Good morning, Portland.

Former secretary of state—state senator Bill Diamond died Sunday, Aug 31, in Windham at age 80.

He founded Walk a Mile in Their Shoes to support Maine children in state care and was a longtime advocate for the child welfare system.

Bill Diamond, a longtime Maine public servant and child welfare advocate, died on August 31 at age 80 in Windham—he founded Walk a Mile in Their Shoes to protect children and served as secretary of state from 1989 to 1996.

Portland City Council will vote on an ordinance tomorrow to fine commercial property owners who leave storefronts vacant for three months or more.

The rule requires owners to register empty spaces and connects them with potential tenants—if tenants are not secured, fines start at $250 and rise to $7,500 at 10 years—each additional year adds $1,000.

A guide from The Maine Monitor explains how to research nursing homes and assisted living facilities by using public databases and official websites to check inspection reports, fines, quality measures and staffing details.

The guide helps families understand the difference between federally regulated nursing homes and state-regulated assisted living facilities — key information to ensure a safe choice for an older family member.

Southern Maine field hockey stars are in the spotlight as 25 players, including 15 seniors, prepare for the 2025 season.

The list names key players from Gray-New Gloucester/NYA and Freeport who show strong scoring and defense skills—helping their teams chase a playoff spot.

Five fieldhockey games will feature top school teams in southern Maine this fall, with matchups scheduled (Cheverus vs. Biddeford on Sept.

5, York vs. Mt Ararat on Sept. 11, Thornton Academy vs. Gorham on Sept. 19, Gorham vs. Biddeford on Oct. 1, and Freeport vs. Yarmouth on Oct. 20). These contests will shape regional standings as teams compete for state title contention.

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.

Maine Irish Makes: September Session

2-4 p.m. — Maine Irish Heritage Center — Free entry — Gather with local crafters for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and community building.

Ekphrasis Poetry Workshop

5:30-7 p.m. — Dunes — Entry fee applies — Explore the art of poetry inspired by visual art with Poet Laureate Emeritus Maya Williams.

Maine Brain Tumor Awareness Walk

9 AM – 12 PM — Payson Park — $20 registration fee — Join the community for a one-mile walk to raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research.