Good morning, Portland.

Maine restaurants are adjusting to a slower season as business dropped 20-30% since Labor Day.

Barn at Smith Farm in Falmouth (closing Oct. 31) and other year-round venues are trimming hours and staff while planning local promotions starting Nov. 1.

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

Former Bar Publica owners will open Lucky Sevens Friday at 82 Hanover St. on West Bayside.

The renovated 4,000 sqft bar serves $5 drafts and $7 cocktails and features indoor, rooftop, and patio seating with games and TVs (inspired by a Dublin bar).

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

Hannaford announced Tuesday that its website and mobile app are restored after a cybersecurity incident left online services down for over a week.

The grocery chain is offering $10 off purchases of $100 or more for current My Hannaford Rewards customers (offer valid until Oct. 28).

FOX23Read more ↗

Maine Audubon reported a rare gray heron was spotted over the weekend near Jordan Farm in Cape Elizabeth (the first documented sighting in Maine) and noted that birders may see the species along Wells Road.

FOX23Read more ↗

A gray heron was spotted in Cape Elizabeth on Sunday near Jordan Farm, marking Maine's first documented sighting of the species, and Maine Audubon advises birders to view from a safe parking area on the north side of Wells Road (near Spurwink Ave).

WGMERead more ↗

Some Maine drivers worry that red-dyed off-road diesel — exempt from federal taxes after a recent executive order — may void warranties and trigger fines.

Manufacturer warnings and Maine law — imposing a $1,000 minimum fine for on-road use — urge caution when using the fuel in regular vehicles.

FOX23Read more ↗

Drivers in Maine risk voiding warranties and facing a $1,000 fine if they use red-dyed off-road diesel in vehicles, even though an executive order now promotes its use for equipment.

Officials advise checking with dealers since state law remains in effect.

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Hundreds of Mainers lost MaineCare coverage when Medicaid eligibility changed on Oct. 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act & providers say noncitizens now face limits to routine care while pregnant women and people under 21 retain coverage.

WMTWRead more ↗

Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care opened its new 42,000 sqft pet hospital in Falmouth on Tuesday.

The 24/7 facility offers specialties like cardiology and oncology and will start taking patients on Nov. 2 (with 33 exam rooms and six operating rooms).

Portland Press HeraldRead more ↗

Portland tenants union secured a $3.6 million settlement with local landlord Geoffrey Rice after a multi-year fight over illegal rent hikes across 300 units.

The deal forces Rice to revert rents (including a $250,000 fine) to December 2022 levels while about 1,000 tenants will soon receive refunds.

WGMERead more ↗