Intense questioning fails to pierce CMP explanation: High bills are caused by high usage

Three days of expert cross-examination by regulators failed to uncover an alternative explanation of Central Maine Power's high bills.

Trump finally acknowledges his tariffs could hit consumers

President Donald Trump "didn't want to be the Grinch who stole Christmas," analysts say.

Trump’s Christmas miracle is cold comfort for retailers

The reprieve is nice, but it's a stark reminder of the White House's impulsiveness about trade.

Maine’s preliminary unemployment rate for July hits record low

If the seasonally adjusted rate of 3 percent holds up when the Department of Labor revises its numbers in April, it would be the lowest in state history.

Wex makes Fortune’s list of fastest-growing public companies

The Portland-based payment-processing technology firm ranked No. 72 on the top 100 list.

Publisher who took over Maine Magazine amid controversy steps down

Andrea King succeeded Kevin Thomas, who had led the glossy Portland-based magazine and other publications until he was accused of sexually harassing a former co-worker.

Auburn Planning Board OKs Town Fair Tire expansion but wants to talk more about 2 proposed housing projects

Inn at the Agora changes up its little chapel, tries to find a home for a massive Harry Cochrane painting

Billie-Jayne Cooke and her husband, Wess decided to remove the pews from the small chapel and replace them with chairs to give the space more flexibility. And they're trying to decide what's to become of a roughly 10- by 15-foot historic painting.

U.S. retail sales rise strongly in sign of consumer optimism

Consumer spending appears healthy even as other sectors of the economy, such as business investment, have weakened amid growing uncertainty over the U.S.-China trade conflict.

Woman accused of Capital One hack may have hit 30 other companies, feds say

Paige Thompson, who was arrested last month, has a long history of dangerous behavior.

The Buzz: New frozen custard stand for a Turner dairy and what do to with a giant, historic painting?

* Canty Cow Creamery opening in Turner * Town Fair Tire expands in Auburn * Auburn Planning Board says let's talk more next month to two proposed housing projects * Inn at the Agora changes up its little chapel, tries to find a home for a massive Harry Cochrane painting

L.L. Bean heir and wife donate $1 million to Mercy Hospital

Leon L. Bean's grandson James Gorman and his wife, Maureen Gorman, contributed to the Portland hospital's $20 million relocation campaign.