Daily editionThursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
Business
Maine consumers who lost money from purchasing gift cards and treatment memberships from the closed Saco spa LuxeMD Medical Spa will soon receive nearly $3,000 in restitution.
The Attorney General’s Office said former owner Irina Bachand agreed to issue checks within 30 days—restoring funds from deals sold during its Black Friday sale—after the business abruptly closed in December.
WGMERead more
Culture
Portland-area creatives met at Broadturn Farm in Scarborough on the third weekend of August for Feastland 2025—featuring a sunset concert by indie singer-songwriter Lady Lamb on August 23, art displays, workshops, and farm dinners—bringing together art and food in a cherished local event.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed that Maine’s average weekly wages increased from $1,249 to $1,283 in the first quarter, marking the second slowest growth nationwide—only Kentucky had a smaller gain.
The rate dropped sharply from last year when Maine ranked sixth for wage increases, falling below the national average of $62 per week.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
The state of Maine will work to house homeless veterans by Veterans Day; at an Augusta meeting, Preble Street and over a dozen groups planned to find permanent housing and raise veteran incomes—hoping to house one veteran per day.
The outreach team will expand efforts in Lewiston in October to remove more veterans from the streets.
FOX23Read more
Governor Janet Mills is taking serious steps to run for the US Senate by calling potential campaign managers and planning an official announcement by mid-November — she also toured the state with stops in Westbrook and Windham.
WGMERead more
Health
This weekend, Payson Park will host the Kat-Walk and Karo-5K to honor those affected by brain aneurysms during Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month—organizers include Dave and Heidi McCausland from the Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Committee.
WGMERead more
Lifestyle
Captain Arty Ledoux of Sebago Lake Cruises offers relaxing boat rides on Sebago Lake — great for family outings, office parties or romantic evenings — as summer weather lasts while fall approaches.
WGMERead more
Sports
Deering and Portland high schools will play a varsity football game on Friday at 6 p.m. at Deering’s Memorial Field—this contest counts in the Class A North standings as Portland comes in at 2-0 and Deering, returning to Class A, seeks to build on its 54-31 win over Edward Little.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Scenic Train Ride in Casco Bay
Monday, October 6th, 2025 · 10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a nostalgic 40-minute train ride with stunning waterside views and rich history.