🌱 Record Breaking Pumpkin + Deadly Candy-like Drugs + Toxic Wildlife

Hello, and happy Thursday! I'm back in your inbox this autumn morning with the most important things happening in Manchester today. In this edition...

• Massive NY pumpkin breaks NH record.
• DEA says rainbow fentanyl is deadly, not candy.
• Wildlife alert issued for toxic chemicals.

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But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 75 Low: 54.

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Here are the top stories in Manchester today:

1. An Upstate NY pumpkin has broken the record for the heaviest pumpkin in the U.S. that had been held by an NH grower. The new record went to Scott Andrusz of Williamsville, N.Y., WHEC reported. The locally grown massive pumpkin weighed 2,554 pounds, a new national record. The previous U.S. record of 2,528 pounds was from New Hampshire. According to the Buffalo News, Andrusz fell short of a world record for the heaviest pumpkin set by a farmer in Italy in 2021 with a 2,702-pound pumpkin, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. (Subscription/The Union Leader)
2. Drug officials are warning parents and kids about rainbow fentanyl, a deadly drug made to look like colorful candy. "Federal officials said illegal fentanyl has been pressed into brightly colored tablets in what's been called rainbow fentanyl. It has been seized in 21 states, including neighboring Maine." The DEA said two drug cartels in Mexico "are responsible for all the fentanyl being sold in the United States and are producing staggering amounts." (WMUR)
3. Warning! Toxic levels of radium and PFAS have been found in New Hampshire wildlife. A state advisory warns that high levels of "forever chemicals" have been found in New Hampshire wildlife, and hunters should "avoid consuming deer liver" after "elevated levels" of the deadly substances are found. Wildlife agencies across the U.S. say they are finding high elevated levels of toxic chemicals in wild animals such as deer, and in fish from lakes and ponds. High PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been found in deer ranging from Michigan to Maine. (NHPR)

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Today in Manchester:

• empowerHER Breakfast - Greater Manchester Chamber (7:30 a.m.)
• Movers and Groovers - Goffstown Public Library (9:30 a.m.)
• Family Storytime - Manchester City Library (10 a.m.)
• PTC: Cabaret - The Rex Theatre (3 p.m.)
• PTC: Cabaret - The Palace Theatre (3 p.m.)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (October 8)
• Community yard sale (October 8)
• BAE Retirement Planning Dinner (October 13)
• Smykil Family Foundation Halloween 5k & Fun Run (October 23)
• Interactive Halloween Party (October 29)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Manchester Daily? Contact me at manchester-nh@patch.com