Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 23rd of September.
Good morning, Portland.
Maine Canned Fish has reopened a canning factory in Topsham inside the former Hancock Lobster Facility following a 20-month build-out that began fall 2024 + the business will sell canned lobster in specialty stores from October and plans to expand from five to 25 workers by spring 2027.
Somali author and chef Ifrah F.
Ahmed will share her debut cookbook 'Soomaaliya' at free events on Oct. 2 in Portland and Oct. 3 in Lewiston. Organizers plan potlucks and a Q&A session to celebrate Somali culture + strengthen local ties.
Portland Museum of Art will open its AMP outdoor pavilion (142 Free St) on Oct.
2 at 10 a.m. as a temporary space featuring seating, free wifi and a mural by local artist Jenna Pirello timed with First Friday Art Walk; it will host events before museum expansion construction begins.
A toxic algae bloom (Karenia mikimotoi) has forced officials to close parts of Casco Bay, including Maquois Bay in Brunswick and Middle Bay in Harpswell.
Local fishermen report heavy losses and say they must move clam digs until the bloom, which depletes oxygen in water, subsides.
A developing coastal storm is causing seas along southern Maine to exceed 5 feet tonight and gusty winds are expected Friday into the weekend — rain may also help ease local drought conditions.
City officials held a planning board workshop Tuesday to discuss rezoning a 13-acre section of the western waterfront at Cassidy Point for a proposed 10,000-seat Hearts of Pine stadium — a plan that sparked debate between soccer supporters and working waterfront advocates, with more workshops planned.
Portland's Parks and Recreation Department confirmed that contra-flow bike lanes on Catafalque Drive in Payson Park were installed at the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee's request to allow bikes against car traffic, with a segment near Ocean Ave featuring a 'Do Not Enter' sign (plans call for an 'Except Bicycles' update).
A Siena Research Institute survey found most Mainers feel healthcare is hard to access, with routine appointments delayed and many having to drive long distances for care.
Younger and newer residents face more challenges than older and southern community members, showing a gap in care across the state.
The Portland Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit helps hundreds of Mainers in crisis but has only 10 detox beds available for MaineCare patients, leaving many without treatment.
Bill Burns said the shortage — with such limited capacity — may affect public safety as repeated calls and untreated addiction stretch resources.
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