Daily editionFriday, August 29th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of August.
Business
Claire’s will close its Maine Mall and Freeport Village stores as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy; the closures will occur on a rolling basis—this follows the company’s sale of its North American business to a private equity firm for over $100 million to downsize the chain.
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Culture
Local talent, from rock musicians to Broadway actors, will shine in a live variety show at Merrill Auditorium on September 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as 'Hear Here' celebrates Portland’s vibrant arts scene & supports local performance arts.
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Education
Voters in Maine School Administrative District 15 in Gray and New Gloucester approved a revised school budget on Aug. 26 after the original proposal was rejected by 19 votes.
The new plan reduces the spending increase from 5.93% to 4.79% and totals $34.9 million to fund key school services as the school year began.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
The Department of Public Safety reported that over 1,000 weapon seizure orders were issued under Maine's extreme risk protection law, which was enacted in 2022 and strengthened in 2024—allowing police to temporarily remove weapons from people showing dangerous behavior.
FOX23Read more
Real Estate
Portland residential property values increased 43% over the past year after a revaluation finalized this week raised median values from $396,700 to $566,600, and homeowners will see new tax bills mailed in early to mid-September.
The new mill rate is set at $11.98 per $1,000 of assessed value—lower than expected but not enough to offset the increase in taxes.
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.