Daily editionFriday, September 12th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of September.
Community
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.
WMTWRead more
Culture
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
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.
WMTWRead more
Environment
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.
WMTWRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
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.
WMTWRead more
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.
WGMERead more
Sports
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Godspeed You! Black Emperor Concert
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 · 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
Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — coworkHERS — Free entry — Empowering networking space for female entrepreneurs in Portland.
Maine Irish Makes: September Session
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 · 5:30-7 p.m. — Dunes — Entry fee applies — Explore the art of poetry inspired by visual art with Poet Laureate Emeritus Maya Williams.
The Revivalists Concert
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 · 7:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets starting at $81 — Enjoy an evening with The Revivalists in a vibrant live music setting.
Marc Ribot Solo Acoustic Show
Thursday, September 25th, 2025 · 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
Friday, September 26th, 2025 · 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
Sunday, September 28th, 2025 · 6:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre — Ticket prices starting at $51 — Catch the energetic vibes of The 502s live in Portland!
Fiction Workshop
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 · 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.
Amy Grant Concert
Friday, October 3rd, 2025 · 7:30-9:00 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of Amy Grant live in Portland.