Good morning, Portland.

The University of Maine System said it will enroll over 25,000 students — including nearly 5,000 graduate students — across seven public universities this fall as enrollment steadily increases since 2021.

Authorities predict more than 1.12 million transactions on the Turnpike between Friday and Monday this Labor Day weekend, with Friday expected to be the busiest day — between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fire danger remains high due to drought conditions and burning bans, following an incident in Hollis where firefighters used boats and a paddleboard to reach a fire.

Some trees in Maine have started shedding leaves several weeks early as a strong drought stresses the region.

Portland recorded only 0.3 inches of rain in August while Augusta received no measurable rain—raising concerns for local farmers and wildlife.

Old Orchard Beach used the E-Verify system to hire police officer Jon Luke Evans — a Jamaica national who was detained by ICE and agreed to leave the country earlier this month — which has sparked questions about the system's limits.

Today, Portland completed its revaluation project that raised the taxable real estate value to $19.7 billion—up nearly $5 billion—and lowered the fiscal-year 2026 mil rate to $11.98 per $1,000.

Property owners will receive tax bills in early to mid-September with half due on October 17 and the remainder on March 20, and the revaluation aligns property values with the current market.

Public health officials said a rabid bat was found in Portland, marking the fourth rabies case in the county this year—residents are urged to keep their pets vaccinated and trashcans secured to prevent contact with wild animals.

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.

pollinateHERS - Support Group for Women Entrepreneurs

5:30-7:30 p.m. — coworkHERS — Free entry — Empowering networking space for female entrepreneurs in Portland.