Friday, August 29th, 2025

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Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of August.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGME
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGME
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
- ➤ On Thursday, the Maine Department of Public Safety said judges issued 1,037 orders under the yellow flag law—meant to remove dangerous weapons from people exhibiting risky behavior—as part of a spike after the Lewiston shooting. In November, voters will decide whether to add a red flag law, a measure Gov. Mills opposes. WMTW
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
SEASONAL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR One of our top fall decor picks is this true-to-life fall foliage garland. It’s perfect for staircases, mantles, door frames, and more. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Portland.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Old Port Historic Walking Tour
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.
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Wine and Oyster Sail
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Falling for Fall: Our Favorite Early Autumn Decor Picks
Psst. Is it too soon to say…boo? Look away, summer fans. If you’re ready for fall, read on for our top decor picks:
- This true-to-life fall foliage garland is perfect for staircases, mantles, door frames, and more.
- Add these pumpkin-shaped “Hello Fall” coasters to your dinner table or coffee bar.
- Pet + autumn lovers, this embroidered ”Happy Pawtumn” hand towel may be your favorite find of the season.
- Sprinkle these cute ceramic ghosts around the house for an understated nod to Halloween.
- Create a beautiful autumnal tablescape with this burlap runner + best-selling set of assorted mini pumpkins, leaves, and acorns.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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