Daily editionSaturday, May 31st, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of May.
Culture
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad is starting its summer season with its first Sunset Express rides today at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.—passengers on this train will get a free beverage and a voucher for a meal discount while enjoying Portland’s sunset views, and Ice Cream Train rides will run on Fridays from June through August except on the Fourth of July.
WMTWRead more
The Stewards of the Western Cemetery reported they raised $225,000 for their $250,000 capital campaign—with less than $25,000 needed—and began projects to repair the fence, build a tool shed and install a water pipe.
They also expanded Sunday tours at 2 p.m., hosted a volunteer day with over 20 Abbott Laboratory employees, researched grave histories and placed flags on veteran graves for Memorial Day.
West End NewsRead more
Government
Over the years, the City of Portland has cited three housing first facilities owned by Avesta Housing for safety violations — from unsanitary conditions to fire hazards — at Logan Place.
A May 12 inspection showed that one unit still needs further work while Preble Street staff help tenants move toward safer, more independent living.
West End NewsRead more
Maine lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Coast Guard plan to remove navigational buoys from our waters.
The Coast Guard wants to remove dozens of buoys to save money and push boaters to use electronic navigation — a move lawmakers and fishermen say risks safety and wastes funds.
FOX23Read more
Sen. Henry Ingwersen from Senate District 32 advanced a child care bill that will create two resource hubs to help families, educators and care providers find affordable care.
His committee approved other proposals to boost worker wages and ease access for nearly 50,000 young Maine children.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Julie, a 57-year-old lawyer with stage 4 lung cancer, and her partner Sarah came to Maine after Sarah’s Reddit post led to generous offers from local Mainers — they had lunch at Two Lights Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth and planned further stops before returning to Seattle for Julie’s next round of treatment.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Sunny Day Real Estate Concert
Sunday, June 1st, 2025 · 8 AM – 2 PM — State Theatre — VIP Package Available — Enjoy a nostalgia-filled performance with exclusive merchandise from the iconic band.
Farmer's Market
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 · 8 AM – 1 PM — Brunswick Town Mall — Free entry — Fresh produce and local goods available every Tuesday and Friday throughout the season.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour in Portland, ME
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticketed event — Experience Portland's charm with a unique sightseeing tour on a classic fire engine.
Maine Irish Heritage Center Open Hours
Thursday, June 5th, 2025 · 10 AM – 2 PM — Maine Irish Heritage Center — Free entry — Explore Irish heritage through tours, genealogy, and library resources.
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, June 6th, 2025 · 3:00-5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Price includes lobster rolls, chowder, and drinks — Explore Maine's seafood industry while savoring local delicacies along the waterfront.
Feel Good Funk Fest 2025
Saturday, June 7th, 2025 · 5-11 p.m. — Portland House Of Music and Events — Ticketed event — Celebrate funk music with a day of free performances followed by headliners at night.
Luv 2 Run Portland 5K
Sunday, June 8th, 2025 · 9-10 a.m. — Marathon Sports Portland — Entry fee required — Enjoy a scenic off-road 5K walk/run with fresh fruit and pastries post-race.
Bingo
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cost for cards — Enjoy a fun-filled day of bingo with food options and prizes.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticket required — Explore Portland’s scenic coast and historic sites aboard a classic fire engine for a unique sightseeing experience.
Paper Lady, Red Eft, Beach Broads Live Show
Thursday, June 12th, 2025 · 8-10:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Tickets available — Experience an enchanting evening of indie dream-rock and amphibian rock performances in Portland.