1. The U.S. government shutdown has now hit 23 days, making it the second-longest ever. The Senate failed for the 12th time to pass a short-term funding bill, as Democrats demand health care negotiations before reopening. The longest government shutdown was 35 days, from December 2018 to January 2019. (CNN)
2. Lyme disease cases are surging in Maine, already breaking last year’s record with more than 3,500 cases reported. Experts say the drought didn’t slow down tick activity — and a warmer climate is helping them stay active longer into the fall. Health officials remind Mainers to check for ticks after spending time outdoors. (PH)
3. A new accessible nature trail just opened at Woodward Point in Brunswick, designed for wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges. The half-mile Andy’s Trail features a smooth, packed-stone surface, accessible parking, and benches — part of a growing push to make Maine’s outdoor spaces more inclusive. (PH)
4. Liberty Graphics in Liberty, Maine is printing 35,000 vintage otter T-shirts after Swifties donated over $2.3 million to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The shirt, which Taylor wore in a promo for her new album The Life of a Showgirl, has become a global hit — and now a Midcoast crew is working overtime to ship them worldwide. (PH)
5. Maine’s own Cooper Flagg made history Wednesday night — becoming the first Mainer to play in the NBA. The Newport native and No. 1 overall pick started at point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, putting up a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in his debut against the Spurs. Not bad for his first night in the league! (WMTW)
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