Good morning, Portland.

Maine native astronaut Jessica Meir returned to Earth Thursday after an eight-month mission at the International Space Station.

She and three other crew members splashed down in the Pacific off Los Angeles and are headed to Houston.

Maine native Cooper Flagg and New Balance unveiled a new logo Thursday that features nods to local heritage — the video shows a view of Nokomis High’s court and a Maine license plate reading FL4GG.

Award-winning actor and writer Ari’el Stachel will join Maine Jewish Museum events that celebrate Jewish diversity.

He will speak with students and perform his one-man show Other on Oct. 16 (Shabbat dinner) and Oct. 17 (theater event) at 267 Congress St.

Portland Public Schools launched Maine’s first full K-12 Black History curriculum for grades 6-11 that includes classroom lessons & local field trips; fieldwork at the Portland Museum of Art is scheduled for Oct.

15 & the Portland Freedom Trail for Oct. 19.

Officials in the Standish-area school district are replacing unsafe playgrounds at five elementary schools; installation will begin next week with completion planned by early November.

A committee is raising funds for accessible features (with potential support from Poland Spring) to benefit all students.

Recent reports show that drought conditions have worsened in Maine as nearly half the state is in severe drought, with the north hit hardest and parts of the southern coast experiencing extreme drought (over 1.3 million Mainers are affected).

NWS forecasts above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.

A six-year study by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection found that benzene levels near petroleum tanks in South Portland have exceeded state guidelines, possibly raising long-term health risks for residents.

A city council workshop to discuss the report is scheduled for Oct. 27.

The U.S. Drought Monitor update shows that severe drought expanded into northern Maine and coastal areas remain extremely dry, with passing showers failing to boost river flows and well levels and elevating wildfire risks until a major storm arrives.

MaineHousing announced it will use $4 million from leftover funds to launch HEAP credits to roughly 4,400 early applicants—seniors, young children and people with disabilities—while awaiting $41 million in federal assistance later this month as heating oil costs hover near $6 per gallon.

Ashley Ricker, who was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia (a rare heart condition) as a child, now works with the American Heart Association to teach kids healthy habits statewide.

Her school programs include hands-only CPR and stress management to promote lifelong heart health.

Maine’s correctional facilities will bill MaineCare (a state Medicaid program) for clinical services up to 60 days before an inmate’s release, starting July 1, 2028.

The federal waiver covers addiction treatment, case management, and prescriptions, which should ease local cost burdens.

Wells edged Freeport 28-24 on Thursday after a late touchdown and successful 2-point conversion by quarterback Noah McDonough turned the game around, with Freeport's final minutes marred by penalties that cost them a chance to clinch their first win against Wells.