Good morning, Portland.

Maine Animal Coalition will host its 21st annual Veg Fest on Oct.

24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at East End Community School in Portland — the free event offers vegan food vendors, exhibits and talks on plant-based living.

Harvest on the Harbor will return to Portland at Maine Studio Works this October, featuring the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year competition on Friday, Oct.

16 and two Maine OysterFest sessions on Oct. 17.

The biennial Maine Food Producers Showcase and Golden Fork Awards will take place Thursday, Oct.

8 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. Hosted by the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs — the event features panel discussions, tastings, and awards recognizing over 50 local food producers.

Maine households that rely on heating oil will pay nearly $900 more this winter (a 77% rise) as prices are driven by limited global oil supplies amid ongoing conflict overseas.

Buxton voters will decide on a food sovereignty ordinance that lets residents sell most homemade food without state regulation, with the exception of meat, after a public hearing Monday.

A special town meeting is set for early October and locals can cast their votes + share feedback.

Cumberland Town Council approved $12,000 for preliminary engineering of the Casco Bay Trail's first 10 miles (part of the 72-mile planned loop) along the state-owned rail corridor.

The measure, which follows resident concerns, sets up next steps but does not obligate future spending.

MaineHousing announced $2.7 million in grants to add 474 beds at shelters across eight hubs before winter.

The funds will cover staffing, supplies, and other costs through April 30 — helping provide safe, heated spaces for vulnerable residents.

Maine officials are considering adding a September moose hunting week in districts near Moosehead Lake (currently only allowing October hunts) to balance hunting traditions with growing fall tourism.

The state advisory council will decide on the proposal on Oct. 21 as local businesses weigh their interests.

Maine DOT will move an oversized heat recovery steam generator (a factory exhaust recycling machine) from Jay to South Portland over two nights; Tuesday night it will travel to the Oxford and Turner area and Wednesday night finish the trip, causing delays and lane closures.

Jamaican farm worker Edwin Duffus said he was discharged from Maine Medical Center after a stroke in summer 2022 without proper care (despite inpatient rehab recommendations) and was forced to return to Jamaica.

He is suing MaineHealth for alleged EMTALA violations and discrimination.

Newcastle woman Corrina Stum filed an amended complaint Monday seeking to block the Lincoln Hospital birthing center's planned December closure; her attorney argues MaineHealth violated the Affordable Care Act — forcing her to drive over 35 minutes for labor and delivery.