Daily editionSaturday, October 11th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of October.
Community
Haylen Meader works as a tri-community liaison with the police in Cumberland, Yarmouth and Falmouth to connect people in crisis with mental health and substance use help—she also reaches out to schools and retirement communities.
The program began in 2022 using ARPA funds and is now jointly supported by all three towns to reduce repeated 911 calls.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Après in Portland has introduced Myelo seltzer — a tequila seltzer with guava, lime and sea salt — that will donate $1 per four-pack and $5 per case to the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England throughout October.
The tasting room will host a special event Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and donate $1 per pour on Oct. 25 in honor of World Spina Bifida Day.
WGMERead more
Education
Full-time faculty at Thomas College in Waterville voted to unionize and passed a vote of no confidence in college president Jeannine Diddle Uzzi.
Faculty raised concerns about transparency and unconsulted policy changes — noting a need for clear contractual protections — as 80% supported joining the Maine Education Association.
WMTWRead more
Sage Evans, a Cape Elizabeth student, was named a 2025 Presidential Scholar—one of 161 nationwide—and is a Dartmouth freshman studying government on a pre-law track.
She plans to pursue environmental law while balancing academics with debate, sailing and music.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Thursday, the Maine Department of Education unveiled its Reading and Math Action Plans to boost student skills after reports showed declining academic performance nationwide and building on a $10 million initiative from last year.
The plans will be managed by advisory councils led by former math teacher Victoria Cohen (math council leader) and Westbrook School Superintendent Peter Lancia (reading council leader).
WMTWRead more
Environment
Maine is now in a statewide drought as reports of dry wells rose from 303 to 364, with more than a quarter in Oxford County.
State geologist Ryan Gordon advises residents to conserve water — test wells regularly and avoid using purchased water in dry wells.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Maine's new $30 million trails program got 105 proposals asking for $16.7 million—much more than the $7.5 million available this year.
The state will announce the first awards in November and sign contracts over the winter with work set to begin on March 1.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
South Portland residents will vote on November 4 to decide on a new athletic complex for the high school by choosing between a natural grass field with a $4.6 million bond or a synthetic turf field with a $5.5 million bond — both options include a new track, lighting, and bathrooms. If both proposals pass, the option with the most votes will be built, following last year's failed $12.3 million referendum.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A Maine game warden and his K—9 found a missing 91-year-old man in the Edgecomb woods on Thursday night as freezing temperatures set in; EMS checked him and he was then released to his family.
FOX23Read more
Sports
Friday night high school football games in Maine featured many regional matchups as Bangor beat Windham 42 to 14, Bonny Eagle won 34 to 7 over Portland, and teams like Cony and Mt. Ararat posted strong wins — showcasing competitive local play.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Joshua Radin Concert
Friday, October 24th, 2025 · 8-10 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $11.99 — Enjoy an evening with the empathic troubadour known for heartfelt melodies and powerful storytelling.
The Cat and the Canary
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Family-friendly event — Celebrate Halloween with spooky tunes and a fun costume parade on the iconic Kotzschmar Organ.