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Portland has launched Grow Wild Portland to help residents switch from turf lawns to native gardens+ the campaign offers weekly emails, starter kits and planning tools to improve water quality and support local wildlife.

A new public restroom opened at Portland Downtown offices after a TP-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Community leaders said the project (five years in the making, started during COVID-19) meets a critical downtown need.

Coffee shop and cannabis dispensary Higher Grounds in Old Port is closing this month after almost 10 years, with dispensary sales ending Thursday while coffee service runs until Saturday, according to owner Mark Barnett who said his lease was not renewed for the cannabis side.

This Saturday in Portland, the third annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk will honor fallen first responders, injured veterans, and others through a day of remembrance and support for their families (race director Ralph Munroe explained its mission).

After Canada removed seafood and fish products from its planned 25% tariff on live and frozen lobster starting Sept.

8, Maine lobstermen welcomed the change on Thursday as it protects roughly half of the fall catch and coastal economies.

Richard Day, 22, was critically injured last Sunday in Gorham when his green Jeep struck a utility pole — his father, Greg Day, remained by his side at Maine Medical Center as staff worked to stabilize him.

Wigon Office Supplies, a downtown store in business since 1932, will close this fall after 94 years as owner Sally Wigon retires.

The store hosted a back-to-school event Tuesday and Wednesday where teachers could take supplies free + celebrate its legacy.

Burke Cherrie, who served as interim CEO since May, is now officially the leader of the Maine Mariners.

He will work with head coach Rick Kowalsky to build team culture and launch the Mariners Foundation as the season begins Oct. 17 at Worcester.