Daily editionWednesday, August 13th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of August.
Culture
Portland chefs visited the local farmers’ market at Deering Oaks park to pick fresh, seasonal produce for creative new dishes and to meet local growers.
They used the unique flavors from the market—like rare squashes and aromatic herbs—as inspiration to update their menus.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Interim superintendent George H. Entwistle assumed leadership of the South Portland School Department for the 2025-26 school year amid recent board and leadership resignations.
He said he will focus on clear delegation and strategic planning—putting student mental health first—while working with local stakeholders until a permanent leader is named.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Much of Maine was under high wildfire risk as firefighters contained a brush fire on Alfred Street in Biddeford that started Monday behind Cumberland Farms and Home Depot—crews worked through Tuesday to extinguish hot spots.
Officials said extra staffing and aviation resources helped manage the danger across the region.
WGMERead more
Government
City Council voted 6-3 after extensive public comment on Monday to impose a 180-day moratorium on the development of a new Live Nation concert venue that will take effect in 30 days—Portland musicians voiced concerns that the plan could harm the local music scene.
FOX23Read more
Portland City Council approved a 180-day moratorium on new theaters and music venues late Monday night—halting Live Nation's plan to build a 3,300-seat Portland Music Hall at Cumberland Avenue and Myrtle Street.
The pause will take effect in 30 days—giving city leaders time to review city codes to manage parking, traffic and the local creative economy.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Maine native Cooper Flagg will make his NBA debut with the Mavericks on Oct.22 in a nationally televised ESPN game against the San Antonio Spurs.
He will also play on Christmas Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day—turning 19 just four days before the Christmas game—and face top contenders in each matchup.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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!
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!