Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 5th of October.
Good morning, Portland.
🏘️ Community
On Saturday, Maine Craft Weekend brought local art to visitors as they toured Running With Scissors studio and spoke with artists while they worked — more than 80 artists opened their studios to show their creative process and connect with the community.
Ben Michaud jogged in South Portland and picked up trash as part of his plogging routine — he found a wallet near Mahoney Middle School belonging to a single mother and returned it promptly, drawing praise from police and online attention.
He said he will keep plogging to help clean up the community.
📰 Economy
Maine's blue economy supports many jobs with lobstering, aquaculture, and ocean data harvesting while facing challenges from limited infrastructure and warming waters.
State officials formed a Blue Economy Task Force and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute bought property on Union Wharf to help keep the waterfront working—officials plan to boost the sector soon.
🌲 Environment
Maine farmers are facing crop losses as a long drought from summer continues into fall—farmers like Bob Parsons saw a 20% drop in corn yields and Heath Miller is hauling extra water to keep his cows fed.
State officials say more rain is needed before the ground freezes to help ease the damage and allow farming to recover.
🏛️ Government
Jonathan Bush, a Cape Elizabeth health tech entrepreneur and relative of former presidents, is expected to announce his run for governor next Wednesday in Belfast—joining a growing field for the open seat in 2026—and aims to bring his business experience to Maine politics.
🏥 Health
Maine doctors say parents are asking more vaccine questions as federal guidelines change and online information adds to their concerns—doctors stress that vaccines have a long record of preventing serious illness despite new doubts about newer shots like COVID-19 and the flu.
Dr. Linda Glass at Pediatric Associates in Lewiston urges parents to talk with their doctors to understand the proven benefits of vaccines.
🏈 Sports
Valley High graduate Cody Laweryson returned to his old gym on Saturday after making his major league debut with the Minnesota Twins on Sept.
13—local fans cheered him on as he planned to work on his pitching for next season.
The Maine Marathon starts at 7:45 a.m. today at Pedro Field on Baxter Boulevard in Portland as Baxter Boulevard and Payson Park will be closed to non-local traffic from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spectators are advised to park in designated lots + use alternative routes to safely cheer on the runners along the course.
On Saturday, Portland freshman Nora Schmidt won the girls race in 17:47.78 and Freeport senior Alex Gilbert won the boys race in 15:45.82 at the 24th Festival of Champions held at Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast while runners dealt with high heat.
Schmidt led from start to finish and earned her fourth win of the season as competitors from 95 schools tackled the dry, warm course.
The University of Maine beat Bryant 34—14 in Smithfield on Saturday after building a 34-point lead in the first half.
Quarterback Carter Peevy threw 338 yards and three touchdowns as the Black Bears improved to 2—4 in the Colonial Athletic Association.
On Saturday, Greely’s boys soccer defeated Camden Hills 4-0 in Rockport as Connor Skillin scored twice and Hunter Caiazzo and Lucas Sproul added goals to boost their record to 7-1 while Camden Hills dropped to 6-1-2.
Field hockey and girls soccer games also ended with wins — Cheverus won 9-0 over South Portland/Westbrook, Sanford beat Portland/Deering 12-0, Windham edged Marshwood 5-2, and Scarborough, Mustangs, and Monmouth Academy each secured a victory in Kennebunk, Monmouth, and Old Orchard Beach respectively.
🎉 Portland Events
Submit an event →
Scenic Train Ride in Casco Bay
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.
Mainebiz Portland 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes Forum 2025
7:30-10:30 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland — Ticket prices vary — Gain 60 actionable business ideas from Maine CEOs to inspire your career.
Scenic Train Ride
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
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
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
3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $195 — Sail through scenic Casco Bay while enjoying exquisite Champagnes and fresh oysters.
Scenic Train Ride
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.
Scenic Train Ride
2 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a delightful roundtrip train ride along Casco Bay with stunning waterside views and fascinating history.
Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine
3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic wine sail with Mediterranean reds against the backdrop of Maine’s stunning autumn foliage.
Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine
3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $195 — Experience wine and oysters while sailing through the vibrant autumn waters of Casco Bay.
🏠 Portland Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Portland Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Portland Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Portland.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.