Daily editionThursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
Culture
Portland and other Maine theaters will show many films this month from October 12th to 25th—such as the Indigenous Film Tour at the PMA on Oct 13, a 16mm screening of Withnail and I at Kinonik on Oct 15, a Tobe Hooper documentary at Space on Oct 15, Festival Champlain's French-language lineup at the PMA from Oct 16 to 19, the New England premiere of Our Hero, Balthazar in Portsmouth, The Last Dragon at Nickelodeon Cinemas on Oct 19 and 20, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Eveningstar Cinema on Oct 19 and 25.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Matthew Bernier, a Belfast engineer and poet known for restoring Atlantic salmon, releases 'Slack Tide'—a poem that captures a brief moment of stillness with imagery of stars, deer, and gentle tides.
The work appears in Deep Water: Maine Poems and submissions remain open through the end of the year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Jonathan Bush, the cousin of former President George W. Bush, announced his run for governor and said he built jobs with his company to help Maine's economy; he will kick off his statewide tour this week with stops from Presque Isle to Lewiston—aiming to bring business ideas to both sides of the aisle.
FOX23Read more
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced an expanded investigation after 250 absentee ballots for Ellsworth ended up in a woman's Amazon package when the security tape went missing—Ellsworth officials replaced the ballots and began early in-person voting on Monday.
WGMERead more
Portland is considering raising snow ban parking fines from $40 to $175, but the fine will drop to $40 if a vehicle is towed—offsetting a $135 tow fee.
The proposal also adds six new ban locations to the existing 22 and a public hearing is set for Wednesday at 5 p.m.
FOX23Read more
The Maine Department of Energy Resources released the Winter Heating Guide for 2025-26 which shows that emergency aid for households drops from $800 to $500, with funds starting Nov. 1.
The guide gives simple heating tips and lists local agencies—helping residents learn how to apply.
WMTWRead more
A Portland City Council committee has delayed talks on a three-year contract to renew the Back Cove Music and Arts Festival — councilor Kate Sykes said she must vote no without changes to shorten the term.
Promoters warned the delay could jeopardize a festival planned for next summer.
FOX23Read more
Health
The Maine CDC said pediatric COVID-19 vaccines will soon arrive in doctors' offices, possibly as early as next week, because delays in the Vaccines for Children program have slowed orders.
Health officials warn that high demand may lead to further delivery delays.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine woman Allyson Welsh said her life was saved by an off-duty firefighter who gave hands-only CPR after she had a heart problem near the South Portland bridge and at her gym.
She spent four days in the hospital and now urges everyone to learn CPR—quick help can stop brain damage until EMS arrives.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Maine Tech Week
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 · 8 AM – 9 PM — Aura — Ticket required — Celebrate and connect with Maine's vibrant tech community through talks and hands-on sessions.