Good morning, Portland.

Elmet Group, a local company, announced Monday that the Department of Defense is making a $450 million commitment to secure tungsten and molybdenum, with $165 million directed to its Lewiston facility, and will acquire a 19.9% equity stake plus the right to appoint one board observer.

The L.L.Bean flagship store in Freeport reopened Monday after a $50 million, four-year renovation that closed the location for two years.

The updated store features a two-tiered trout pond & expanded departments with grand opening events planned through the weekend.

Allagash White, Maine's flagship beer, was inducted into the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame—one of only five beers honored this year and recognized with awards from 19 U.S. and European competitions, confirming its status as a benchmark in American craft brewing.

Portland Public Schools overspent its 2026 budget by nearly $1 million because of high special education, substitutes, and maintenance costs.

The board will vote on Sept. 22 to cut the budget and impose a hiring freeze (including two special education positions), with the city council set to review the plan in October.

Scientists report that rising fall temperatures are delaying Maine's tree color change by days not weeks + researchers say peak color now appears later yet still offers vibrant vistas for wildlife and tourism.

The Tax Foundation report shows Maine has the fifth-highest property tax burden among states, with property taxes reaching 4.1% of personal income (Vermont was highest at 5%) and offset by one of the lowest combined sales tax rates in the nation.

Local orchards offer nearly 100 apple varieties for family picking as experts advise selecting apples at peak sweetness + a large bloom may extend the harvest into late October if warm weather persists +.

Pickers can visit spots like Wallingford’s Fruit House and Libby’s U-Pick Fruits to enjoy this season.

Photos from the early 1990s reveal thrilling high school football action featuring schools from Biddeford, Portland, Lewiston and others — a collection that captures dramatic plays and championship moments in local newspapers.

The images document memorable games and sports history that resonate with the community.

USL announced new revenue-sharing rules that set guidelines for cost enforcement and compensation — Hearts of Pine President Kevin Schohl said the changes will not affect short-term finances as the club plans a new stadium in 2029 and enjoys a 98% season ticket renewal rate.