Good morning, Portland.

South Portland’s Fork Food Lab supports more than 80 food businesses and nurtures 40 more in a shared workspace that offers vital services like safety training and licensing help—its diverse members include ventures in vegan cheese, gluten-free waffles, and local teas.

The incubator also aids many women-owned and international startups that use its resources to grow in Maine’s competitive food market.

Christopher Caron—a 42-year-old Massachusetts man—turned himself in Saturday and pleaded not guilty to the murder of Portland head chef Declan Perry, who was found wrapped in blankets and duct tape in a car outside a hospital in Weymouth on August 23.

Portland Public Schools ended summer vacation on Tuesday for grades one through 12—pre-K and kindergarten students start classes today.

The city's Parks Commission will review a multi-year proposal on Thursday at 5 p.m. that would keep the Back Cove Music & Arts Festival at Payson Park for three years with an option for more—proposal details include higher per-ticket fees and an annual $100,000 donation to the Portland Parks Conservancy.

Gorham High School is in secure status as police handle a situation in a nearby neighborhood—officials locked the building’s exterior doors and advised off-campus individuals to stay away until safety is confirmed.

Dentists say children on MaineCare must wait several months for dental surgery under general anesthesia because low reimbursements make it hard to schedule enough procedures (dentists lose money on every hour of care).

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services increased rates by 1% today and will speed up reforms, yet critics argue that more changes are needed.

Maine is on track to see its worst tick season ever as experts report a fifteen to twenty percent increase in tick submissions from home yards and gardens; residents are urged to use repellents and perform regular checks—measures that may help prevent diseases like Lyme and anaplasmosis.

The annual Drive Out Cancer tournament took place Saturday in Topsham and honored Mt. Ararat sophomore forward Abbey Roy, who has been in remission since April after her stage four lymphoma battle—eight teams joined the event that raised $4,710 online for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Liz Cooper Live at SPACE Gallery

8-11 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — All ages — Experience the genre-defying sounds of Liz Cooper, blending psychedelia and indie grunge in her Portland debut.

Wine Sails in Portland, ME

8:45-10:45 p.m. — 74’ Tall Ship Frances — Ticketed event — Enjoy a scenic wine sail in Casco Bay with expert sommelier guidance and gourmet pairings.

Old Port Historic Walking Tour

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — Monument Square — Check website for entry fee — Discover Portland's vibrant past on this engaging 2.5-hour walking tour through the Old Port.

Wine and Oyster Sail

4:45-6:45 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $175 — Experience a delicious pairing of wines and fresh oysters aboard a beautiful sailing ship in Casco Bay.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket details available — Experience an evening of compelling post-rock with Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

pollinateHERS - Support Group for Women Entrepreneurs

5:30-7:30 p.m. — coworkHERS — Free entry — Empowering networking space for female entrepreneurs in Portland.

Maine Irish Makes: September Session

2-4 p.m. — Maine Irish Heritage Center — Free entry — Gather with local crafters for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and community building.

Ekphrasis Poetry Workshop

5:30-7 p.m. — Dunes — Entry fee applies — Explore the art of poetry inspired by visual art with Poet Laureate Emeritus Maya Williams.

Maine Brain Tumor Awareness Walk

9 AM – 12 PM — Payson Park — $20 registration fee — Join the community for a one-mile walk to raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research.

Marc Ribot Solo Acoustic Show

7:30-10:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Ticketed — Experience the genre-defying guitar legend Marc Ribot as he celebrates his new record with a solo acoustic performance.