Friday, September 5th, 2025

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Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Portland photographer and disability advocate Derek O’Brien, known for riding with a red superman cape, died on Aug. 25 at home with his cat Kiwi by his side—he helped others with spinal cord injuries and pushed for better wheelchair access in local businesses. Portland Press Herald
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Central Maine Power installed 250 smart devices in 2025 to let its control center reroute power quickly around outages—benefiting over 100,000 customers. The upgrade is part of a broader plan to strengthen Maine’s energy grid and 500 more devices will be added by next year. FOX23
- ➤ Vertical Harvest in Westbrook will begin producing 6,850 pounds of salad greens per day this autumn from a half-acre facility—matching the yield of 250 rural acres. The automated farm features 40,000 moving modular trays that will supply local supermarkets and schools. Portland Press Herald
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Maine woman accused of fatally stabbing her partner and grandmother in Denmark in 2023 was ruled competent to stand trial on Thursday after appearing virtually in court—no trial date has been set. WGME
- ➤ Abdiraham Duale, 24, was shot seven times Wednesday night in Lewiston's Pierce Street area—he was taken by a personal vehicle to St. Mary’s Hospital, where a brief lockdown occurred before he was moved to MaineHealth Medical Center in Portland. Portland Press Herald
DRINK NEWS
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ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Portland saw one of its driest summers with very little rain in June, July, and August, and over half the state now faces severe drought—raising concerns that fall leaves will not be as bright and trees may lose leaves early. Experts say some trees like oaks may hold color better, but the overall display will likely be patchy. FOX23
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dempsey Challenge, the largest fundraiser for the Dempsey Center that supports cancer patients and families, will hold a 25-mile event on September 20—featuring a 4.5-mile run/walk and a 21.5-mile bike ride—to provide free, personalized care for those battling cancer. Founded by Maine-native Patrick Dempsey, the event has raised nearly $20 million to support holistic services. WGME
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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.
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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.
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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.
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pollinateHERS - Support Group for Women Entrepreneurs
5:30-7:30 p.m. — coworkHERS — Free entry — Empowering networking space for female entrepreneurs in Portland.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
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