Good morning, Portland.

Austin Phillips is one of the last full-time makers of ventriloquist dummies working from his studio in the historic State Theatre building on Congress Street.

He builds, repairs, and customizes 40 to 50 figures yearly for collectors and performers (prices range from $700 to over $12,000) using traditional craftsmanship.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

Areas along the midcoast remain in extreme drought (covering roughly 5% of the state), straining water supplies and farming as most of Maine is under moderate drought; heavy rain later this weekend in York County is expected to provide some relief, while a strengthening El Niño may boost recovery this winter.

WMTWRead more ↗

A nor'easter is hitting the area today with wind gusts up to 50 mph, heavy rain, and coastal flooding.

The storm will persist through Tuesday + intermittent downpours may cause puddles on roads.

WGMERead more ↗

Keep your hummingbird feeders up this October to welcome migrating ruby throat and western selasphorus birds—experts advise a proper 4:1 sugar water mix for safe feeding.

Researchers are tracking shifting migration patterns with bird banding.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

Strong nor'easter waves pounded the Maine coast on Saturday and will continue into Monday as one powerful wave damaged a car in Kennebunk and a small boat broke loose in Harpswell, though no injuries were reported.

WMTWRead more ↗

University of Maine hockey honors late coach Shawn Walsh—who died 25 years ago on Sept. 24—as it kicks off season-opening events and 50th anniversary celebrations of Alfond Arena.

Current coach Ben Barr builds on Walsh’s legacy to inspire the team for the upcoming season.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

Surfers traveled to Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk today to ride rare storm-driven swells as a nor’easter prepares to hit Maine’s coast this weekend.

Wave heights could reach 12 feet and boaters are warned to stay off the water + locals brace for heavy rain and high winds.

FOX23Read more ↗