Daily editionThursday, August 28th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of August.
Business
Silver Street by Taj opens today in Old Port at 35 Silver St.—a sister venue to Taj Indian Cuisine in South Portland—and offers craft cocktails priced from $8 to $14, local beers brewed for the venue, and a rotating menu featuring dishes like butter chicken and saag paneer.
The bar will donate a portion of profits to help feed the homeless—and will operate seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Members of the Nor’Easters Kite Club gathered at Bug Light Park on a breezy morning to fly and share homemade kites made over decades—longtime flyer John Martin launched his neon-greenish-yellow kite that soared nearly 100 feet above the park.
The group has met for over 20 years and draws hobbyists from near and far who enjoy the park’s open field and sea breeze.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland restaurants LB.
Kitchen and Ramona’s earned national praise when The New York Times featured LB. Kitchen’s vegan, gluten-free cookie recipe for its unique flavor and texture—Food & Wine magazine also highlighted Ramona’s for its tasty sandwiches.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Everyday choices on land can affect Maine’s coastal waters as rain washes fertilizers and pet waste into nearby rivers.
This runoff may force shellfish harvesting closures—harming local jobs and seafood supplies.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Maine Gov. Janet Mills on August 27 said she is seriously considering challenging U.S. Sen. Susan Collins next election and will decide mid-November—she made the comment at a Fryeburg state shooting range reopening while continuing her current duties.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
In downtown Portland, work on the long-delayed Congress Square redesign project will resume on September 15 with new pavement, traffic signals, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping plans in place.
The project—expected to run until mid-November with a possible continuation in April—will cause traffic delays and lane closures as different sections are worked on one at a time.
FOX23Read more
Health
Denver-based Modivcare filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Aug. 20—operations will stay uninterrupted for Medicaid transportation in Maine.
A state senator and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services are monitoring the situation closely amid concerns over local service options.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Jamie Dorr—founder of the Midcoast Youth Center—said nearly 20% of Maine high school students have thought about suicide and many are feeling sad, worried, and using substances as a study showed almost half feel they do not matter; the 2025 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey findings will be shared in the fall.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Jay Cushman earned his first Oxford 250 win after 42 years at Oxford Plains Speedway on Sunday night as his son, Austin Teras, led the race for 125 laps.
The 63-year-old owner invested a seven-figure sum in his racing team in Windham—his strategy and luck helped secure the breakthrough win.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor Concert
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 · 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket details available — Experience an evening of compelling post-rock with Godspeed You! Black Emperor.