Daily editionThursday, August 21st, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
Culture
Cumberland musician Kurt Gundersen released his new album 'Midnight Cove' at the end of July—featuring ten folk rock songs that urge listeners to live in the moment—and recorded it at home with input from his Nashville partner.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
City officials arranged a deal with two Connecticut-based companies to have the festival organizers pay about $185K to Portland and a nonprofit parks group—$100K for park improvements and roughly $25K from ticket pledges for permit fees and expenses.
FOX23Read more
Environment
It has been one year since more than 1,400 gallons of firefighting foam containing PFAS spilled at Brunswick Executive Airport in August 2024, which led to months of cleanup and raised chemical levels in local soil and waterways.
The DEP reports that all remaining foam has been removed — cleanup teams continue to monitor water safety.
FOX23Read more
Government
The Portland Water District is planning to replace nearly 55,000 water meters over the next few years because many are over 20 years old and not working well.
The new meters will allow remote readings and near real-time usage reports while installation begins in October in Gorham — the process is expected to take three years.
FOX23Read more
Maine voters will consider a proposal to require photo ID for absentee ballots this fall and change key voting procedures.
The measure limits ballot drop boxes to one per town at the registrar’s office — it also requires a bipartisan team to retrieve ballots, bars phone and family requests, and ends ongoing absentee voting.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Portland Downtown Ambassador Program will continue for a year after the city council approved $750,000 in funding to keep downtown clean by removing trash, needles, graffiti, and human waste.
Eight ambassadors already logged about 3,000 engagements, and some councilors remain cautious about whether this short-term fix addresses deeper issues (while local business owners have noticed improvements).
WMTWRead more
Lifestyle
Rick Boyd—owner of Backwoods Burger Shack and Wonderdogs—plans to open Rambler Irish Bistro in the former Owl & Elm space in Yarmouth by September at the earliest.
The new bistro at 365 Main St. will serve Irish dishes, craft cocktails and offer seating for 40 indoors with extra outdoor tables.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Wine Sail - Chef Series with Sommelier Erica Archer
Sunday, August 31st, 2025 · 12-2 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $150 — Experience a scenic wine sail with a sommelier and enjoy exquisite wines from California's Central Coast.
Community Craft Night
Monday, September 1st, 2025 · 4-7:30 p.m. — Freedom's Edge Cider Tasting Room — Free entry — Connect with local crafters while enjoying some cider and working on your projects.