Daily editionWednesday, October 15th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of October.
Business
Maine Christmas tree farmers say the drought has raised sapling losses while older pines remain healthy and will be harvested after Thanksgiving for the holiday season—extra irrigation has helped keep most trees ready for market.
They expect a strong harvest to meet holiday demand despite rising costs for some equipment.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Fork in the Road pizzeria launched on Oct. 6 at One City Center in downtown Portland in the former Tic Taco space, offering counter service in an atrium food court.
Owner Joe Kenny crafts artisanal Brooklyn-style pizzas with creative toppings and serves breakfast items while planning to extend hours and add delivery.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Spirits Alive will host a guided tour titled 'Walk Among the Shadows'—retelling the tragic bombardment of Falmouth in 1775—and will run at Eastern Cemetery in Portland from October 16 through 19 and October 23 through 26 to mark the 250th anniversary of the event.
WGMERead more
The Portland Symphony Orchestra will perform its 'Spooky Symphony' on Saturday and Sunday with spooky, ghostly tunes designed to send chills down your spine—communication director Allison Paige said the event will capture the Halloween spirit for local music fans.
FOX23Read more
Spirits Alive will lead guided tours at Eastern Cemetery that retell Falmouth’s 1775 bombardment—marking Maine’s 250th anniversary of its Baptism by Fire.
The event, Walk Among the Shadows, will run October 16-19 and 23-26 in Portland—inviting locals to hear first-hand accounts of the tragic past.
FOX23Read more
Education
USM now has a permanent esports arena on its Gorham campus built with a $750K gift from Town and Country Federal Credit Union — the new facility is expected to boost student participation as advocates hope it will help the sport grow.
FOX23Read more
Environment
Poland Spring voluntarily reduced water pumping at its clear spring site in Hollis and at a location in Fryeburg—monitoring aquifer levels daily as Maine’s drought kept groundwater low.
The company said its steps taken on September 1 help maintain long-term sustainability while the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has not mandated any reductions.
WGMERead more
Richard Anderson, a 90-year-old conservationist, was honored by Scarborough Land Trust for his lifelong dedication to protecting local natural areas such as Scarborough Marsh.
He led efforts that secured public access to nature and shaped state policies for environmental protection + his work continues to inspire local conservation action.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland leaders want the new Amtrak station built at Site 2 near Union Plaza because it offers better walkability and a chance for transit-oriented development—while the rail authority favors Site 3 near Mercy Hospital for smoother train operations.
MaineHealth opposes Site 2 over safety risks, and officials will continue discussions this fall to reach a compromise.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Older Mainers face tough challenges in health care and housing as high costs and long travel distances limit access to doctors and affordable homes; experts say community programs and state services are under pressure because 23% of residents are over 65 — changes are needed to support aging in Maine.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Greely moved up to fourth in the Varsity Maine football poll after beating Wells 35 to 14 and joined Noble in the top five with wins over Marshwood and Sanford (poll based on games before Oct. 14) while Thornton Academy, Bonny Eagle, and Cony hold the top three spots.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Gray-New Gloucester High School hosted the 25th Crossroads Championship last weekend and more than 1,200 young athletes from over 100 teams competed while a scarecrow display welcomed attendees—officials also held a ceremony honoring former club presidents and launched the 'Patriots go Pink' fundraiser that helped fund training equipment, field fees and scholarships. Proceeds will support local athletic programs and the Dempsey Center.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
BD NOW | 2025 Innovation Summit
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 · 5:00 PM – 11:30 AM — Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port — $209.00 plus taxes — A participant-driven experience designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate business development professionals from across the country.