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Peak Fall Foliage Forecast Across the U.S.

Peak Fall Foliage Forecast Across the U.S.

The 2026 fall foliage season is shaping up to be a vibrant display across various regions of the United States, with peak colors expected to vary by location. California’s Sierra Nevada will see its strongest colors in mid- to late October, while the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and Washington offers a mix of maples, waterfalls, and evergreens, though drought and wildfires may impact the interior Northwest. In the central U.S., the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri will peak later, lasting into late October or November. New England remains a top destination for leaf-peeping, with Vermont’s Green Mountains, New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, and Maine’s Acadia National Park showcasing sugar maples. The central Appalachians, including West Virginia and eastern Kentucky, are expected to have one of the best displays this year due to favorable moisture and elevation conditions.

U.S. Fall Destinations Offer Diverse Autumnal Experiences

U.S. Fall Destinations Offer Diverse Autumnal Experiences

U.S. Fall Destinations Offer Diverse Autumnal Experiences

Fire on Portland Pier Quickly Contained by Firefighters

Fire on Portland Pier Quickly Contained by Firefighters

A fire on the roof of an unoccupied building at 39 Portland Pier in Portland, Maine, was quickly brought under control by firefighters on Wednesday night. The Portland Fire Department received the dispatch around 9:10 p.m. Deputy Fire Chief Dale Dyer confirmed that an all-hands response was initiated after responding units observed open flames. Initially, a social media post from the department incorrectly stated the fire was at 5 Portland Pier, but it was later clarified to be at 39 Portland Pier. The building was unoccupied at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. Deputy Fire Chief Dyer praised the crews for their efficient work in limiting damage to the structure. Most crews departed the scene by 9:45 p.m., indicating a swift resolution to the incident.

These are the happiest states in America. See where your state ranks

These are the happiest states in America. See where your state ranks

A new report from WalletHub has ranked all 50 states for happiness. Here's who came out on top.

Northern Forest Center Breaks Ground on Mass Timber Housing Development in Greenville, Maine to Address Rural Housing Crisis

Northern Forest Center Breaks Ground on Mass Timber Housing Development in Greenville, Maine to Address Rural Housing Crisis

The Northern Forest Center has commenced construction on Timber Way, a new mass timber housing development in Greenville, Maine. This project aims to create 24 new homes, with prices expected to start under $300,000. The development is specifically designed to address the critical shortage of middle-market housing in rural areas, ensuring homes are used as full-time, year-round residences through deed restrictions to prevent high-profit flipping. The initiative follows five years of planning and collaboration, including a significant public infrastructure expansion in partnership with the town of Greenville, which extended water and sewer services and constructed a new town road. Funding for this infrastructure was largely secured through a grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission. The Center is partnering with TMBR, a mass timber design company, to construct these homes, which will feature open-concept floor plans ranging from approximately 1,000 to 1,600 square feet. This project builds on the ...

South Portland City Council to Consider Ordinance Limiting Employee Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement

South Portland City Council to Consider Ordinance Limiting Employee Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement

The South Portland City Council is set to discuss a proposed ordinance that would prohibit city employees from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement agencies, specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mayor Elyse Tipton introduced the proposal, which advanced to a workshop after two city councilors voted in favor of further discussion. The mayor emphasized that the ordinance aims to protect all residents of the community and cited previous resolutions from 2017 and earlier this year that addressed immigration enforcement. She stated that residents do not want local police acting as federal immigration enforcers. This initiative follows a state law allowed by Maine Gov. Janet Mills last year, which already limits law enforcement cooperation with ICE. The City Council will hold a workshop on October 13 to further deliberate on the potential ordinance.

South Portland City Council Advances Discussion on Limiting Cooperation with ICE Amid Heightened Concerns

South Portland City Council Advances Discussion on Limiting Cooperation with ICE Amid Heightened Concerns

South Portland is moving forward with discussions regarding a potential ordinance that would place new limits on how city employees interact with federal immigration enforcement, specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The City Council recently voted to schedule a future workshop to explore the feasibility and scope of such an ordinance. This decision comes amidst increased public concern over ICE activities in Maine, including a fatal shooting in Biddeford. While South Portland already has two existing resolutions addressing immigration enforcement, the city is now considering whether a more formal ordinance could provide stronger enforcement weight and further restrict cooperation. The upcoming workshop will aim to define what such an ordinance might look like and whether the city should proceed with drafting it for adoption.

White Shark Sighting Reported Off Wells Beach, Maine, Amid Increased Regional Activity

White Shark Sighting Reported Off Wells Beach, Maine, Amid Increased Regional Activity

A white shark was sighted approximately 200 yards off Wells Beach in Maine on Monday. This incident follows a recent surge in white shark activity along Maine's southern coast, with nearly 30 sightings reported in Maine waters over the past month, though the exact number of unique sharks is unclear. Officials at Wells Beach had previously used drones to monitor waters after a 10-foot juvenile white shark was seen within 500 yards of the beach on August 12. Lifeguards at Scarborough Beach, another location experiencing increased shark activity, have also employed jetskis to deter sharks. The Sharktivity app, maintained by researchers from the New England Aquarium and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, has been tracking these reports. Wells Beach remained open despite the sighting, though fire officials advised caution due to a lack of lifeguards on Labor Day.

Maine Trails Program Funds Eight Key Projects with $7.5 Million in Grants

Maine Trails Program Funds Eight Key Projects with $7.5 Million in Grants

The Maine Trails Program has allocated $7.5 million in grants to 44 organizations for various outdoor recreation projects, with eight key projects highlighted. These grants, ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, are part of a historic $30 million bond for trail infrastructure in Maine. Projects include widening and improving the Long Creek Trail in South Portland, replacing bog bridges with boardwalks at Boot Head preserve in Lubec, establishing the first public trail in Strong, and developing mountain biking trails in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Other projects focus on reconfiguring ski trails, creating multi-use trails, upgrading snowmobile trail bridges, and connecting Rockland Harbor to Rockland Bog, as reported by the Portland Press Herald.

Former US Sen. John E. Sununu to face US Rep. Chris Pappas in New Hampshire Senate race

Former US Sen. John E. Sununu to face US Rep. Chris Pappas in New Hampshire Senate race

Republican John E

NH primary updates: Surging progressive, Trump-backed Sununu headline races

NH primary updates: Surging progressive, Trump-backed Sununu headline races

Former Sens. John Sununu and Scott Brown face off in GOP primary, while Rep. Chris Pappas faces progressive Karishma Manzur on the Democratic side.

Vermont Farm Service Agency Authorizes Recruitment and Relocation Incentives for Agricultural Program Specialist Positions

Vermont Farm Service Agency Authorizes Recruitment and Relocation Incentives for Agricultural Program Specialist Positions

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Vermont is offering recruitment and/or relocation incentives for Agricultural Program Specialist positions. These roles are located within the Vermont State Office, Operations Branch, and are responsible for administering and advising on assigned Farm Programs. The specialists interpret regulations and legal requirements, providing guidance to County offices on complex or unusual situations. The specific duty location within Vermont will be determined after selection. These are full-time, permanent positions with a salary range of $61,722 to $131,790 per year, corresponding to GS 9-12 pay scales, with promotion potential up to GS-12. Telework is eligible as determined by agency policy, and occasional travel may be required. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Nationals and meet specific educational or experience requirements in fields such as economics, agricultural economics, marketing, business administration, or related agricultural specialties.