Daily editionWednesday, September 24th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
Culture
The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport is hosting its 27th annual Pumpkin Patch Trolley this weekend—offering trolley rides and a photo scavenger hunt for families.
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Education
US News & World Report released its 2026 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges rankings on Tuesday, and Bowdoin College in Brunswick tied for fifth along with the U.S. Air Force Academy.
The rankings place Swarthmore ahead—while Amherst and Williams secure the top spots in the national list.
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Environment
The Nature Conservancy and Brookfield Renewable reached a deal to buy all four dams on the lower Kennebec River and said they plan to restore or remove them in coming years.
Some local business groups worry the changes could hurt the Sappi mill’s water supply and jobs — a concern state leaders will review.
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The University of New England released a study that showed storms in winter 2024 lost over one-quarter of southern Maine’s dunes as seen in before and after images.
A mapping program is underway—while some dunes are slowly coming back, they have not yet returned to full size—to help the region prepare for future storms.
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Government
Developers proposed a 30-story, 380-foot tower on Union Street in the Old Port that would include hotel, restaurant, retail and residential space on a four-acre site now used as a parking lot—East Brown Cow Management Company said the design pays tribute to Maine’s lighthouses and Portland’s past while the planning board discussed the proposal Tuesday night.
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A local Mainer said his propane dealer refused service after a credit check failure, and the Maine Attorney General explained that dealers must deliver fuel paid for in cash during winter — from Oct 15 to Apr 30 — to support fair trade practices.
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Health
Molnlycke Health Care held its groundbreaking ceremony yesterday in Brunswick Landing with Governor Janet Mills present as the company began its $135M expansion for a wound care manufacturing facility.
The project will add production lines, warehousing, and operations—boosting the state workforce by about 10 percent and finishing by 2027.
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A gray fox was found rabid in Auburn last week, and Maine’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory alerted local officials—this is the 29th case of rabies reported in state wild animals this year.
Health experts say residents should keep pets up to date on their vaccines and be cautious around wild animals.
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Sports
The Cheverus field hockey team beat Scarborough 5+0 Tuesday night, with sophomore Jaylee Radford scoring a hat trick while Joey Pompeo and Sydney Brunelle each added a goal.
The win extended the Stags' unbeaten streak to 42 games and improved their position in the Heal point standings.
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Connelly Early, a 23 year old left handed pitcher for the Sea Dogs, was named to the Eastern League AllStar team after posting a 7 to 2 record & a 2.51 ERA in 15 starts before his promotion to Triple A Worcester and his call up to the Red Sox.
In three major league starts with Boston, he was 1 to 1 and set a franchise record with 11 strikeouts in his debut.
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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.