Daily editionWednesday, August 27th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 27th of August.
Education
The new school year starts next week with classes beginning on Sept. 2 for grades 1 through 12 and Sept. 3 for Kindergarten and Pre-K, and students will face a bell-to-bell cellphone ban along with vape detectors in high school bathrooms.
Portland families must also adjust to two new school holidays—Oct. 2 for Yom Kippur and an estimated March 20 for Eid al-Fitr—while expanded early literacy resources and a new halal meals program are rolled out.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
The Maine Supreme Court upheld the state's paid family and medical leave law, ruling unanimously that it is constitutional and that employers must pay into the state program when private leave is not offered—this decision has the Labor Department confirming the law's legality while the Chamber of Commerce said it will work with lawmakers and business leaders. The ruling ensures that the program stays in place as intended.
WGMERead more
Portland voters will decide on a referendum to raise the minimum wage from $15.50 to $19 by 2028 when they vote Nov. 5 after the City Council approved the measure by a 5—4 vote on Monday night.
Proponents say it will help low-wage workers with living expenses while the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce warns that businesses may raise prices—affecting essential services.
WMTWRead more
Portland City Council unanimously banned large coal piles and ordered the 45,000-ton pile near the Veterans Memorial Bridge to be covered by 2027 and removed by 2030—neighbors complained for years and a citizens’ initiative spurred the move.
FOX23Read more
Officials installed new flexible posts and speed bumps on Washington Ave to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The temporary redesign is part of a demonstration by the Greater Portland Council on Governments and partners—traffic data will be collected in September before a permanent decision is made on November 15.
FOX23Read more
Health
On Tuesday, Northern Light Health said it will seek mediation with Anthem after ending contract talks on Aug. 15—leading to scheduled out-of-network dates for physicians, hospitals, and Medicare Advantage plans while emergency care stays covered.
The mediation step follows a dispute over rate increases and quality compensation that arose after Anthem refused a counterproposal.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Bingo Bash
Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cards for sale — Enjoy a fun day of bingo with food options and prizes available.
Trivia Night at Brickyard Hollow
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy a fun night of trivia at a local brewpub.
Liz Cooper Live at SPACE Gallery
Thursday, September 4th, 2025 · 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.
Library Technology Help
Friday, September 5th, 2025 · 1-3 p.m. — South Portland Public Library — Free — Get expert assistance with library online services and digital resources.
Old Port Historic Walking Tour
Saturday, September 6th, 2025 · 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — Monument Square — Check website for entry fee — Discover Portland's vibrant past on this engaging 2.5-hour walking tour through the Old Port.
Wine and Oyster Sail
Sunday, September 7th, 2025 · 4:45-6:45 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $175 — Experience a delicious pairing of wines and fresh oysters aboard a beautiful sailing ship in Casco Bay.