Good morning, Portland.

Maine communities paid tribute on Thursday to victims of the 9/11 attacks, with Portland police and fire officials laying wreaths at Fort Allen Park and Lewiston first responders holding a silent remembrance.

A national moment of silence was observed at 8:46 a.m.—marking the time when the first plane hit the North Tower—and officials recalled the loss of six Mainers.

In Bangor in 1897, Portland in 1904, and Lewiston in 1926 and 1934, local leaders and citizens celebrated new synagogue dedications that united Jewish and non-Jewish groups.

These historic events remind locals that coming together builds belonging—demonstrating a legacy of interfaith support.

The Maine Department of Labor announced that the state minimum wage will rise from $14.65 to $15.10 per hour on Jan.

1, 2026—this increase will now include agricultural workers. Portland voters will consider a separate raise to $19 an hour by 2028.

The EPA announced an enforcement order with the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority to clean up PFAS—released from 1,450 gallons of firefighting foam at Brunswick Executive Airport on Aug.

19. MRRA must submit a cleanup plan by Dec. 31, begin remediation by March 1, 2026 and complete work by Dec. 31, 2027—steps intended to protect local water quality and public health.

The South Portland Water Resource Protection department confirmed that bacteria at Willard Beach comes from human sewage, not dogs.

The department will reroute a sewer pipe near Angell Avenue in the next two weeks — part of its ongoing work to improve water quality and investigate other contamination sources.

On September 11th, a Maine resident tested positive for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the state's first case since 2011 and only the second known case recorded by CDC since tracking began in the 1990s—after being hospitalized with severe symptoms following rodent exposure and later recovering after receiving supplemental oxygen.

On Sunday, a walk will be held in Portland to raise awareness for CMT, a rare and incurable neuro-muscular disease that affects 135,000 people in the U.S.—including about 600 in Maine.

Mary Louie, a local participant, will join the event.

William Lugo hit a sacrifice fly in the 11th inning that drove in the winning run as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies rallied from late deficits for a 6 to 5 win over the Portland Sea Dogs.

Christian Thomas stayed with Maine for his extra season and has made 28 tackles in two games; his solid play and known system give him a boost that NFL scouts are watching — his coach said the stability helps him excel.

His strong performance supports his choice to remain a Black Bear for another season.

Franklin Arias hit a tie-breaking home run in the ninth inning to give the Portland Sea Dogs an 8-7 win over the Binghamton Rumble Ponies on Thursday night in Binghamton; the team came back from a 3-0 deficit in the first inning by scoring five runs in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the eighth + late efforts secured the win.

The Freeport field hockey team beat Fryeburg Academy 9-0 on Wednesday—Liza Flowers scored three goals as the Falcons built a strong early season record with a combined 15-1 goal margin over their first two opponents.

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.

Wine Sail - Cabernet Sauvignon Experience on the Frances

4:45-6:45 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Ticket required — Enjoy a picturesque sailing experience while tasting five exquisite Cabernet Sauvignons from renowned wine regions.

The 502s Concert

6:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre — Ticket prices starting at $51 — Catch the energetic vibes of The 502s live in Portland!

Fiction Workshop

10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — 105 St James St, Portland, ME — Cost not specified — Connect with fellow writers and enhance your fiction writing skills in this engaging workshop.

Scenic Train Ride

10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Enjoy a scenic 40-minute train ride with beautiful views of Casco Bay and learn about Maine's narrow gauge railroading history.