Daily editionSunday, August 10th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 10th of August.
Culture
St. Peter’s Church in Little Italy celebrated its 100th Italian Bazaar over Friday and Saturday—live music, games and Italian treats including pizza, gelato and cannoli were on offer.
Jim Ciampi led a seven-piece band Friday—while Dan Fontaine with the Memphis Sun Mafia Band was set to perform a Viva Las Elvis tribute on Saturday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
A July report shows Maine’s school funding formula based on property taxes leaves some districts with little or no state support—lawmakers will review detailed modeling in December to decide whether to adjust the system.
The changes aim to better balance support for communities where residents pay high taxes despite average incomes.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Jim Billings, the executive director of Maine Commission on Public Defense Services, will step down on October 10 to pursue private practice, marking him as the second director to leave in recent years.
Deputy Executive Director Eleanor Maciag said the agency has posted a job listing as it faces a budget shortfall.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Maine hospitals have waited years for Medicaid reimbursements—forcing closures like Northern Light Inland in Waterville, which closed in June, and pushing hospitals to struggle with rising costs.
Federal and state plans that will cut MaineCare funding and delay payments further add to the financial strain on providers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Bureau of Insurance will hold an online forum on August 15 at 9 a.m. to discuss proposed rate increases of up to 32% for individual and small group health plans in 2026 — officials warned that average premiums could rise 26% and urged consumers to contact lawmakers to help slow these hikes.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 draft prospect and hometown star, returned to Maine and held the Cooper and Ace Flagg Basketball ProCamp in Orono while attending Nokomis High School’s graduation on June 6—he said being home helped him recharge and feel normal despite his celebrity life.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Ace Flagg, a Newport native, returned home to start his first season at the University of Maine and hosted a basketball camp in Orono on Saturday where his twin brother, Cooper Flagg, an NBA draftee, also joined.
His parents said his decision brings the team closer to family (adding local strength) as the Black Bears prepare for the upcoming season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Bingo at Elks Lodge
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Purchase bingo cards on-site — Enjoy a fun-filled day of bingo with lunch options and ample parking.
The Dead South Live Concert
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an engaging evening with the folk-bluegrass sounds of The Dead South.
Weekly SUP Community Paddles
Thursday, August 14th, 2025 · 7:30-8:30 a.m. — Portland Paddle — Free entry — Connect with fellow paddlers for an hour of fun on the water during summer months.
The Big Bounce America
Friday, August 15th, 2025 · 9 AM – 3 PM — Cumberland Fairgrounds — Ticket required — Experience inflatable fun for all ages in the World’s Biggest Bounce House.
Lake Street Dive Concert Pass
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Tickets from $102 — Experience the genre-defying sound of Lake Street Dive live in Portland, ME.
Wine Sail - Piedmont
Sunday, August 17th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Tickets required — Experience a delightful evening of wine education and sailing on Casco Bay.
Ask A Librarian! Drop-in Question Sessions
Monday, August 18th, 2025 · 1-3 p.m. — Freeport Community Library — Free — Get help with technology, research, and more at this community resource session.
Community Bingo Event
Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Purchase cards on-site — Enjoy a fun day of Bingo with food and prizes.
Bess Jacques & The Strays
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an eclectic mix of jazz, Americana, and faux-tango-pop from the talented Bess Jacques & The Strays.
Josh Ritter Concert
Thursday, August 21st, 2025 · 7-9 PM — State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful and deep songwriting of Josh Ritter at a charming live venue.