1. Portland is spending $750,000 to keep downtown clean and safe. The city’s Downtown Ambassadors will tackle trash, graffiti, needles, and loitering, while safety staff focus on de-escalation and calling authorities when needed. (WGME)< 2. Scarborough officials are warning beachgoers after a possible 10-to-12-foot great white shark was spotted near Richmond Island and Scarborough Beach. The advisory covers nearby beaches, but lifeguards say the water appears clear for now. (NCM)

3. Pickleball players in York won’t be allowed on the York High School courts during school hours starting Sept. 3. The school committee cites student safety, but players say they’re being unfairly pushed off the only public courts in town. (WGME)

4. The U.S. turns 250 next year, and the White House is teaming with the UFC for its first-ever pro MMA fight on the lawn. UFC CEO Dana White says it’s locked in for July 4, 2026—live on CBS as part of America250 celebrations. (Yahoo)

5. Cooper Flagg will make his NBA debut Oct. 22 when his Dallas Mavericks host the Spurs on ESPN. The No. 1 pick will also play on Christmas Day at Golden State and MLK Day at Madison Square Garden. No word yet on when he’ll return to New England to face the Celtics. For the first time since 2015 the Celtics will not be playing on Christmas day. (WMTW)

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