Daily editionWednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
Culture
A fin whale skeleton recovered by the College of the Atlantic is now being gifted to Maine Beer Company to hang above its tasting room, and a formal unveiling in October will feature speeches by co-founder Dan Kleban and Representative Chellie Pingree — with proceeds benefiting the Allied Whale Research Group.
FOX23Read more
Portland writer Shir Kehila’s poem Colony shows how landscaping work disrupts ant colonies—forcing them from their nests near a mansion and beach restroom area.
The poem appears in Deep Water: Maine Poems with the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance and submissions are open through the end of the year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
UNE professor Brian Duff has published a new book called Restaurant that explains how eating out can bring people together and ease anxiety—he draws on his past as a restaurant critic and local meals at spots like Ugly Duckling to show how food sparks clear, caring talks.
Duff uses simple examples and big ideas to argue that sharing a meal helps people feel nourished and understood.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Organizers in Unity are set to host the annual Common Ground Fair later this week to celebrate rural living—its return revives a popular local event.
WGMERead more
Economy
Central Maine Power is asking regulators to let it raise monthly distribution rates by up to $35 from Oct. 1, 2026 to 2031—money it says will fund hiring new workers and upgrading its grid.
State officials and Gov. Mills have criticized the proposal, saying it may worsen costs for Mainers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Fishermen in New England caught few shrimp during the winter sampling program—linked to warmer oceans—and regulators will meet in December to decide if the moratorium on shrimp fishing should be extended for five more years.
The low catch has raised concerns over the future availability of the seafood.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Hannaford and Portland Public Schools are partnering to launch a new food pantry at Portland High School—expected to serve over 500 students each month as hunger demand rises.
FOX23Read more
Government
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Maine and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows because they refused to share voter registration information when asked by the federal government—Bellows defended the decision by citing privacy laws and the Constitution.
WGMERead more
Portland City Council approved raising taxi fares in Monday night’s meeting—changing the minimum fare from $1.90 to $4, the mileage rate from $0.30 to $0.35, and doubling the jetport pickup fare from $5 to $10.
Councilors said the changes will help drivers compete with rideshare companies and better reflect the city’s size.
WGMERead more
In November, South Portland voters will choose candidates for City Council and the school board.
Candidates have shared plans for local development, such as reusing Mahoney School—along with proposals on budget oversight, sustainable growth, and public safety.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
At the World Medical Innovation Forum in Boston on Monday, Senator Susan Collins warned that Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill were devastating for rural areas in Maine and that lawmakers will face pressure to change the law once the effects become clear — she defended the ousted CDC director for her refusal to support new vaccine policies and supported a hearing for her testimony on Wednesday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine Gov. Janet Mills is taking steps to run for Senate in 2026—she has called campaign managers and is seriously considering a campaign with a decision expected by mid-November.
WGANRead 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.