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Portland is redesigning Will's Playground on the Eastern Prom and will host its first community engagement session at Merrill Auditorium to gather public input.

The century-old site has equipment more than 50 years old and will be updated for accessibility + safety, with construction slated for 2028.

Maine musicians released five new records and singles this fall, including Xander Nelson’s debut album The Art of Getting By, Dead Gowns’ Vegas (tour ends Nov.

21 at Oxbow Brewing Company), Lynda Mandolyn’s Halloween single, Grand Hotel’s rock single from Red Flags, and Jeff Badger’s Dig ‘Em Up.

Maine potato growers received $10.3 million in one-time federal assistance and $8.4 million in crop insurance premium subsidies in 2026, totaling $18.7 million, after planting 51,900 acres in 2025 (the crop was valued at $253.5 million).

Boston University sophomore Lucy Johnson (a Portland native and Cheverus alum) is among the nation's top Division I field hockey scorers this fall, tied for 12th with 13 goals and scoring in five of BU's first six wins.

Shop more than 100 vintage vendors at Lost and Found Market on Saturday and Sunday at Halo and Brick South at Thompson's Point (from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; $12 for 11 a.m. entry, free Sunday).

As the year winds down, 20 concerts are scheduled through Dec.

31 around the state, including Fruit Bats on Nov. 8 at State Theatre, Sugarland on Nov. 11 at Cross Insurance Center, and The Mallett Brothers Band on Dec. 5; check venue sites for tickets and prices.

Youth and Family Outreach broke ground today in East Bayside on a combined child care, housing, and family services center at 331 Cumberland Ave that will double child care capacity to 110 and add 60 homes, including 48 affordable units (the nonprofit has raised $3.5 million of a $5 million goal).

The Telling Room moved in September to 55 Washington Ave, gaining 50% more space for youth writing programs; it launched a three-year, $1 million Grow.Write.Now campaign, has raised more than $300,000, and will use funds to expand programming, hire staff, and host more author events.