Daily editionTuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
Community
The Meadowbrook Equestrian Center barn burned on Sept. 18, leaving eight horses in need of shelter and prompting the center to convert its indoor arena into temporary stalls + local donors and businesses have donated support while a GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $21,000 toward rebuilding the historic barn.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Customer Gretchen Ascher took her 1970 Panasonic record player to New England Hi-Fi for repairs but after months of delays the South Portland shop closed abruptly — landlords later held a public sale of its abandoned equipment without notifying her.
Ascher now searches online for her missing family heirloom.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Harvest on the Harbor returns to Portland from October 30 to November 1 at Maine Studio Work at 170 Anderson St.—the event features local chefs, seafood and spirits for adults 21 and older.
FOX23Read more
Local audiences will have a busy week of events as the stage production 'Misery' at The Public Theatre in Lewiston runs from Friday to Nov. 9 and OgunquitFest in downtown Ogunquit offers trick-or-treating and a craft fair from Friday to Sunday — additional activities include 'A Monster Calls' in Gorham, Portland Ballet’s 'Adventures in Wonderland' in Westbrook, the Guild Fine Craft Show in Brunswick, and WMPG’s record sale at 92 Bedford St. on Oct. 26.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
The Cape Elizabeth school district will form a Greater Cape School and Community Alliance that unites local business and nonprofit leaders with school staff to support hands-on learning opportunities.
The group will hold its first meeting on October 29th at the fire station — aiming to create stronger community partnerships for real-world learning.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Oct. 20, National School Bus Safety Week and School Bus Driver Appreciation Week began in Maine, and South Portland advocate Adrian Dowling urged drivers to obey laws requiring them to stop for school buses.
Dowling warned that many drivers break these rules and that failing to stop can lead to a $250 fine, a 30-day license suspension, and higher insurance rates—critical measures to protect our children.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Wastewater experts (in Maine) have urged lawmakers to stop landfilling biosolids after four studies found that landfills lack long-term capacity and that applying biosolids to land causes less environmental harm, a safer alternative that supports climate goals (Maine banned spreading treated sludge in 2022 due to PFAS concerns, yet all biosolids have been landfilled or shipped out of state).
FOX23Read more
A CDC and DEP study found that benzene levels near the Pearl Street tank farm exceeded state air guidelines in samples taken from November 2023 to May 2025—officials say further testing will guide safety measures.
City council members discussed a proposed 1,000-foot setback for new development as they await the final report next fall.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland officials said the Tukey’s Bridge section of Back Cove Trail has been closed for gas pipeline maintenance since Monday — it will reopen for the weekend before closing again Oct. 27 through Oct. 31; Greater Portland Metro is offering free bus rides at three stops near the bridge.
WMTWRead more
Health
CBS13 and FOX23 will join the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office on Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. — at CBS13 studios, 81 Northport Drive in Portland — to help residents safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications.
FOX23Read more
Lifestyle
Portland food editor Peggy Grodinsky tried making homemade gummy candy and faced many problems like molds sticking and textures turning wrong.
She changed ingredients for better chew—now she says buying Haribo is a smarter choice.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
The Maine men’s hockey team tied Quinnipiac on Friday and lost 4—0 on Saturday after allowing two late goals and struggling with its penalty kill, which dropped them from seventh to ninth in the US College Hockey Online poll.
The team will play Colgate at Alfond Arena in Orono this weekend to try to regain its momentum.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Pierre Bensusan Live Performance
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting blend of world music with Pierre Bensusan's captivating guitar melodies.
All Hallow's Market and Flash Tattoo Event
Friday, October 31st, 2025 · 11 AM – 11 PM — Brass & Briar Studios — Free entry — Explore spooky vendors and grab unique flash tattoos at this Halloween-themed market.
Worcester Railers vs. Maine Mariners
Friday, November 7th, 2025 · 7:15-8:45 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket required for all ages 2 and up — Catch an exciting hockey showdown in Portland!
Annual Celtic Fair 2025
Saturday, November 8th, 2025 · 9 AM – 3 PM — Maine Irish Heritage Center — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with Irish dance, festive food, and local artistry.
Tape B Concert
Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — State Theatre — $55 — Experience the sounds of Tape B live in concert at the iconic State Theatre in Portland.