1. A missing 13-year-old girl from Pownal has been found safe in Portland after eight days. Deputies say she was located in an apartment on Brighton Avenue and reunited with her family. A 23-year-old man, Elijah Coleman, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping, criminal restraint, and endangering the welfare of a child. (WGME)
2. Nearly 70% of U.S. adults could be classified as obese under a new proposed definition. The updated criteria go beyond BMI to include waist size and body fat levels, dividing obesity into clinical and pre-clinical stages. Researchers say it could better predict health risks — but it hasn’t been officially adopted yet. (Guardian)
3. Halloween candy prices are up again in Maine. The average cost of candy and gum jumped more than 8% this year, nearly triple the overall grocery inflation rate. Experts blame a bad cocoa season that’s doubled chocolate prices since 2023. Some Mainers are swapping “the good stuff” for cheaper treats or shopping around at stores like Renys and Marden’s to score the best deals. (PH)
4. Sticker shock is hitting car buyers hard — the average new vehicle now costs just over $50,000, according to Kelley Blue Book. Experts say the $20,000 car is nearly extinct, leaving many budget-conscious buyers turning to used cars instead, while wealthier households drive demand for pricier models. (CNN)
5. Reliable inside sources say that the PlayStation 6 and a new XBox will get 2027 releases. Insiders claim Sony is hoping its next console will rival Nintendo’s Switch 2. The device is estimated to cost $500. (NME)
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.
