Daily editionThursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
Community
Deb Roberts recalled having dinner with her son before he headed to sea on the El Faro — which sank 10 years ago and claimed 33 lives — and she has since started a memorial fund to honor his memory.
Families gathered in Florida at a private ceremony to share stories and remember their loved ones.
FOX23Read more
Culture
The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is showing 65 rare photographs by Gordon Parks taken in Maine in 1944 (showing local life during the war) that offer a glimpse into the state's past.
The free show runs until November 9.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Wednesday, Maine Maritime Academy held a ceremony to honor five alumni who died when the cargo ship El Faro sank during Hurricane Joaquin ten years ago—marking a heartfelt tribute to the lost mariners.
Eight bells rang to remember them as leaders said the ceremony helped begin the healing process.
FOX23Read more
Maine brothers Sam and Marcus Bagala from Gray write music for film and podcasts.
Their work is heard in the documentary Clemente about baseball star Roberto Clemente and the Star Trek: Khan podcast that features George Takei — they used a string quartet and horns to add drama to the sound.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Good Theater kicks off its 22nd season today — its first main stage show in its new home at Stevens Square at Baxter Woods — with the Broadway musical comedy It Shoulda Been You after leaving Munjoy Hill last year.
WGMERead more
Good Theater began its 22nd main stage season today at its new home at Stevens Square at Baxter Woods—opening with the Broadway musical comedy 'It Shoulda Been You.' The company left its 21-year home on Munjoy Hill last year and will continue offering productions in this venue.
FOX23Read more
Government
The federal government shutdown that began Tuesday at midnight left 12,000 Maine employees in limbo and raised concerns about future impacts—Portland Press Herald asks federal workers and others to report how they are affected through a secure form without sharing names.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Heather Anderson is fighting to bring her husband home after his stroke left him paralyzed and in need of long-term rehabilitation that Maine cannot provide, so he received treatment in New Jersey.
The story shows a statewide shortage of specialized care facilities as many nursing homes have closed in recent years+Anderson faces high travel costs and long separations from their children.
WMTWRead more
Accidents
On October 1, 2015, the cargo ship El Faro sank off the Bahamas in a Category 4 hurricane—killing all 33 people on board including four from Maine—and prompting changes in maritime safety rules.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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.
Scenic Train Ride
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 · 2 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a delightful 40-minute roundtrip train ride while soaking in the stunning views of Casco Bay.