Good morning, Portland.

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland features 6-week-old kittens Nala and Lyla as this week’s Fur‑Ever Friends—ready for adoption by local families.

Holden Willard’s Pictures of Home is on view at Notch8 Gallery on 52 Center St. in Portland through June 21, and Elizabeth Awalt: Natural Selections runs at Caldbeck Gallery on 12 Elm St. in Rockland through June 22 — both shows present a fresh look at Maine painting.

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma will return to Maine for a performance at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Oct.

20 — he will join Wabanaki musicians Jeremy Dutcher, Mali Obomsawin and Chris Newell in a special concert called We Are Water, a Northeast Celebration.

South Portland schools superintendent Tim Matheney will resign on December 5 after a dispute with the school board over cutting the mental and behavioral health position—he said he remains committed to working respectfully with the board during the transition.

Voters in Cape Elizabeth, Portland, Cumberland, Yarmouth, Gray, Falmouth and Gorham will cast ballots on June 10 to choose local representatives, approve school and municipal budgets and decide on zoning measures affecting senior housing and tax rates.

Absentee voting has already begun for a Board of Education seat in Portland as communities prepare to fill town and school board vacancies.

On June 5th, Portland broke ground on renovating the Kiwanis Community Pool at 165 Douglass Street using an $11 million city allocation and $1 million raised by the Portland Parks Conservancy+ the expanded facility will have four times the current capacity with locker rooms, water slides, and new pools. Mayor Mark Dion and project leaders stressed water safety and accessibility during the ceremony as construction is set to finish by June 2026.

On Thursday, the Maine Senate advanced a bill to help mobile home park residents by giving them the right of first refusal when an investor makes an offer, with a vote of 25 to 7—empowering residents to counter purchase bids.

A second bill will require investors from outside the state to pay a $10,000 fee per mobile home lot to help fund residents’ efforts and awaits further legislative approval.

Maine's Senate passed a bill that will ban medical debt from credit reports and sent it to Governor Janet Mills for her signature today.

Supporters say one in four Maine families owes over $5,000 in medical debt — a burden that can lower credit scores and hinder lending.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America will host a free educational conference on Alzheimer’s prevention, treatment and reducing stigma on June 11 at the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free memory screenings will be offered — advance registration is recommended.

Three state track meets will be held Saturday at Brewer High, Freeport High, and Messalonskee High with events starting at 10 a.m.—athletes will compete for titles and top finishers will advance to the New England championships on June 14 at Willow Brook Park, Connecticut.

Feel Good Funk Fest 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

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

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

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.

Eilen Jewell Live Performance

8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $35-$45 — Experience Eilen Jewell's captivating blend of vintage roots-noir with a psychedelic twist.

Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour

3:00 – 5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Price includes seafood and drinks — Immerse yourself in Maine's seafood culture while enjoying lobster rolls and chowder by the waterfront.

Wine Sail in Casco Bay

3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Indulge in five exquisite white wines while sailing through the stunning Casco Bay.

Visit the CREA Ecology Center – Open Sundays

12-2 p.m. — Highland Green — Free entry — Explore nature at the CREA Ecology Center within the scenic Cathance River Nature Preserve.

Community Bingo Event

10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cards for sale — Enjoy a lively day of Bingo with lunch options and prizes in a friendly local atmosphere.

Bess Jacques & The Strays Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an eclectic mix of originals and standards from jazz to Americana and beyond.