Good morning, Portland.

A rare grey heron was seen on Sunday, Oct.

18 near Jordan’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth — drawing birders from nearby states as they gathered in fields and marshes and sparking local excitement over the uncommon sighting.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence launched its Fund Safety campaign with Sea Bags to help Mainers cover costs for safely leaving abusive situations — executive director Francine Garland Stark explained that the fundraiser addresses urgent financial needs.

The city is overhauling Will's Playground and invites residents to share ideas at a workshop on Monday, Oct.

26 (from 5 to 6:30 p.m.) at Merrill Auditorium's Rehearsal Hall. The project modernizes the century-old playground as part of a collaboration with Portland Parks Conservancy.

Ten-year-old Kathryn Dobson is recovering after her near-fatal illness and was taken off the ventilator on Wednesday; South Portland residents have raised nearly $50,000 to help her family while homecoming cheerleaders plan special support at today's game.

Maine-based furniture maker Thos.

Moser is returning its showroom to the Old Port in the historic Storer Bros. Building at Middle & Pearl streets in Portland, set to open by January with new and classic designs after nearly 30 years in Freeport.

Heating oil costs in Maine reached a record high at $6.04 per gallon, making a 275-gallon tank cost about $750 more than last fall.

The Maine Department of Energy Resources said prices jumped 83% from last October—adding pressure on families as winter nears.

A local viewer captured video and photos of a moose family near Katahdin in Baxter State Park on Oct.

7 amid bright fall foliage. Wildlife experts say moose are best seen in quiet areas during early mornings and late afternoons.

The ongoing drought has left many private wells dry as groundwater levels decline and rainfall deficits grow statewide.

Officials advise homeowners to conserve water and contact licensed well drillers before problems worsen in spring.

Camden Hills holds the top ranking for the fifth consecutive week while Scarborough remains second after games played (Tuesday, Oct.

20) and Kennebunk jumps to fifth. The top teams face tough challenges in upcoming postseason tournaments.

Cheverus field hockey remains undefeated at 14 to 0 and is unanimously No. 1 (as of Oct.

20), entering the Class A South tournament. The Stags aim for a fourth state title against teams including Biddeford, Sanford/Kennebunk, and Thornton Academy.

The Varsity Maine boys soccer poll based on games through Tuesday, Oct.

20 shows Lewiston, Brunswick & Thornton Academy holding the top three spots, with Lewiston at #1 for six weeks. The poll forecasts a close Class A postseason as top teams gear up for tournaments.

Portland’s Black Bears will host 16th-ranked Campbell at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct.

24 for homecoming. Junior quarterback Caden Drezek, who played in last week’s 17-14 loss to Bryant, may have a bigger role as the defense braces for Campbell’s strong passing attack.

Cumberland native Victoria Bossong won bronze in the 800-meter final at the Asian Games in Nagoya representing the Philippines and now plans to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

She trains at Harvard facilities + her win inspires pride at home and abroad.