1. Portland’s Planning Board is reviewing a proposed 30-story building in the Old Port that would bring apartments, hotel rooms, restaurants, and retail. Developers say it would transform the city’s skyline, but critics worry it feels more Boston than Portland. Since this was only a workshop, the board didn’t take any action and will continue the discussion at future meetings. (WGME)
2. A new study from the Greater Portland Board of Realtors claims Portland’s rent control ordinance is shifting $6–10 million in tax burden onto homeowners, meaning a median $605,000 home could pay up to $379 more in taxes each year. But the Portland Tenants’ Union argues the same study shows tenants are saving thousands annually under rent control, keeping housing more affordable for renters. (WGME)
3. A new law taking effect this week in Maine cracks down on deceptive ticket sales. It requires price transparency, bans speculative ticket listings, caps resale markups at 10 percent, and mandates refunds for fake or undelivered tickets. Violators could face fines up to $10,000. (WGME)
4. Just a month into the school year, Maine schools are struggling to find bus drivers. With 80 openings statewide, districts are merging routes, cutting after-school activities, and leaving some students without safe rides. Leaders hope higher wages will help fill the driver’s seat. (WGME)
5. A rare “Prerelease Raichu” Pokémon card sold for $555,000, setting a world record for an English-language card. The factory error dates back to Wizards of the Coast’s early test league events where players first learned the game. (TM)
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