Daily editionWednesday, October 8th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of October.
Community
Windham Historical Society held its annual fall festival this weekend to raise funds for repairing the old Town Hall and preserving a nearly 200-year-old building.
Local vendors, authors, and musical acts entertained over 500 attendees while the funds will remove mold from the crawlspace and fix the sinking floor—ensuring its lasting use.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Local groups are hosting community meals in Westbrook and Buxton with a drive-thru turkey dinner on Oct 11 at Highland Lake Grange, a bean supper on Oct 11 at Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, a free meal on Oct 15 at Westbrook Community Center, and additional bean supper and free meal on Oct 18—each event offers set menus and prices with options for children.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Susan's Fish-n-Chips on Forest Ave in Portland, open since 1989, will close on October 30—rising product costs and increased wages forced the decision.
WGMERead more
South Portland’s Fork Food Lab offers a shared kitchen space for aspiring food entrepreneurs without their own commercial kitchen — a setup that helps new food businesses start and grow.
FOX23Read more
Culture
Portland sculptor Lin Lisberger presents her wood sculpture show '20 Walks: Lin Lisberger' at USM Art Gallery in Gorham through December 10—each piece reflects a cherished memory from her mindful walks and showcases her skill in carving locally harvested chestnut.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Wildfires in Maine are increasing as the drought continues with 762 fires reported this year including one in Alfred that burned a third of an acre—Forest Service officials say over 90 percent of these fires are human-caused by open debris burning and recreational campfires.
Rain Tuesday night into Wednesday is expected to help improve conditions.
FOX23Read more
Government
Opponents say Central Maine Power’s five-year plan will raise bills by $35 a month and urge customers to speak at public hearings on Oct. 14 in Freeport and Oct. 15 in Hallowell, both at 6 p.m. Seth Berry from advocacy group Our Power says customers should attend to show how the rate hike would hurt them—like giving evidence in a court case.
WMTWRead more
State Auditor Matt Dunlap announced Monday he is running for Congress in Maine's 2nd District—saying he will fight for affordable healthcare, lower living costs, and higher wages while challenging incumbent Jared Golden and former Governor Paul LePage.
FOX23Read more
Portland City Council approved a $400,000 grant from the Maine Housing Authority to fund a winter warming shelter at 166 Riverside Street — a building that houses asylum seekers.
The shelter will open when temperatures drop below 15 degrees or when 10 inches of snow fall and will serve up to 60 people with priority for asylum seekers.
FOX23Read more
Fore, York and Center streets—known as Gorham’s Corner—will be turned into a mini roundabout as the city separates the sewer and storm drain, and the project will go out to bid next year.
WGMERead more
Sen. Susan Collins outlined a plan with six points to end the government shutdown during a stop in Portland on Monday as essential federal workers worked without pay—military, law enforcement, and air traffic controllers.
Her proposal comes amid partisan blame and debates over health care and tax credits as lawmakers work to avoid further layoffs.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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.
Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 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
Sunday, October 19th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $195 — Experience wine and oysters while sailing through the vibrant autumn waters of Casco Bay.
Big Thief Concert
Monday, October 20th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets starting at $174 — Experience the mesmerizing sounds of Big Thief live in Portland.
Maine Community Bank's LaunchPad Live Competition
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 · 4:30-7:30 p.m. — Innovation Hall, University of New England — Free admission — Witness Maine's best small businesses pitch for a $50,000 grant and network with local entrepreneurs.