Good morning, Portland.

Residents can enjoy the Orionid meteor shower, where up to 20 meteors may streak the sky, from Oct. 21 into early Oct. 22; the full Hunter's Moon peaks on Oct. 26 + offering a bright night ideal for stargazing away from city lights.

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The Orionid meteor shower will peak from Oct. 21 into the early morning of Oct. 22 with up to 20 meteors per hour, and the full Hunter's Moon will shine on Oct. 26.

Viewers should find a dark spot (away from city lights) to enjoy the celestial display.

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Groundwater levels in Maine hit record lows amid a 16-month drought with 156 dry well reports and record lows measured in Oxford and Clayton Lake.

Officials warn supplies may not recover before the ground freezes — residents are urged to conserve water.

WMTWRead more ↗

Research at Acadia National Park shows Maine’s autumn colors now peak about one day later per decade compared to the 1950s as warmer fall nights and variable rainfall delay chlorophyll breakdown (data from satellite imagery and ranger reports).

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

City officials are reexamining plans for a warming shelter at Elena’s Way as zoning rules block a timely opening — alternative sites are under review amid local criticism, with a decision expected by Nov. 2.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

An AARP Maine poll shows 87% of voters aged 50 and older are set to vote in November as they worry about rising electricity costs, Social Security, and caregiving support.

Nearly half report cutting spending + over 80% back stronger Social Security benefits.

WMTWRead more ↗

A new Customs (CBP) rule will delay enforcement until Jan. 20, 2027 on limits affecting Maine residents who import prescription drugs after campaigners sent over 107,000 letters to Congress.

Ken Hunter warned that many patients might face steep drug cost increases.

WMTWRead more ↗

Lifelong Maine has given free Echo Dot speakers to older residents to help them stay safe at home.

Peter Carrier (72) from Poland uses his device to call for help, while some seniors still face challenges with internet access and cost.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

The 24th annual Cans for a Cure raised $60,932.60 for the Maine Cancer Foundation at a donation drive held Wednesday through Friday outside the Maine Mall in South Portland (live broadcasts helped boost support).

The funds will aid cancer care across the state.

WMTWRead more ↗

Residents of Franklin Towers were told to vacate this month after toxic chemicals were found during renovations, and the Portland Housing Authority is working with local groups to secure temporary homes for 150 low-income residents who will keep their housing subsidy and have moving costs covered until they return.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

Cherry Hill Place, a 5,917 sqft event center at Shaw Cherry Hill Farm in Gorham, is nearing completion and will hold its first weekly indoor makers market on Nov. 1 plus host weddings, birthday parties and seasonal gatherings this winter.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

Fans can buy gear for Maine Wildness, the new women’s soccer team, at the Marginal Way store and online after its name and logo revealed Thursday night.

The merchandise shows a crest with Mount Katahdin and the Dirigo Heart as the team gears up for its inaugural season in May.

WMTWRead more ↗

Sports officials in Maine and other New England states use different formulas to rank high school teams based on wins and strength of opponents.

Vermont uses an index system while Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire have updated their methods to reward tougher schedules.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

Coaches and administrators debate the long-used Heal points formula for playoff seeding in Maine sports as some say its method may unfairly reward wins over easier schedules.

A recent survey of coaches shows most believe the system should be improved while officials remain open to proposals for change.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗