Daily editionTuesday, September 16th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of September.
Community
Kevin Fitzpatrick stepped off the roof at Patriot Subaru in Saco last Thursday at 2 p.m. after a 192-hour challenge and raised $96,344.70 for STRIVE, a nonprofit that helps teens, tweens and young adults with intellectual disabilities—every dollar will support current programs and add new ones like the Tuesday Art Studio series.
WGANRead more
Cruisin' for Kibble set sail from Portland docks Sunday to raise funds for feeding over 2,000 pets and supporting veterans—organizer Nadine Malloy said donations have dropped over 50 percent, making the fundraiser key to keeping her pet food pantry open into 2026.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Amadeus Florendo, a p.m. sous chef at Bar Futo, hosted Filipino pop-up dinners called Pulutan to share his heritage and learn about the challenges of running a restaurant—he sold out these events even when his menu was too complicated at first.
He later simplified his menu to offer fewer dishes as he worked toward his dream of opening a Filipino restaurant.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine State Ballet will open its season with a new ballet called The Highlands and the return of The Magic Toyshop, set to play on weekends (Oct. 11-18) at Lopez Theater in Falmouth.
The program will feature live dance and vivid staging that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Singer-songwriter Janis Ian, 74, will appear for screenings and Q&A sessions for the documentary Janis Ian: Breaking Silence in Gardiner and Brownfield next week—she will sign up to three items for fans at each event.
The Gardiner screening is set for Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Reehl Stage at Johnson Hall Opera House, and the Brownfield event is on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at Stone Mountain Arts Center.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Maine adults returning to college face challenges with debt and adjusting to new routines.
The Mitchell Institute is helping these students finish their degrees—supporting them in overcoming academic hurdles this school year.
WGMERead more
Scarborough High School canceled regular classes Monday after the unexpected death of assistant principal Jacob Brown; the school held counseling sessions starting at 10:00 a.m. to support students, staff and community.
Brown had served as an administrator and coach since 2020 — details of his death remain unclear.
WMTWRead more
Government
Portland taxi fares were raised for the first time since 2009 after City Council passed a change on Monday—raising the base fare from $1.90 to $4, the rate from 30 cents to 35 cents per one-tenth mile, and doubling the Jetport pickup fare from $5 to $10.
Councilors said a proposal for a city-wide $10 minimum was turned down because it would hurt riders on short trips.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland voters are urged to vote Yes on Question 1 on Nov. 4 to require voter ID and a paper trail for absentee ballots—supporters say the measure will secure elections as 36 states already use similar rules.
This proposal aims to modernize our voting process to protect the integrity of Maine's elections.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
A group of Mainers is traveling today to Sen. Susan Collins’ office to share personal stories and urge Congress to boost funding for cancer research—concerns over federal budget cuts that could slow future advances drive the effort.
The American Cancer Society Action Network joins over 700 cancer patients, survivors and family members in this advocacy visit.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
The California Honeydrops Concert
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket information available — Experience the vibrant sound of The California Honeydrops on their Redwood Highway Tour.
Alexandra Kay Concert
Sunday, October 5th, 2025 · 7:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — $57/ticket — Catch an exciting live performance by Alexandra Kay in Portland's State Theatre.