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June 11, 2018 Edition
Focus on Small Business

Maine's immigrant entrepreneurs making their mark as they launch, and grow, small businesses

Renee Cordes

At Cafe Whoopies in South Portland, Rwanda Bean Co. co-founder Mike Mwenedata is all smiles, welcoming customers breakfasting on made-in-Maine whoopie pies and coffee brewed from African beans.

Today's Poll

Has the federal shutdown affected your air travel plans?
Poll Description

Sponsored by Kennebunk Savings Bank

Over the weekend, thousands of flights were canceled after the new federal restrictions took effect at some of the nation's busiest airports. 

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to cut flights by 4% at 40 major airports and that percentage is scheduled to increase to 10% by Friday. The FAA cited safety concerns and the need to ease the strain on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the federal government shutdown began last month. 

Airlines warn that the cutbacks could lead to more delays, fewer available seats and higher fares in the days ahead.

Talks are underway to end the federal shutdown, but the timing of the FAA cutbacks adds uncertainty to the Thanksgiving travel rush, which is just two weeks away.

Last year, more than 20 million passengers took to the skies during Thanksgiving week, driving billions of dollars in spending and making it one of the busiest and most economically significant travel periods of the year, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

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