Good morning, Portland.

Maine native Tucker Pillsbury (performing as Role Model) recently appeared on NBC’s Today and Tonight Shows and is set to perform his sold-out first Maine concert today at Thompson’s Point; he will sign copies of his new album on Saturday at Bull Moose in South Portland.

Maine farmers and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association have urged Hannaford to prioritize local produce and offer fair contracts after empty carrot shelves reappeared this spring due to supply issues.

Talks continue between Hannaford and MOFGA (fair pricing) as they work to boost the local agricultural economy.

Westbrook City Council approved a one-year pilot program that will give 700 high school students free unlimited Metro bus passes for the 2026–27 school year starting at the end of August, despite concerns from residents (over a new bus stop near Monroe Avenue affecting traffic).

The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Arundel has suspended its fall classes after efforts to secure a buyer failed, and student orientation set for September has been canceled while the Board of Trustees reviews the school’s future.

Researchers at College of the Atlantic reported a surge in nearshore humpback whale sightings off the Maine coast on Thursday, Aug.

6. Boaters were reminded to keep 100 yards away and share safe photos to help track the whales.

Gray Town Council approved a temporary moratorium on data center construction, retroactive to July 14 + lasting 180 days to allow time for drafting new zoning rules after Gov. Mills vetoed a statewide measure.

Former Gov. Paul LePage held a campaign event inside Maine Military Supply in Holden on Thursday morning+ he received an NRA endorsement while stressing his strong support for gun rights in his bid for Maine's 2nd Congressional District seat against state auditor Matt Dunlap.

Portland launched a Downtown Ambassadors program last July and the team of 10 full-time employees keeps the streets clean by removing trash, graffiti (a key improvement) and referring unhoused people to city services.

They also installed over 160 flower baskets on light poles, working daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Starting Dec. 18, MaineHealth will move labor and delivery services from Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta to Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, while preserving prenatal care and expanding gynecologic services at Lincoln.

The new regional model follows a months-long review and community input.

Maine Listings said median sale prices for existing single-family homes rose from $227,500 in June 2018 to $436,000 in June 2026 — a 92% increase that outpaced the national 60% rise.

High demand and low inventory during the pandemic fueled the price surge.

Two local youth soccer coaches are turning a former Washington Avenue call center into a 27,000 sqft indoor training facility for soccer youth this fall.

The Training Ground (at 43 Northport Drive near Northgate) will feature two side fields for six on six play and four glass-enclosed fields.