Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 25th of August.
Good morning, Portland.
Maine churches are developing protocols for interacting with federal ICE agents and plan to launch a hotline this fall to monitor enforcement activity amid growing fear among immigrant communities—steps prompted by falling attendance and recent detentions.
Faith leaders say these measures will protect congregants’ rights and offer clear guidance if officers show up.
Willard Beach reopened today after the South Portland Fire Department closed it to investigate an unusual substance in Portland Harbor.
Officials said the substance is a naturally occurring material (from the sea floor) stirred up by boat traffic at low tide and poses no harm.
At the University of New England in Biddeford, nearly 400 new students began move-in week on Sunday with families and returning peers helping them settle in.
The school has planned family events—including Tacos on the Saco and rock climbing—and upperclassmen will assist with move-ins on Monday and Tuesday.
At UNE, move-in week is underway as about 400 new students and their families arrive for fun events—like tacos, art, and rock climbing—that help everyone feel welcome; returning students and staff provide support to ensure a smooth start to college.
Maine public schools now offer special education to preschoolers aged 3 to 5 under a four-year plan that shifted services from CDS — many districts faced challenges like double the expected enrollment and staffing shortages despite receiving a $39 million state commitment.
School leaders say the effort helps kids get early therapies and plan monthly check-ins to guide future improvements.
Maine beaches including Ogunquit were closed to swimming Saturday—dangerous rip currents and strong waves from lingering storm effects forced lifeguards to post red flags while assisting swimmers.
NOAA data shows nearly 40 surf hazard deaths this year and officials advise staying on the sand for safety.
Binghamton Rumble Ponies rallied with two eighth-inning home runs by Jacob Reimer and Kevin Parada to win 12-10 over the Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field in Portland — Brooks Brannon hit a grand slam in the seventh that gave Portland a 10-9 lead before an insurance run came on a balk by Yovanny Cruz.
Titus Washington, Ollie Wright, and Nathan Messer scored goals as the Portland Hearts of Pine beat Westchester SC (3-2) in a USL League One game on Sunday in Mount Vernon, New York.
The team ended with a record of (5-9-4) and is tied with Union Omaha and Greenville Triumph SC at 24 points while Union Omaha holds the final playoff spot.
Community Bingo Event
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Capoeira Classes
6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Salt Flat Dance Collaborative — $ — Explore the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira with martial arts movements, music, and history.
Gus Constantellis Live Stand-Up Comedy
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Empire Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy hilarious tales from a first-generation Greek-American comic with a unique perspective.
Liz Cooper Live at SPACE Gallery
8-11 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — All ages — Experience the genre-defying sounds of Liz Cooper, blending psychedelia and indie grunge in her Portland debut.
Wine Sails in Portland, ME
8:45-10:45 p.m. — 74’ Tall Ship Frances — Ticketed event — Enjoy a scenic wine sail in Casco Bay with expert sommelier guidance and gourmet pairings.
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