Good morning, Portland.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine

1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Explore your artistic side with outdoor painting in a beautiful park setting.

Heather Lynn Album Release Concert

8-11 p.m. — SPACE — All ages — Celebrate the release of Heather Lynn's new album with a night of diverse music and special guests.

Cut and Paste Collage Event

4-7 p.m. — Lambs — Free — Get creative with friends while enjoying drinks at this fun collage-making event.

Coffee with Invoyce

7-11 a.m. — Genest Concrete — Free coffee and donuts — Network while discussing how Invoyce can streamline your contracting business.

Onóir Live Concert

7:30 p.m. — Maine Irish Heritage Center — $40-$55 — Experience the vibrant sound of contemporary Irish music with Onóir in an intimate setting.

Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine

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

8-10:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — All ages — Experience the eclectic sounds of the Mekons and dance at the aftershow disco.

Suelo Caliente: Latin Social

8-11 p.m. — Maine Ballroom Dance — $15 — Enjoy an energetic salsa lesson followed by a vibrant social dance with Latin music.

Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine

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

11:00 AM — Canco Woods Trails — Free entry — Discover the connection between urban and wild through writing prompts and nature exploration.