Good morning, Portland.

Portland Parks and Recreation staff (led by course manager Ryan Scott and course superintendent Matt Teneyck) kept all 27 holes at Riverside Golf Course in good shape during a tough, dry summer despite minor delays from South Course renovations.

The nearly complete renovations (set to improve the course layout) will help golfers as the season winds down.

Aldi has delayed its Portland store opening until early 2026 at the Pine Tree Shopping Center on Brighton Avenue and work on the building is still underway.

The company will hire 15 to 20 employees — assistant manager, cashier and stocker roles — and plans to finish the store with open ceilings and plenty of natural light.

At Nonesuch Books and More in South Portland, the weekly bestseller lists show that 'The Correspondent' by Virginia Evans leads the fiction list and 'History Matters' by David McCullough tops the nonfiction list, giving readers a clear snapshot of local book trends.

The report highlights popular titles that continue to capture local interest with top-selling stories.

Halloween candy costs are rising in Maine as a rough cocoa season pushed chocolate prices higher, and shoppers are comparing deals at local stores.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average price of candy and gum increased by 8.1% in August—prompting consumers to hunt for bargains before the holiday.

Andrew Dolloff, Yarmouth superintendent since 2014, announced Wednesday he would retire at the end of this school year after nearly 40 years in Maine public schools—he will continue lecturing at USM, consulting on educational leadership and fly fishing in retirement while the School Committee starts its search for a new superintendent.

The Portland Diocese will reopen St. Dom’s campus for pre-K to eighth grade students after enrollment rose when Holy Cross could not meet space needs—this move follows the campus closure at the end of the school year.

The relocation will occur over Christmas break and gives students an extra week of vacation.

The town of North Yarmouth announced that all ash trees in Baston Park along Route 9 will be removed due to heavy emerald ash borer infestation that is killing the trees — officials will close the park while they chip the wood for energy and plan to plant new trees.

Leaf-peeping season has begun in New England but a summer-long drought has muted fall colors and caused leaves to drop early, a USDA meteorologist said.

Local experts note that while many hillsides show fewer bright hues, pockets of red and yellow still attract visitors—helping local tourism adjust to the shorter, less vibrant season.

Portland voters will decide on a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $19 by 2028—starting with an increase to $16.75 on January 1, 2026—which could affect over 15,000 workers and has split local opinion.

Older Mainers can save on park passes, train tickets, movie tickets and museum entry through AARP and state programs — the discounts apply to those 50 and older for leisure and cultural activities.

Betsy Ross Crossing is a new 52-unit affordable housing development for seniors in South Portland — it opened in late July and now holds 32 residents.

Officials expect the art-lined common areas to help the project reach full occupancy by November.

Marshwood (4-2) travels to Kennebunk (5-1) in the southern Maine football game of the week—Kennebunk has won three straight matchups by stopping Marshwood on two-point conversions, and Marshwood aims to rebound after a narrow 33-28 win over Falmouth last week.

Scenic Train Ride

2 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a delightful roundtrip train ride along Casco Bay with stunning waterside views and fascinating history.

Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine

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

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

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

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

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

8-10 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $11.99 — Enjoy an evening with the empathic troubadour known for heartfelt melodies and powerful storytelling.

Madilyn Mei Live Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Portland House Of Music and Events (HOME) — Tickets available now — Experience an unforgettable evening with the rising artist Madilyn Mei.

Saint Motel Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets from $47 — Experience a lively performance by the energetic band Saint Motel in Portland.

Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers

8-11 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Get your tickets ASAP — Experience the return of a songwriting legend for two nights in Portland!