Daily editionSaturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
Community
The Shaker Hill Apple Festival is a two-day fall event held this weekend that offers live music, family fun, a craft fair, a barn sale, and food—organizers say the fair will continue into tomorrow with mild fall weather.
FOX23Read more
Topsham Veterinary Wellness Center and Midcoast Humane are partnering to bring adoptable puppies to the community this weekend.
Sierra Kenkel and Jess Townsend previewed the Puppies on the Patio Adoption Event—spotlighting the upcoming opportunity for families to meet the puppies.
WGMERead more
South Portland Food Cupboard received a $35,000 grant — it will add a new walk-in refrigeration unit at its new facility to extend service hours and offer pre-order pickups for fresh produce and dairy.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Three local industry veterans bought America’s last sardine cannery in Prospect Harbor to form Bold Coast Seafood and boost Maine’s seafood processing by handling lobster and Jonah crab—15 workers are already on site and the company plans to add equipment and more hires this winter.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Author Teresa Pelham met with Sacopee Valley students in Parsonsfield to shape her new book, The Probably Untrue History of Javier Lopez, drawing on their ideas about a rescued Chihuahua-mix named Javier who is shunned by cats.
The session allowed students like Elise and Mabel to share creative suggestions (such as a setting with trees made of cat posts) that influenced the final plot.
WMTWRead more
The Shaker Hill Apple Festival is underway today and will continue tomorrow, offering live music, family fun, a craft fair, barn sale, and food — a fall celebration for Portland residents.
WGMERead more
Environment
A national study by the Environmental Working Group found nearly half a million Mainers drink tap water with levels of chromium, arsenic and nitrate that meet legal limits yet exceed health guidelines, raising concerns about cancer risks.
Maine water districts and the Department of Health argued that ratepayers should not bear costly filter upgrades + the report urges regulators to update standards to treat these contaminants together.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine gardeners are urged to sow native seeds this fall to boost climate resilience as varying weather stresses local landscapes — these plants need less water and help slow runoff to protect soil and waterways.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A fall foliage report shows that leaves are changing early because of the drought—many trees are dropping their leaves to save water.
Bright colors will peak in northern areas by late September and most of the state is expected to reach full color by mid-October.
WMTWRead more
Government
South Portland officials are preparing for a possible sale of Portland Pipe Line Corporation's large holdings as the company is expected to sell its assets soon, which may lead to removal of outdated oil tanks and cleanup of over 200 acres.
City leaders have sent letters to Suncor and the DEP to shape redevelopment into a mixed-use district—one that could eventually boost housing and community facilities.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Dr. Jean Antonucci, a primary care physician in Maine for 35 years, said she closed her office in 2020 and now struggles to find a full-time job as burdensome paperwork and system policies curtail patient care — leaving many without a doctor.
She explained that changes to insurance reporting and hospital consolidation are needed to make primary care a more attractive field.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Brady Afthim and Jacob Humphrey earned promotions when Afthim joined the Daytona Tortugas and Humphrey was called up to the Fresno Grizzlies on August 28—both getting their first taste of professional baseball.
They have returned to Arizona for additional instruction until early October before beginning their spring training preparations.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
An Evening With David Byrne
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 · 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets Available — Experience the legendary sounds of David Byrne live in concert.