Daily editionSaturday, July 26th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 26th of July.
Community
Animal shelters in Maine are filling up as more people give up their pets because living costs have risen.
The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland has taken in 300 animals—half from overcrowded shelters—and asks pet owners to check available support before surrendering their pets.
WMTWRead more
Portland Planning Board held a workshop on Prosperity Place—an affordable housing project on Brighton Ave that will build 50 family-sized units in its first phase, with plans for 100 apartments in the future.
The project, a partnership between Developers Collaborative and Prosperity Maine, will use low-income housing funds and is set for occupancy in late 2027 pending board approval.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
The Portland Theater Festival presents Make Believe at Portland Stage Studio Theater—a play that shows four siblings as children in an attic playroom and again 30 years later as adults.
The production runs through Aug. 10 with a cast talkback scheduled for July 27.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Animal Welfare Society's Woofstock (46 Holland Road, Kennebunk) runs today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers live music, food trucks, craft brews and pet activities for families.
WGMERead more
Government
The Maine Department of Public Safety is still investigating the death of Baxter, a three year old chocolate lab that became the state’s first official comfort dog and was found dead in May in a state vehicle outside Bangor Regional Communications Center.
The review is now part of an independent investigation by the Animal Welfare Program of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry—pending the release of training documents and veterinary records.
FOX23Read more
Maine BMV wait times remain high—more than 60% of visitors are seeking REAL IDs nearly four months after enforcement began.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said that as of July 1, 32% of Mainers have REAL IDs and advised those looking to avoid long lines to book an appointment online.
FOX23Read more
Accidents
Louis Meyers, a train engineer from Dover-Foxcroft, sued Canadian Pacific Railway Tuesday in Bangor after his train derailed on Oct. 19 when washed-out tracks nearly impaled him and left him with permanent injuries, and he now seeks compensation for lost wages, medical bills and loss of enjoyment of life.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
PMA Films: In the Mood for Love (2000) + In the Mood for Love 2021
Sunday, July 27th, 2025 · 12:00 – 1:50 PM — Portland Museum of Art — $ — Experience the breathtaking romance and visual splendor of Wong Kar Wai's masterful films exploring intimate connections.
Lewis Robinson Discusses The Islanders
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 · 6:30-8 p.m. — Peaks Island Community Center — Free entry — Maine author Lewis Robinson shares insights about his new novel, The Islanders, during the Friends of Peaks Island Library Annual Meeting.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Tickets required — Explore Portland’s scenic coast and historic sites aboard a classic fire engine while enjoying live narration.
Dan Soder Live
Thursday, July 31st, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Dan Soder, the comedic talent behind 'Mafee' from Billions.
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, August 1st, 2025 · 3:00-5:30 p.m. — Waterfront in Portland — Ticket price includes food and drinks — Explore Maine's seafood culture with local delicacies and insightful guidance.
Outdoor Painting Class in Portland, Maine
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — Scenic Spot near Portland — Cost included — Capture Maine's stunning landscapes with guidance from a local artist.
The Avett Brothers Concert
Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Tickets from $170 — Experience an unforgettable evening with The Avett Brothers in Portland, ME.
National Root Beer Float Day Celebration
Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 · 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront ME — Donations encouraged — Enjoy delicious root beer floats while supporting The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital.
The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse Live
Thursday, August 7th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Not specified — Experience a night of psychedelic rock with The Flaming Lips and indie vibes from Modest Mouse.
Guster On The Ocean
Friday, August 8th, 2025 · 3 PM – 9 PM — Thompson's Point — Ticket pricing varies — Experience three days of Guster's live performances by the beautiful ocean in Portland.