Good morning, Portland.

With local stores closing, West End residents are adapting their grocery routines by shopping at spots such as Sun Oriental Market and La Bodega Latina (a 42-year veteran) for fresh produce, spices and essential items; new SNAP rules may also expand options at nearby convenience stores.

Freeport’s 9/11 memorial stands next to the police and fire departments to honor the 25th anniversary of the Sept.

11 attacks (a week from Friday). Two ARC Maine organizers stressed its role in remembering lives lost.

The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy returns today in Portland with theatrical performances+chilling tales and a mysterious atmosphere inspired by Poe's works.

Michael Schlapp and Madison Rose Gunn from The Return of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy provided details at ARC Maine.

Diesel prices reported on Friday have pushed Maine averages to $5.87 per gallon, up from $3.90 last year, and local drivers may face higher grocery + transportation costs.

Adrianne Shetenhelm, an English and alternative education teacher at Windham High School, is one of four finalists for Maine Teacher of the Year alongside colleagues from Lewiston, Augusta and Bethel.

She brings 19 years of experience (including leading a flexible learning program), with the winner to be named in October.

High school students from the environmental club SolaRise will host an Evening for Sustainability on Sept.

15 at 6:00 p.m. at Portland Media Center (516 Congress Street) to urge city leaders to install solar panels on public schools and city buildings.

Maine’s Drought Task Force met Thursday and urged residents to conserve water as groundwater remains below normal after last fall’s drought; limited rain Thursday + forecast showers this weekend will not ease ongoing dry conditions affecting agricultural, drinking water, and fisheries systems.

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority is planning a new Amtrak Downeaster station on St. John Street that will cut travel time between Brunswick and Portland from 50 to 33 minutes while enhancing rail service and pedestrian connections with $48 million in federal funds.

A viewer asked 8 Investigates if he could cash his $300 relief check made out to his deceased mother after Maine mailed payments in late July.

A state spokesperson said surviving spouses or estate reps may cash the check or request a reissue with extra paperwork (instructions on the form).

Chopper, a one-year-old dog, is available for adoption at Midcoast Humane in Portland, where interested families can visit him soon+ shelter staff say he is eager to find a loving home.

Assistant Sports Editor Scott Martin of South Portland is in peak training for the Maine Marathon on Oct.

4 — he is increasing his mileage with long runs and tempo sessions to gauge if his goal time is achievable.

The Scarborough boys soccer team opened the season with a 3-1 win against Falmouth on Friday—Connor Casey scored two goals and set up another early to boost the squad after losing nine starters from last year's championship team.