Daily editionTuesday, September 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of September.
Culture
Historic photos show Portland’s State Theatre, designed by Herbert W. Rhodes and opened in 1929, which has played many roles as a movie theater, adult film venue and live event space.
The collection features pictures from the 1950s, 1960s and 1990s—illustrating the building’s long and varied history.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Winter heating bills are set to rise nearly eight percent to $976 this season because natural gas and electricity prices are increasing, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association said.
Federal funding of $400 million will support tens of thousands of Mainers who depend on low-income heating assistance—helping many cope with the higher costs.
FOX23Read more
Education
Greely High School opened Glenn A. Hutchins Field this semester—costing $3 million from local taxpayers—to give students a state-of-the-art turf field for sports and gym classes.
The new pivot turf with a shock pad and filters meets environmental standards while allowing for more play time.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Brunswick schools merged several bus routes and rescheduled after-school events due to a shortage of drivers since COVID—school officials said they now need at least two more drivers to fully operate the system, and similar challenges are reported statewide with local ads and direct mailings used to attract applicants.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Maine recorded its sixth driest summer on record with 8.15 inches of rain + 2.89 inches below normal, while New Hampshire had its driest summer with 7.53 inches, 4.2 inches below average, per the National Weather Service.
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows drought affected 63% of Maine and nearly 94% of New Hampshire as of Sept. 16.
WMTWRead more
Sandy Carder, chair of Gray’s Resiliency Committee, presented a watershed management plan that will help protect local water by reducing phosphorus runoff from development and by uniting data from lake associations such as those for Little Sebago Lake—while the town will review the plan in November along with a draft surface water protection ordinance.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
The Coast Guard has unveiled a revised plan to remove 233 navigational buoys from New England waters, including 150 in Maine – after receiving 3,000 public comments, the agency will change nearby buoys to aid navigation while urging boaters to adopt modern GPS tools.
WGMERead more
Portland’s Congress Square redesign has been delayed and will now begin on Sept. 29 as crews install updated sidewalks, traffic signals, lighting and new landscaping and art installations.
Local drivers must expect lane reductions on Congress and High Streets until construction ends in late November with any unfinished work completed next spring — the delay follows earlier setbacks and a contractor change.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Cody Laweryson made his Major League debut for the Minnesota Twins on Sept. 13 when he pitched two scoreless innings against Arizona.
He will host a free meet-and-greet at Valley High School on Oct. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. — signing autographs for fans in his hometown of Bingham.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Scenic Train Ride
Thursday, October 9th, 2025 · 10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a 40-minute scenic train ride along Casco Bay while learning about Maine's rich railroading history.