Daily editionTuesday, August 19th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of August.
Community
Portland Downtown Ambassadors launched a program more than a month ago that has addressed over 3,000 complaints including graffiti, trash, needles, and human waste.
The group uses pressure washers and trash pickers—as well as a new QR code linking to the city’s See Click Fix website—to help residents report issues.
WGMERead more
Economy
The Fishing Plus Accelerator program will run eight sessions this fall to teach Maine lobstermen, their families and crew members financial skills and business startup plans as the lobstering industry faces rising costs and new federal rules.
Island Institute and Maine Center for Entrepreneurs will use a $1.4 million SBA award to help participants plan for side businesses — offering new choices as the fishery changes.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Three Maine elementary schools are testing a five-year pilot program to improve inclusive education so more special education students can spend time in general classrooms—Downeast, Turner, and Leeds Central will receive leadership training and schedule adjustments through federal grant funds. The program aims to create a model that could later be adopted statewide to reduce segregation in education.
WGANRead more
Government
The Social Housing Task Force met Monday at City Hall to elect co-chairs and start discussions on creating affordable, government-managed housing for Portland’s middle-class residents—members debated zoning laws and funding models as they set a one-year timeframe to propose a social housing framework. The thirteen-member group was formed by a City Council vote in March.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
Local real estate agents say many Maine home sellers are pricing their homes too high—up to $100,000 over market value—which causes the properties to sit on the market longer and lower profits.
Agents advise working with a realtor to set a competitive price in today’s more balanced market.
WGMERead more
Sports
On Monday, several Maine high school teams kicked off their season with midnight madness practices as teams started drills at midnight to mark the new sports year.
Biddeford field hockey, Morse football, and Winthrop each built skills during practice, and Morse will compete in Class D this fall after returning to 11-man football for the first time since 2019.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Community Craft Night
Monday, August 25th, 2025 · 4-7:30 p.m. — Freedom's Edge Cider Tasting Room — Enjoy craft time with local crafters while sipping cider.
Community Bingo Event
Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cards for sale — Enjoy a fun day of bingo with lunch options and prizes.
Wine Sail - Chef Series with Frances
Wednesday, August 27th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $90 — Experience a sunset cruise with live acoustic music and drinks on beautiful Casco Bay.
Weekly Pub Trivia Night
Thursday, August 28th, 2025 · 6 p.m. — Olive Pit Brewing Company — $25 gift card for winners — Test your trivia skills while enjoying local brews at this weekly showdown.
Stand-Up Comedy with Greg Warren
Saturday, August 30th, 2025 · 7 PM – 1 AM — Empire Comedy Club — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with Midwestern comic Greg Warren as he shares his hilarious take on life and personal anecdotes.