Daily editionTuesday, August 12th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of August.
Culture
Maine Highland Games will be held this weekend at the Windsor Fairgrounds at 82 Ridge Road in Windsor—celebrating 46 years of Scottish culture with traditional bagpipe music, food, sheep herding, a hammer toss, kilt making and dance performances.
FOX23Read more
Economy
Recent federal data show that Maine’s unemployment is very low—with Portland-South Portland at 2.2%, Lewiston-Auburn at 2.9%, and Bangor at 3.0%—as experts point to an aging workforce, a housing boom and growing industries in health care, life sciences and tourism as key factors.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
A Portland non-profit received a $1 million anonymous donation to boost arts and music education in Portland Public Schools—about half the funds will support creative programs for 6,500 students.
WGMERead more
Government
A Maine law set in 2009 to help firefighters with cancer claims has mostly failed as state records show nearly 98% of claims were initially denied and only 35% of firefighters received any benefits.
Experts say the law’s affidavit requirement—forcing firefighters to prove they have no family history of cancer—has made it hard for them to get the intended support.
WMTWRead more
Accidents
Firefighters rescued two people from a burning home on Broadway earlier this month—both were taken to area hospitals as crews battled heavy flames and poor visibility during a two-alarm fire while the State Fire Marshal's Office investigates the cause.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Wine Sail Aboard the Tall Ship Frances
Friday, August 22nd, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $150 — Experience an unforgettable wine journey through Casco Bay with expert guidance and scenic views.
Lakeside Poker Run
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 · VacationLand V Twin Cruisers, MC is having a Poker Run, Saturday 8/23. Registration opens at 9:00 AM, $20 per hand, kickstands up at 11:00 am. Starts at American Legion Post 155, Casco Road, Naples Maine and finishes at Lakeside Dairy Bar, Naples Maine. We'll be riding through Naples, Bridgton, Norway and Casco. $500 to the Winning Hand, $240 for Second Place, $50 for the Worst Hand. First 5 Hands with a Full House wins a $10 Gift Certificate to Lakeside Dairy Bar. PLUS Cash 50/50. Come join us for a day of summer fun!