Daily
Portland
Sunday, September 28th, 2025
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 28th of September.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Cumberland Police are asking the public for help in finding 74-year-old Paul Woodard with Alzheimer's—he left his home on Balsam Drive at 1 p.m. Saturday and is described as 5'11, 162 pounds with gray hair and hazel eyes while needing his medication twice a day. WGME
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Officials on Mt. Desert Island warned that if Congress does not reach a budget agreement by the end of Tuesday, a partial government shutdown is expected to reduce National Park Service operations and possibly close Acadia National Park. The potential closure could lead tourists to stay home — hurting local hotels, restaurants, and shops and prompting layoffs for park employees. WGAN
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Friday night, the Mitchell Institute celebrated 30 years of awarding $10,000 scholarships to Maine students and has supported over 4,000 students with nearly $30 million since its founding in 1995. The celebration comes as state funding for higher education is decreasing—state cuts at two University of Maine campuses and the ending of Maine’s free college program with the class of 2025 add to the challenge. WMTW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Fall Foliage Report said leaves are changing earlier than usual because of a drought—cooler nights and shorter days speed this change, and northern Maine will reach peak color by early October while most of the state will be past its peak by the second or third week of October. WMTW
- ➤ Experts said this summer that rising heat is hurting Maine’s environment as cold-water spots in the Narraguagus River shrink—wild salmon struggle to spawn in higher temperatures. Researchers warn that warmer lakes and shifting forest ranges now signal bigger changes ahead if climate change continues. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Fall migration has brought rare wildlife sightings as Maine Audubon trips spotted a humpback whale off Bar Harbor, banded herring gulls, a record 29 Forster’s terns at Hills Beach in Biddeford, and a northern wheatear in Scarborough Marsh—each animal showing a long journey for food and shelter. These observations highlight how species from far away use Maine habitats at different points in their life cycles. Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new destroyer ship named U.S.S. Louis H Wilson Jr. was christened at Bath Iron Works on Saturday by officials including Gov. Janet Mills and Sen. Angus King—with a traditional bottle of sparkling wine marking the event. The ship, built with advanced missile detection systems, will be launched into the sea in the coming weeks to honor the decorated Marine Corps leader. WMTW
- ➤ Governor Mills today announced a $2.7 million investment in a new Life Sciences Center being built by the Maine Technology Institute in Portland to support Maine’s growing life sciences field—using a federal grant to fund a state-of-the-art lab that will boost start-up opportunities and local economic activity. WGME
- ➤ On November 4, Mainers will vote on a referendum that lets courts temporarily ban individuals from owning dangerous weapons when law enforcement, family, or household members show they pose a severe risk. MaryAnn Brown of South Portland urges a yes vote, saying it could help preempt tragedies seen in recent mass shootings in Minneapolis and Lewiston — a move to protect children and communities. Portland Press Herald
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Falls among older Mainers have led to a sharp rise in death rates from 47.7 per 100,000 in 2012 to 126.5 in 2023, and experts say the increase may stem from aging, fewer nursing homes, and home hazards. Health officials advise installing grab bars, exercising, and reviewing medications to help reduce risks — especially in rural areas. Portland Press Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, Portland’s Hearts of Pine won 1-0 over Texoma FC at Fitzpatrick Stadium after Nathan Messer scored in the 75th minute—this win moved the team to fifth place and extended its eight-match unbeaten streak. Portland Press Herald
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Scenic Train Ride
10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Enjoy a scenic 40-minute train ride with beautiful views of Casco Bay and learn about Maine's narrow gauge railroading history.
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The California Honeydrops Concert
7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket information available — Experience the vibrant sound of The California Honeydrops on their Redwood Highway Tour.
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Scenic Train Ride
11 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a charming 40-minute train ride along the stunning Casco Bay while uncovering the history of narrow gauge railroading.
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An Evening With David Byrne
8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets Available — Experience the legendary sounds of David Byrne live in concert.
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