Daily editionThursday, June 4th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of June.
Community
This week's adoptable pet from the Animal Refuge League is Mack (a 6-year-old, 100lb gentle giant who loves cuddles but needs to be the only dog and live without cats).
Interested adopters can visit the Westbrook shelter at 217 Landing Road from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Wednesdays.
WMTWRead more
Business
The owners of Cowbell, a southern Maine burger chain in Biddeford, Scarborough & Westbrook, reached a settlement last week agreeing to pay over $83,000 in back wages as they admitted to failing to pay minimum wage, overtime and violating child labor laws.
The agreement awaits judge approval.
WGMERead more
Culture
Maine author Paul Doiron releases his 16th Mike Bowditch mystery, Storm Tide, on June 30.
He will host local events in Belfast, Portland & other parts of the state to promote the book based on true Maine locations.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland writer Sarah Braunstein released third book Baby in a Box, featuring 11 stories that blend magical realism with everyday life to explore motherhood and modern love.
Drawing on her experiences as a Colby professor, the collection uses varied American settings + invites reflection on caregiving.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
After district leaders committed to reducing administrative costs + restoring five technician jobs, the Portland teachers union reversed its stance on the $179m school budget.
Voters will decide on the budget June 9.
WGMERead more
Government
Builders of the refrigerated warehouse on Commercial Street have not been paid for over 500 days and urge lawmakers to revise a law that stops them from placing legal holds on state property — contractors warn local firms may soon refuse state projects without change.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Bath Iron Works delivered the USS Patrick Gallagher (an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer named for Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Gallagher, a Navy Cross recipient killed in Vietnam) to the Navy two months ahead of schedule on Wednesday, June 3.
Officials credited strong sea trial performance and team coordination for the fast delivery.
FOX23Read more
Sen. Collins pressed for easier seasonal worker visas during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, June 3 to support Maine’s tourism sector (which relies on H‑2B workers), as Homeland Security Secretary Mullin said streamlining the process could benefit employers.
WGMERead more
Lifestyle
Gardeners are encouraged to plan their container plantings by choosing a thriller, a spiller, and a filler this early summer as they prepare patios and garden sheds for blooming season.
Locals should use quality soil mix and ensure proper drainage to help their plants thrive.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Friday, June 5th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Explore your artistic side with outdoor painting in a beautiful park setting.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Saturday, June 6th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Tickets available — Enjoy a day of creativity surrounded by nature in beautiful Cape Elizabeth.
Cut and Paste Collage Event
Sunday, June 7th, 2026 · 4-7 p.m. — Lambs — Free — Get creative with friends while enjoying drinks at this fun collage-making event.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Monday, June 8th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a creative outdoor painting experience in a beautiful park setting.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Tickets available — Enjoy a morning of outdoor painting in a beautiful park setting.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 · 1-9 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Explore your artistic side in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Mekons Live Performance with Aftershow Disco
Thursday, June 11th, 2026 · 8-10:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — All ages — Experience the eclectic sounds of the Mekons and dance at the aftershow disco.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Friday, June 12th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Experience the beauty of art while painting outdoors in the scenic Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Saturday, June 13th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket purchase required — Experience the beauty of outdoor painting in a scenic park setting.
Writing Workshop from Nature with Emma Zimmerman
Sunday, June 14th, 2026 · 11:00 AM — Canco Woods Trails — Free entry — Discover the connection between urban and wild through writing prompts and nature exploration.