Daily editionTuesday, June 17th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of June.
Community
The Portland Parks Commission will host its annual Party in the Park tomorrow at Payson Park Triangle from 4:30-6 p.m. with live music, food trucks + community groups sharing information on local parks initiatives.
WGANRead more
Business
Eighteen percent of first-story storefronts on Congress Street are empty, far above the usual five to six percent rate, and Reny's store is expected to close next April along with other retailers like Soakology and Starbucks.
Downtown officials will launch an ambassador program next month to bring in pop-up events — local business owners hope new tenants will soon fill the vacant spaces.
FOX23Read more
Culture
Portland morning radio host Lori Voornas announced on Monday that she is leaving the air after 32 years on WHOM—citing personal reasons and a desire to avoid early mornings as she nears her 60th birthday.
She thanked her longtime co-host Jeff Parsons and listeners for their support over many years.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
A Bridgton man, Ron Marshall (75), said he lost sleep over fears the state might seize proceeds from selling his Naples home to cover his estranged wife's MaineCare costs.
An elder law attorney said his spouse rights protect him while lawmakers review estate recovery rules even as a related bill still awaits funding.
WGMERead more
Governor Mills has proposed a general fund budget of $11.63 billion for 2026-27 — up from $7.22 billion in 2018-19, a 61.1% rise that does not double the state’s budget.
Legislative appropriations data shows the budget has grown steadily over the years — marking a significant increase under her leadership.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Pathfinders Reentry Focused Outdoor Project has launched at Long Creek Youth Development Center to help teens reenter society by taking outdoor trips along Maine’s coast and woods.
The new initiative is a partnership with the Maine Department of Corrections, the Center for Justice and Human Dignity & local community members that aims to support healing and build practical skills.
WMTWRead more
Accidents
Three Mainers died in separate fires over the weekend in Wilton, Caribou and Newfield—authorities identified 81-year-old Sharon Rainey, 49-year-old Tony Jackson and 39-year-old Kristofer Whittemore as the victims and continue to investigate each fire’s cause.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Scenic Train Ride
Monday, June 30th, 2025 · 10 AM – 1 PM — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a unique 40-minute roundtrip train ride through beautiful Casco Bay while learning about Maine's rich railroading history.