a tough sell in Maine, where some say the iconic fishery is already sustainable. A specific “whale-friendly” or even “whale-safe” brand…

Hard Times: New England Hardwood Industry Struggles Amid Trump’s Trade War

September 26, 2019

Trevor Allard stands in the sawmill’s observation deck at Allard Lumber with his sales manager, looking down on a dusty expanse of grinding saw blades and conveyor belts. Allard’s father co-founded the company, in Brattleboro, Vermont, nearly 50 years ago. It’s located where Trevor’s grandfather once farmed the land. “Way back, before the highway,” Allard says.…

‘It’s Totally A Disaster’: Ban On Vaping Products Frustrates Massachusetts Businesses

September 25, 2019

Pete Patel was excited about his new business venture as the owner of Liquid Smoke & Vape Shop in Allston. But just a few months in, that excitement has now turned to disappointment. “It’s totally a disaster for us. For the whole industry,” Patel said. “Now we have to close down.” On Tuesday, Gov. Charlie…

Maine Fishermen Prepare For Losses And Gains In A Climate-Changed Ocean

September 23, 2019

In 30 years, the Gulf of Maine will have been transformed by climate change. Its waters will inexorably grow warmer, and the species that flourish there will be those that can adapt. The same might be said for the Mainers who make their living from the sea. The future of the state’s marine economy may…

For ‘Organic’ To Remain Strong, Farmers Say They Need More Consistent Enforcement

September 3, 2019

Organic dairy farmers in Vermont say inconsistent enforcement of industry standards have allowed large-scale producers to market milk that is not truly organic. The farmers are asking Congress for help to close regulatory loopholes they say have given some large farms an unfair advantage in the market. On Stony Pond Farm, in Fairfield, young Jersey…

In 1st Year, MGM Springfield Has Little Impact On Most Neighborhood Businesses

August 7, 2019

As the casino in Springfield, Massachusetts, was under construction a few years ago, several local retailers and restaurants said they got a lot of new business. But now — a year after it opened — not so much. One hot July day, Jason and Lori Czech made their third visit to the MGM Springfield from…

Bren Smith. Photo by Ronald T. Gautreau Jr.

Why A Commercial Fisherman Turned To Restorative Ocean Farming

June 13, 2019

Bren Smith began his career as a commercial fisherman, but now is the owner of Thimble Island Oyster Farm, a 3D restorative ocean farm in Connecticut. He’s also the author of the new book, Eat Like a Fish: My Adventures as a Fisherman Turned Restorative Ocean Farmer.

Pratt & Whitney's East Hartford campus. Photo by Frankie Graziano for Connecticut Public Radio

Raytheon Merger Is Another Win For Massachusetts, And Loss For Connecticut

June 10, 2019

Massachusetts state officials are pleased that another high tech company is being lured away from Connecticut, and will set up headquarters here.

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