Daily editionFriday, October 24th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of October.
Community
Volunteers at First Parish Church built more than 300 insulating window inserts on Oct. 15—helping lower heating bills for local residents—by assembling custom-fit panels that trap heat indoors.
The Rockland-based nonprofit WindowDressers organized community builds where participants work about four hours to earn inserts that cost around $50 or $67, with free options for qualifying residents.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Chef David Turin (active since 1983) was named this year's Lifetime Achievement Award winner by HospitalityMaine, and he will receive the honor on November 17 at Samoset Resort in Rockport.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Over the past week, drought conditions worsened in Maine with about 93% of the state under severe or extreme drought—only far northern Aroostook County remains under moderate drought.
Drinking water systems in Cumberland, Franklin, Oxford, Somerset, Washington and York Counties and 306 households with private wells reported challenges, and officials advised water conservation measures.
WGANRead more
Portland Trails closed a mile of Riverside Trail between Forest Avenue and Warren Avenue on Oct 17 due to safety and maintenance issues caused by litter and degraded structures—crews will work through the winter to repair the trail and plan to reopen it in the spring.
The nonprofit said the cleanup comes after homeless encampments made the area unsafe for regular maintenance.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland City Council rejected a $9.3M plan to add 265 parking spaces at the jetport on Monday — councilors and local residents raised concerns about environmental impacts, and jetport officials said they will review other parking solutions.
WGMERead more
Health
Maine’s extended drought may worsen fall allergies as wind keeps pollen and mold spores airborne—experts say studies do not yet confirm a direct link.
Allergy specialists report that dry weather may boost exposure while tests continue to track seasonal trends.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
New data from the Maine Association of Realtors shows the housing market is more buyer friendly as median home prices have fallen for three months in a row and homes now stay on the market longer — which gives buyers more negotiation power.
Prices are high in Cumberland and York with medians over $600,000 while northern areas like Aroostook see medians near $170,000.
WGANRead more
Sports
Westbrook’s Blue Blazes have improved from past losing records and now hold a 6 to 1 record after shutting out Kennebunk 20 to 0 as seniors lead the team in a potential title run in Class B South.
The team will face Gorham today to match its best win total in over 21 seasons — signaling a dramatic turnaround.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Marshwood high school volleyball advanced to the Class A quarterfinals after sweeping South Portland with a 25-19, 25-11, and 25-16 win in South Berwick—Brynn Folger recorded 29 assists while Nellie Young had 14 kills and Julia Sudol blocked six—and Riley Phipps added 14 digs and nine kills as they will face Cheverus/Waynflete on Saturday.
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Portland Events
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.
Literacy Tour 2025 with Julie Falatko
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 · 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Portland Public Library — Free entry — Explore enchanting stories with Daniel Tiger and Maine's own Julie Falatko.
Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery Concert
Thursday, November 13th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Tickets starting at $35 — Enjoy an exciting night of country music with top artists in Portland.