Daily editionThursday, August 14th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of August.
Culture
Travel & Leisure magazine's August feature names 11 local venues such as restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops and calls Portland one of the best food cities in the U.S. — the piece highlights spots like Bite Into Maine and Leeward to show the city's rich and varied dining options.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Beer lovers and foodies will gather at Wolfe's Neck Center in Freeport this Saturday for Brews and Bites—an event where over a dozen top-notch producers will showcase their offerings in a charming mallet barn.
WGMERead more
Environment
Wildfires are spreading across Maine as dry weather and no significant rainfall lift fire danger, with crews in Biddeford, Baileyville and Acton battling active blazes.
Fire officials urge residents to stay cautious with campfires and discarded smoking materials—burn permits are currently restricted.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Today, with drought conditions affecting lawns in Maine, lawn care expert Andrew Baxter from Mainely Grass advises homeowners to start early in the season, mow high to hold moisture, and water 1 to 1.5 inches weekly while adjusting as needed—he adds that aerating and overseeding in the fall will help lawns bounce back by spring.
WMTWRead more
Government
Portland Mayor Mark Dion criticized the council for a six-month moratorium on a planned 3,300-seat concert venue—he said Live Nation met all planning rules and delaying review and adding an economic study will hurt downtown development.
He warned that the delay could deter future projects in the city.
WGANRead more
Health
Maine officials say more than 31,000 Mainers on MaineCare may lose coverage if they cannot work or volunteer 80 hours each month, and many vulnerable people with health problems or caregiving duties may struggle with the rule—changes that will begin January 1.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
LifeFlight of Maine is hosting its biggest fundraiser at Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport to raise $200,000 needed to keep its lifesaving helicopter flights working.
The event, called Cross for LifeFlight, is key as the service flies over 150,000 miles each month — a move that helps keep patients safe across the state.
FOX23Read more
Accidents
A Maine family was displaced after their home caught fire in Dennistown Plantation on Monday + firefighters worked in 90-degree heat with no injuries reported while the State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the cause.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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!
Wine Sail Experience
Sunday, August 24th, 2025 · 12-2 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Ticketed — Enjoy a wine education course paired with an evening of sailing on beautiful Casco Bay.