Daily editionFriday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
Business
Mornings in Paris opened a new cafe in Falmouth that serves French-inspired coffee and artisan pastries—providing a warm European ambiance every day for local residents.
FOX23Read more
Fired Market Basket CEO Arthur T. Demoulas filed a 94-page counterclaim asking a Delaware court to reinstate him after the board removed him last month when mediation failed — he says the board acted unfairly and aimed to force him out.
The board replaced him with interim CEO Donald T. Mulligan, who has worked at Market Basket for 42 years, and they maintain their decision meets stockholder needs while the chain operates in Westbrook, Biddeford and Topsham and builds a new store at The Downs in Scarborough.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Turning Arts Studio owners Zachary Fields and Janna DeWan in Bowdoinham will open their studio during Maine Craft Weekend on Saturday and Sunday to show pottery demonstrations—Fields will use a gas-fired raku kiln to fire pots at nearly 2,000 degrees while DeWan exhibits her decorative collage-style techniques. Their studio on 182 Ridge Road will host activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and other central Maine studios will welcome visitors for the event.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sea Love, a local candle bar and boutique, offers a fall custom candle making experience as customers choose scents like pumpkin and autumn air to create a personalized candle—this seasonal service lets patrons swap out summer scents for fall favorites.
FOX23Read more
Education
A video from Sept. 25 in Raymond showed that while Emily Allen’s son safely got off the bus, the Regional School Unit 14 bus began moving as her daughter struggled to step off, and her backpack got caught in the door before the bus briefly stopped and continued its route.
Allen complained to district officials and said she will keep her children off the bus until the issue is fully resolved + superintendent Christopher Howell confirmed the district followed its policies and is investigating.
WMTWRead more
Maine schools built between the 1950s and 1970s face serious repair needs as high costs and deferred maintenance worsen conditions.
A recent report (from April) noted that 500 of the 600 existing schools may need replacing in the next 20 years as declining enrollment prompts talks of consolidating buildings.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Gorham High School is in secure status due to nearby police activity—doors are locked and classes in portable buildings have moved inside while officials confirm there is no threat inside the building.
WGMERead more
Environment
Maine has seen a severe drought that left more than 300 wells dry in 10 counties after a very dry summer, affecting both residents and local farms.
The Maine Emergency Management Agency said a rainmaker is coming next week—raising hopes to ease the water shortage and help agriculture recover.
FOX23Read more
Government
The Portland Police Department is expanding its community policing offices in Portland—new centers at Monument Square and Elm Street will boost ties between officers and residents while helping new Americans learn about local policing.
FOX23Read more
The federal government shutdown began Wednesday after lawmakers failed to pass a temporary budget—workers from air traffic control to military personnel in Maine have not been paid while some services like TSA screening and park maintenance continue with possible delays.
The shutdown may worsen if it lasts longer, with additional layoffs and furloughs planned for nonessential employees.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine voters will begin in-person absentee voting on Oct. 6 and must return ballots by polls closing on Nov. 4 as they decide on two statewide ballot questions about voting rules and gun regulations — local races will also be on the ballot.
Residents can request mail-in ballots until Oct. 30 and register to vote until Election Day.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Acadia National Park stays mostly open during the government shutdown as essential visitor services continue—avoiding past disruptions—and Maine Senator Susan Collins warned that closing the park during peak fall foliage season would hurt local businesses and workers.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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.
An Evening with Patty Griffin and Rickie Lee Jones
Friday, October 17th, 2025 · 7-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of music with two iconic American artists in a rare double bill.