Daily editionSunday, June 15th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 15th of June.
Community
Westbrook couple John and Arlene Lutz have given away thousands of free meals over five years by cooking in large batches and posting on Facebook— in June they prepared 106 meals and plan another giveaway in August.
WMTWRead more
Government
The city of Portland plans to lease a seldom-used building at the Barron Center on Brighton Avenue to open a childcare center for residents and employees.
The housing committee will discuss the proposal on Tuesday, June 17th — the center will serve children 5 and under and help with worker recruitment.
WGANRead more
After weeks of debate, the Maine Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee advanced a supplemental budget that includes funding to close the MaineCare gap, boost child care, free school lunches, SNAP benefits, nursing homes and reproductive health services—while also extending free community college for high school grads. The plan now faces further debate on the floor of both chambers amid a tight fiscal year and uncertain federal funding.
WMTWRead more
Health
Cyber incidents disrupted service at Central Maine Medical Center + St. Mary’s Health System, leaving Lewiston patients waiting for test results, appointments, and needed prescriptions.
Many have sought telehealth care or reduced doses while the hospitals struggle to restore full service and clear answers remain scarce.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Fans of the new soccer team Hearts of Pine got tattoos at Dark Harbor Tattoo in Portland to show their support last Saturday—60 spots filled quickly with 40 more on a waiting list.
The team paid half the cost of tattoos up to $150—making the event a popular, lasting celebration of community spirit.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
On May 31, Ester Keiderling of Ulster Park and her father Tim left Abol Campground to climb Katahdin and were seen at 10:15 a.m. on the Hunt Trail near Baxter Peak under harsh weather—Ester was later found about 1,000 feet from her father after sliding off a steep boulder field, with blunt force trauma determined as her cause of death.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Saturday, June 21st, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — Scenic Outdoor Location — Tickets required — Learn to paint beautiful Maine landscapes with a local instructor while enjoying the great outdoors.
Sleep Theory Concert
Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 · 6:00 – 8:30 PM — State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the dynamic rock sounds of Sleep Theory, featuring powerhouse vocalist Cullen Moore.
Bingo at the Elks Lodge
Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cards for sale — Enjoy a day of bingo with lunch options and fun prizes.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour
Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland — Ticket required — Experience Portland’s coastal beauty and historic charm aboard a classic fire engine tour.
Book Launch by High Frequency Press Co-Founders
Thursday, June 26th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Print: A Bookstore — Free entry — Attend a reading and book signing with husband and wife co-founders at a cozy local bookstore.
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, June 27th, 2025 · 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Cost included — Indulge in local seafood delicacies while learning about Maine's vibrant lobster industry.
Outdoor Painting Class in Cape Elizabeth
Saturday, June 28th, 2025 · 1–4 p.m. — Scenic location near Portland — Cost varies — Capture Maine's beauty with professional guidance in a private painting class.