Daily editionThursday, September 4th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of September.
Government
The council will vote on a proposed ordinance that fines commercial property owners for leaving street-level spaces vacant for three months or more in downtown areas—areas like the West End and Congress Street.
If approved, the law will go into effect in January and fines will start at $250, increasing to $7,500 over 10 years as owners must register vacancies within 30 days.
FOX23Read more
The number of Maine children in state custody dropped 14% from 2,600 in June to 2,210, as state officials credit better family support services and permanent placements for the improvement — Bobbi Johnson of the Office of Child and Family Services said the system will continue working to stabilize and shorten the time children spend in care. Future efforts will focus on addressing systemic barriers to keep families together.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Today, Maine CDC reported three active tuberculosis cases in the Greater Portland area and is screening anyone who may have been exposed.
City and state officials stated that while cases are rising, there is no outbreak—rumors linking the cases to the asylum seeker shelter are untrue.
WGMERead more
Sports
Defending Class B champion Falmouth will face Kennebunk at 6 p.m. Friday on a season-opening rematch after Falmouth won last year’s championship game 26 to 13.
Both teams are seen as top contenders in Class B South following realignment — a preview of the regional final is expected.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
pollinateHERS - Support Group for Women Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — coworkHERS — Free entry — Empowering networking space for female entrepreneurs in Portland.
Maine Irish Makes: September Session
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 · 5:30-7 p.m. — Dunes — Entry fee applies — Explore the art of poetry inspired by visual art with Poet Laureate Emeritus Maya Williams.
The Revivalists Concert
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 · 7:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets starting at $81 — Enjoy an evening with The Revivalists in a vibrant live music setting.
Marc Ribot Solo Acoustic Show
Thursday, September 25th, 2025 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Ticketed — Experience the genre-defying guitar legend Marc Ribot as he celebrates his new record with a solo acoustic performance.
Wine Sail - Cabernet Sauvignon Experience on the Frances
Friday, September 26th, 2025 · 4:45-6:45 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Ticket required — Enjoy a picturesque sailing experience while tasting five exquisite Cabernet Sauvignons from renowned wine regions.