Good morning, Portland.

South Portland’s Maine Turnpike Approach Road was renamed in 2023 to honor Samantha Smith — a Manchester peace activist who wrote a letter during the Cold War that resonated worldwide.

Local veterans and legislators supported the change to remind commuters of her enduring legacy.

The Stephen Ward Memorial 5K will take place Sunday in Gorham with about 150 runners and 20 first responders participating to honor Stephen Ward, who died during the 9/11 attacks.

Kathryn Ward organizes the event to raise funds for a $3,500 scholarship and celebrate his athletic spirit (growing up locally).

Preble Street opened Joe’s Place last month on Cumberland Avenue as a 24/7 crisis center for homeless youth ages 12-21.

The center offers 24 beds, hot meals, showers and case management for walk-in emergencies, with 20 youth currently residing.

Portland nonprofits distributed more than 35 refurbished bikes to people in recovery as part of National Recovery Month, partnering with local groups (M&T Bank, Portland Gear Hub, the McAuley Residence, and the United Recovery Fund) to help riders get to work, attend medical appointments, and shop for groceries.

Portland Public Schools overspent nearly $1 million last fiscal year and will curb costs with a hiring freeze, staff cuts, and a 1.25% reduction in non-personnel spending this fiscal year.

The board will vote on a supplemental measure to draw from the district’s savings, with no impact to taxpayers.

Scientists from the Portland-based Biodiversity Research Institute found that eider ducks and bald eagles in Harpswell had PFAS levels four to five times higher near Brunswick Landing after an August 2024 firefighting foam spill.

Testing began in May 2025 (as part of ongoing research).

Shellfish harvesters in Harpswell and Brunswick report dead clams and stressed marine life as an algal bloom in Casco Bay damages water quality.

Town officials said they are monitoring conditions and urging residents to document impacts — a problem that could disrupt harvests for up to two years.

Supporters of a referendum that would require public school sports teams to use birth certificate details plan to collect additional signatures for a 2027 ballot after state officials ruled their current petition ineligible.

The group is asking for volunteers for signature gathering on Sept. 26-27 to secure about 5,000 extra signatures.

Maine dispatch centers are testing an AI system for non-emergency calls to ease heavy workloads and keep dispatchers free for urgent calls.

Penobscot County began its trial in 2023 and Portland officials may explore a similar system soon — with careful oversight.

Brunswick Town Council approved a plan on Tuesday to convert the former Hawthorne School on Federal Street into 26 rental units and an eight-unit house with a ground-floor daycare, while Dooryard will start negotiations for the $925,000 acquisition before the project finishes in 2028.

Maine cross country teams use different training methods as they prepare for state and New England championships.

Coaches in Hampden, Portland and Yarmouth stress base running + pack strategy to prevent injuries and boost team performance.

Portland Sea Dogs defeated the Binghamton Rumble Ponies 14-6 on Thursday at Hadlock Field when the team rallied with two six-run bursts in the fourth and eighth innings.

Ahbram Liendo hit a grand slam and Mason White with Caden Rose added key hits to spark the win.