Daily editionTuesday, October 14th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 14th of October.
Community
Deputy Chief Brian Langerman of Westbrook Fire Department earned the state's first chief emergency medical services officer credential, making him Maine's first dual-credentialed public safety leader.
Westbrook events continue with a Lions Club bottle drive on Oct 18 at American Legion Hall, a Christmas Craft Fair at St. Hyacinth Church on Nov 1, and a Rotary golf tournament that raised over $30,000 for community programs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Low Stakes Lodge in Old Port will close permanently this fall as its owners plan to renovate the space — repurposing it as a private events area for Highroller Lobster Co. — and it will remain open for a few more weeks before the renovations begin.
The restaurant did not set a specific closure date.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
State data released last week shows that after five years of rapid growth, recreational cannabis sales in Maine are leveling off as prices drop and sales lag—indicating a maturing market with an oversupply that is raising concerns among small growers.
Officials noted that while overall sales remain strong, rising costs and reduced demand may force mom-and-pop producers to struggle in the current market.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Singer-songwriter Maia Sharp released her album Tomboy on Sept. 12 and will perform in Yarmouth on Friday at 7 p.m. at Founder’s Hall on Main St.—she will co-headline a concert with Catie Curtis in Brownfield on Oct. 25.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Monday marked the seventh official Indigenous Peoples' Day in Maine as museums partnered with native tribes for free events starting at 10 a.m.—the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine hosted a performance by the Burnurwubskek Singers while the Portland Museum of Art and Abbe Museum opened their doors for self-guided tours, and USPS, banks, and government offices closed despite retailers and delivery services remaining open.
WMTWRead more
Economy
Portland’s hotel industry has grown steeply—two decades ago there were only three hotels and now more than a dozen exist with plans for more— as Quincy Hentzel of the Chamber said market studies and seasonal demand drive the expansion.
The Eggs and Issues event will discuss this topic Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at USM Hannaford Hall on Bedford St.
WGANRead more
Government
Portland voters are asked to decide on a measure that would raise the city’s minimum wage from $15.50 an hour to $16.75 on January 1 — the ordinance also sets a $1 increase in 2027 and a rise to $19 at the start of January 2028 — as part of a plan tied to living cost changes.
FOX23Read more
Today the Maine Public Utilities Commission holds a hearing at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport and another tomorrow at 6 p.m. at its offices in Hallowell to review Central Maine Power's five-year plan.
The plan would raise bills by about $17 in year one and up to $35 by year five while funding $1.4 billion in grid improvements and new Maine-based hires—customers worry about rising rates.
WGMERead more
Health
The state funded free blood tests for over 600 Maine households exposed to PFAS from sludge-based fertilizer that contaminated soil and drinking water wells—eligible residents and farmhands can use authorization letters from their doctor to guide follow-up care.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
A local cook used Italian canning methods to turn fresh market tomatoes into passata and chutney as Maine’s tomato season ended.
He followed safety tips—adding lemon juice and proper processing—to preserve a heavy box of tomatoes before they became too ripe.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
In Varsity Maine football Week 6, standout players helped push teams to big wins as Leavitt’s Randan Hutchinson rushed for 117 yards and scored three touchdowns in Gardiner's 32-7 win — while Iggy McGrath completed 14 of 17 passes for 352 yards and six touchdowns as Yarmouth beat Traip Academy.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Saint Motel Concert
Monday, October 27th, 2025 · 7:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets from $47 — Experience a lively performance by the energetic band Saint Motel in Portland.