Daily editionThursday, September 25th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
Community
The 153rd Cumberland Fair is underway at the Cumberland Fairgrounds—bringing rides, games and farm fun.
The event will run through Sept. 27 and includes local agriculture, fried food and animal exhibits.
FOX23Read more
Business
Gill's Bar opens today at 133 Spring St. in Portland's West End in the old Bao Bao Dumpling House space.
Launched by the team behind Wayside Tavern, the bar offers a cocktail driven program with local and European beers and food like patty melts and Italian sandwiches (it will be open Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m.).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
The Nature Conservancy of Maine plans to remove four dams on the lower Kennebec River to help fish spawn, but local groups worry a drop of 15—20 feet could cut vital water for the Somerset Paper Mill.
Sappi North America, state officials and conservationists will work together to plan fixes like a natural fish passage and solar conversion while raising $140 million for the project, which could take up to 10 years.
FOX23Read more
Water levels in Maine hit record lows because a dry summer and high evaporation have reduced stream flows.
Experts note that nearly 10 streams are at all-time lows and the drought will continue with dry weather in the coming weeks — residents and local businesses are already noticing the changes.
WGMERead more
Government
Today, Greater Portland Council of Governments is using $3.9 million in federal funds to redevelop contaminated brownfield sites in Portland and Westbrook.
The program will create hundreds of housing units and 232 permanent jobs—construction on the Dana Street project in Westbrook will begin spring 2026.
WGMERead more
On Wednesday, Maine launched a new cabinet-level Department of Energy Resources to replace the Governor’s Energy Office—giving the department power to buy clean energy with the help of the Public Utilities Commission.
Dan Burgess became acting commissioner and must be confirmed by the state senate to lead Maine’s long-term energy planning.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Unitil announced that the Tukey’s Bridge section of the Back Cove Trail will be closed from Oct. 6 to Oct. 17 for pipeline maintenance—this closure is due to the path's narrowness and project complexity.
Signs will be posted at trail entrances and on electronic message boards at primary parking areas to inform users.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A new Maine law now stops credit agencies—along with medical providers—from listing medical debt on credit reports, protecting consumers from future financial harm.
The law will help Mainers avoid credit score drops that can limit access to housing and loans.
WGMERead more
Planned Parenthood and Maine Family Planning clinics received $6 million from the state after federal funds were cut—money that helps pay for cancer screenings, birth control and primary care for low-income patients.
WGMERead more
Sports
Legendary Winslow coach Wally LaFountain died last week at age 99 — he led Winslow High football from 1958 to 1968 and started the Maine-Nebraska wrestling exchange that brought youth together in sports.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
High school football Week 4 in Maine features several key matchups as undefeated Noble will visit Bonny Eagle in Class A South, Bangor challenges Portland in Class A North, and Gardiner aims to extend its win streak while traveling to Brewer.
Winthrop will face Dirigo amid injury concerns for a key player and unbeaten Lake Region in eight-man Large South will visit Yarmouth on Friday night.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine
Friday, October 10th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic sail through Casco Bay while enjoying exquisite European wines and autumn vistas.