Good morning, Portland.

On Monday night, the Coast Guard rescued two mariners when a 43-foot lobster boat ran aground near Metinic Green Island (about seven miles off St. George) with no injuries reported.

Breeze Airways will launch nonstop flights from Portland International Jetport to Myrtle Beach International Airport next spring starting May 2027.

The direct service will run on Thursdays and Sundays, replacing the current one-stop option and offering travelers added convenience.

Browne Trading Co. in Portland supplies high-end chefs with top-quality seafood sourced from the local Fish Exchange and international fisheries.

The company, founded in 1991, remains a trusted partner for fine-dining restaurants like Twelve and Central Provisions.

Hannaford’s app and website went offline on Tuesday, Oct.

13 as the parent company addressed a cybersecurity issue while stores stayed open and unfulfilled online orders were refunded. No timeline has been provided for restoring online service.

Officials noted that an algae bloom that killed shellfish in Maquoit Bay and Middle Bay is dissipating as cell counts decline and oxygen levels improve.

Harvesting in Maquoit Bay reopened on Oct. 8, though experts warn recovery could take months.

Mainers have been receiving $300 checks from the Affordability Payment Program—a relief measure for those affected by sales and excise taxes—and officials advise returning any checks mistakenly sent for dependents while reminding residents to file the 2025 tax return by Thursday, Oct. 15.

Influenza began spreading in Maine early as health officials reported 104 confirmed cases through early October, nearly triple last year's count.

They urge residents to stay home when sick + get vaccinated early to build immunity.

A therapeutic gardening program at Recuperative Care Program (934 Congress St.) is helping patients cope with physical and mental challenges through hands-on activities.

Launched in June, the initiative by Cultivating Well-Being plans to expand next year to offer longer-term benefits.

In September, Maine’s housing market shifted as coastal counties like Lincoln, Knox and Hancock saw median sale prices jump *dramatically* while home sales fell and mortgage rates rose to 7.40%, leading to longer market times and tighter buyer competition.

Portland High coach Joe Russo (69) announced his retirement Tuesday after his team won a state championship earlier this year.

He coached for 36 seasons and won 500 games, leaving a lasting legacy at his hometown school.

Mt. Ararat earned a 4-1 win over Skowhegan on Monday in Skowhegan, moving the Eagles (from fourth to second) in the Varsity Maine field hockey poll; Cheverus retained first place and will face Biddeford on Wednesday, possibly shifting the poll further.