Daily editionFriday, June 12th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of June.
Community
New England Cancer Specialists will host National Cancer Survivors' Day in South Portland on Sunday — a free event that honors survivors and their care partners with uplifting activities.
WGMERead more
Culture
The Breeders performed at 8 p.m. Thursday at State Theatre — marking their first Maine show since 2018 — and the band said they plan to try recording a new album later this year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Bill Thompson, a former Portland resident, donated two cannonballs from a pre-Revolutionary war shipwreck to Cape Elizabeth Historical Preservation Society on Tuesday and delivered a 250-year-old statuette of William Pitt to Maine Historical Society on Wednesday.
The items join a display of artifacts that highlight the region’s past.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
David Daigler, who has led the community college system since 2019, announced he will step down at the end of the upcoming academic year.
The system will begin searching for a new leader immediately, noting his work in making college more affordable plus expanding workforce training.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety launched a pedestrian safety campaign at Lincoln Park today (June 12) to urge drivers to slow down for walkers in Portland, Lewiston, and Auburn.
The initiative will run through summer with transit ads, social media, and digital platforms supporting its message.
WGMERead more
Part of High Street was closed Thursday near Becky's Diner after a road washout occurred overnight between Commercial Street and York Street—city crews expect repairs to take several days amid heavy rain.
WMTWRead more
Health
In Maine, 988 now connects those in distress to mental health support and mobile crisis teams (led by Sweetser) that provide immediate help at home, school, or in the community.
The free, confidential service is available 24/7 by call, text or chat as an alternative to emergency rooms.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Portland Hearts of Pine's USLW women's team saw strong support as 4,300 season ticket deposits sold in 30 minutes on Thursday at noon—fans eagerly anticipating the club’s planned 2027 debut.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Monday, June 15th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Tickets available — Explore your artistic side with a vibrant outdoor painting experience.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Tuesday, June 16th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Tickets available — Unleash your creativity amidst the beautiful scenery of Fort Williams Park.
C-DOT 416 + TICKLE Rooftop Concert
Thursday, June 18th, 2026 · 6-9:30 p.m. — Bayside Bowl — $25 ADV, $30 DOOR — Experience the electrifying blend of Hip-Hop and Pop from C-DOT 416 live on the rooftop.
Wine Sail in Portland, Maine: The Loire Valley
Friday, June 19th, 2026 · 3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Enjoy an unforgettable wine experience while sailing through Casco Bay with expert guidance from a sommelier.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Saturday, June 20th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Check website for tickets — Unleash your creativity in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Porches Live Performance
Sunday, June 21st, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — All ages — Experience the dynamic sounds of Porches as they debut their latest album, Shirt, in an intimate setting.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Monday, June 22nd, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Experience the joy of painting outdoors in a picturesque park setting.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Tickets available — Enjoy a creative outdoor painting session in a beautiful park setting.