Good morning, Portland.

Furcationland, a furry convention, will run from Thursday through Sunday at the Holiday Inn By The Bay with planned activities inside the hotel and a public photo event in Monument Square at 1:30 p.m. Saturday plus a free street fair from 3-6 p.m.; organizers expect about 1,500 attendees (theme: Fuzzytown Fair) (per organizers).

Maine lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a statewide tracking system for rape kits so survivors can easily check the status of their evidence—building on pilot projects in Cumberland, Kennebec and Penobscot counties.

The legislation would require all kits be sent to the state police lab for testing starting January 2027 and give the state nearly two years to complete an inventory.

At a Senate hearing last week, Sen. Angus King asked Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard why the March 18 threat assessment did not include climate change—a factor many say worsens Maine's extreme weather and risks coastal communities and the lobster industry.

Nurses at Maine Medical Center recalled how they cared for the first COVID-19 patients five years ago and helped families when visits were not allowed—working together during a hard time with few treatment options and many very sick patients.

Maine native Cooper Flagg won the Naismith Trophy after a standout freshman season at Duke, earning his fifth major national player award while averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

He became only the fourth freshman winner in the trophy’s 56-year history — a milestone that boosts his prospects as he will likely turn his focus to the NBA draft soon.

Dementia Support Group

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — The Atrium At the Cedars — Free entry — Attend a supportive gathering featuring insights from elder law attorney Tracy Nale Sewall.

Art in Bloom 2025

10 a.m.–8 p.m. — Portland Museum of Art — Free with admission — Experience a vibrant display of floral artistry inspired by the museum's collection.

International Building Code Transition Training

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — In-person attendance only — Learn about the transition from the 2015 to the 2021 International Building Code with expert John Gibson.

Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt

2 PM – 12 AM — Custom House Parking Garage — Price per team — Engage in a fun scavenger hunt adventure combining puzzles and informative self-guided exploration.

Portland Maine Home Show

9 AM – 6 PM — Brick South Events & Catering Co. — Check website for entry fee — Discover beautiful displays and innovative solutions for home improvement projects.

Hope In The Attic Meeting

7:30-8:30 p.m. — 279 Danforth St, Portland, ME — Free entry — Engage in a supportive discussion around recovery themes with an open speaker format.

Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt

2 PM – 12 AM — Custom House Parking Garage — Price per team — Engage in a thrilling scavenger hunt blending adventure and puzzles.

Saco River Wildlife Center Presentation

6-7:30 p.m. — South Portland Public Library: Main Library — Free entry — Learn how to help wild animals in need with a special presentation from Saco River Wildlife Center.

Rick Springfield & Richard Marx Acoustic Concert

Full evening — One Longfellow Square — Adult tickets only — Experience the melodic hits of two iconic musicians in an intimate acoustic setting.

Anton Chekhov: The Darling Discussion

7-9 p.m. — Novare Res Bier Cafe — Free entry — Explore Chekhov’s mastery through a discussion of 'The Darling' and an optional essay by George Saunders.