1. Hurricane Maria swept over the small island of Dominica with catastrophic Category 5 winds overnight, starting a charge into the eastern Caribbean that threatens islands already devastated by Hurricane Irma and holds the possibility of a direct hit on Puerto Rico. Authorities in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico warned that people in wooden or flimsy homes should find safe shelter before the storm’s expected arrival there on Wednesday. (PH)
2. The Portland City Council voted unanimously Monday to designate the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The vote came after nearly an hour of public comment. Recognizing indigenous people on Columbus Day is a growing trend across the U.S. A few states – Alaska, Oregon, South Dakota and Vermont – don’t recognize Columbus Day. (PH)
3. The Portland City Council voted unanimously Monday to ban the use of big cats, elephants and a wide range of other circus animals because of “cruel” training and handling practices. Portland joined over 100 municipalities nationwide to pass a ban on the display of wild and exotic animals, but is the first in Maine to do so, according to animal rights groups. (PH)
4. Toys R Us, facing imminent deadlines to pay off hundreds of millions in debt, said Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company emphasized that its roughly 1,600 locations will remain open and it will continue to work with suppliers to make sure its shelves remain well-stocked with games, gadgets, and other toys. But bankruptcy could also give the toy store chain some relief, enabling it to cancel leases and abandon poorly performing locations. Toys R Us becomes just the latest retailer to seek bankruptcy protection at a time when traditional stores are struggling to draw foot traffic and compete with the rise of Amazon and other online sellers. Aerosoles, Payless ShoeSource, Wet Seal, and Gymboree are among the dozens of others traditional brick and mortar chains who have also filed. (WMTW)
5. Money magazine named South Portland among the 100 Best Places to Live in the United States for 2017. The list, released Monday, “represents the best of America’s towns and cities; places that offer economic opportunity, a sense of community, and access to amenities that make life more enjoyable.” South Portland squeaked onto the list at No. 100 and is the only Maine community to be recognized. Other New England communities on the list include Waltham, Massachusetts, at No. 13, and Nashua, New Hampshire, at No. 57. (PH)
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