1. The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office is asking for help after a stolen antique car was found torched. Investigators say a light yellow 1970 Buick was taken from Pember Road in Levant Monday afternoon, then discovered burned during a wildfire response in Ripley around 6 p.m. Authorities want to hear from anyone who saw the car between 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. — check your cameras. (WMTW)
2. The federal shutdown is already being felt in Maine. About 2,500 National Guard troops will see delayed pay, while Social Security and Medicare benefits continue, though new applications could face delays. SNAP and WIC benefits remain for now, but advocates warn funding may run out if the shutdown lasts more than a week — putting pressure on 17,000 Maine families with young children who rely on WIC. Acadia National Park and the Appalachian Trail remain open, but with limited services, no visitor centers, and halted trail maintenance. (PH)
3. The weekend brings summer-like warmth, with temps near 80 and low 80s likely inland early next week. That heat comes as drought worsens — more than 15% of Maine is in extreme drought, heightening fire danger. The next real chance for rain won’t come until Tuesday night into Wednesday with a passing cold front. (WGME)
4. The Yankees knocked out the Red Sox in the AL wild-card series and now face the Blue Jays in the ALDS. Rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler, who grew up a Sox fan outside Boston, struck out 12 over eight shutout innings in a 4-0 Game 3 win at Yankee Stadium. New York, who dropped Game 1, rallied to take the series 2-1 — their first playoff win over Boston since 2003. Game 1 vs. Toronto is Saturday. (NYP)
5. Progresso Soup is getting weird with it — they’re dropping a limited-edition Pitmaster Deodorant to go along with their new BBQ-inspired soups. The “Pit Kit” bundles the deodorant with a can of Pitmaster BBQ-Style Grilled Chicken & Fire Roasted Corn Soup. First drop goes live Thursday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. ET for $15, with another release Oct. 16. Grab yours at ProgressoPitKit.com. (People)
Made Hot in Maine by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Accidents happen… to be their specialty. 207-CALL-JOE or online at: joebornstein.com.
