Daily editionSunday, September 28th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 28th of September.
Economy
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.
WGANRead more
Education
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.
WMTWRead more
Environment
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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.
WMTWRead more
Government
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.
WGMERead more
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.
WMTWRead more
Health
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 HeraldRead more
Sports
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 HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
LYRES! Concert with Mal Thursday and Tiger Bomb
Saturday, October 11th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Veterans of Foreign Wars — Tickets available — Experience Boston's garage revival legends LYRES live in Portland alongside local acts Mal Thursday and Tiger Bomb.
Fall Foliage Champagne and Oysters Sail
Sunday, October 12th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $195 — Sail through scenic Casco Bay while enjoying exquisite Champagnes and fresh oysters.