Good morning, Portland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket details available — Experience an evening of compelling post-rock with Godspeed You! Black Emperor.