Daily editionSaturday, June 7th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 7th of June.
Culture
The Illustration Institute leased space at Three Canal Plaza to create an archive featuring works by Douglas Smith—a Peaks Island artist who illustrated Wicked—and will complete the 1,000 square-foot space in fall for public viewings by appointment.
The nonprofit, which also hosts exhibits and a summer residency on Peaks Island, plans to meet with artists there to share the creative process.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Scarborough Public Schools warned parents earlier this week—citing FBI and Homeland Security evidence—that extremist groups may target children online through games and social media, though officials have not seen any direct harm to students so far.
Parents are urged to monitor device use and review app settings to help keep children safe.
FOX23Read more
St. Dominic Academy, a Catholic high school with an 84-year history, closed its doors for the last time Friday because of low enrollment and losses—families, alumni, and students now cope with its end as pre-K through 8th-grade students will continue at Holy Cross Church in Lewiston while plans for the Auburn campus remain unclear.
FOX23Read more
In Southern Maine, voters on Tuesday will decide on school budgets, bond referenda and school board races.
Cape Elizabeth residents will consider an $86.5 million bond plus a $36.3 million budget with a 12.3% tax increase, while Gorham voters weigh a $57.5 million budget with a 3.15% tax increase and Portland residents will vote on an open school board seat tied to a $172 million budget.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland broke ground on a new Kiwanis Pool on Thursday—set to replace its 60-year-old facility—with a splash pad, waterslides, ADA accessible entry, and lap lanes; the pool will serve up to 400 swimmers at a time and is expected to open in summer 2026.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lawmakers and advocates in Maine held a rally on Thursday to defend pay raises for direct care workers and to oppose eliminating cost-of-living adjustments set in 2021.
They warned that the proposed budget change would cut $84 million in support and leave $137 million in matching funds unused—worsening a shortage of more than 2,300 full-time workers.
FOX23Read more
Lawmakers and direct care workers held a rally on Thursday to oppose a budget proposal that would remove annual cost-of-living adjustments and cut $84 million in support funding—risking $137 million in federal matching funds.
They warned that flat wages will worsen the shortage of over 2,300 needed full-time workers and strain public health services.
WGMERead more
Health
Hannaford Supermarkets is recalling selected Nature’s Promise Veggie Chips because they may contain wheat—an allergen not listed on the packaging; customers with these products are urged to return them with a receipt for a refund.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, June 13th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 · 3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Indulge in five exquisite white wines while sailing through the stunning Casco Bay.
15th Anniversary Sunset Champagne & Oysters Sail
Sunday, June 15th, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $ — Celebrate 15 years of Wine Wise with a sunset sail featuring world-class champagne and fresh oysters.
Community Bingo Event
Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 · 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.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticketed — Experience Portland’s coast, lighthouses, and neighborhoods on a classic fire engine.
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, June 20th, 2025 · 3:00-5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Price includes lunch and drinks — Savor Maine's seafood culture with tasty lobster rolls and chowder while learning about the local industry.