Daily editionThursday, June 18th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of June.
Community
Falmouth Community Fest returns Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Falmouth Community Park — the annual event features live music, food trucks, kids' games, a cornhole tournament, an arts and crafts sale and over 50 vendor booths.
FOX23Read more
A recent report shows Maine ranked seventh nationwide for population growth after gaining over 7,400 residents between July 2024 and July 2025.
The state reached a record population of 1.4 million in 2025 (about five new residents per 1,000 people).
WGMERead more
A memorial service for fallen Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 at 1 p.m. at Belfast Area High School—honoring his service after he died Sunday from injuries sustained in a May 15 fire at Robbins Lumber.
WMTWRead more
Culture
The Portland Theater Festival launches its sixth season on June 25 at Portland Stage Studio with The Monsters — a two-character play.
It will show Octet from July 23 to Aug. 9 at Maine Irish Heritage Center and Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People from Aug. 20 to Sept. 6.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
East End Community School celebrated its 20th birthday on June 12 with busy activities and a planned party later, featuring community support from longtime culture coordinator Peter McCormack (formerly retired).
His active role helps create a calm, supportive environment for students.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Election officials reported that the final ranked-choice count for the governor and House primaries was delayed because of vote discrepancies in Searsmont & South Berwick, and extra time is needed to check all ballots.
Officials said results will be announced quickly once every vote is reconciled.
WGMERead more
Traffic on Route 302 in Windham slowed Wednesday morning when a water main break near Trails End Road (between Sullivan Tire and Whites Bridge Road) forced the Portland Water District to reduce lanes for repairs, police said drivers were advised to allow extra travel time.
WMTWRead more
A recent report from SEO Backlinks shows Maine ranked seventh nationally for population growth, gaining over 7,400+ residents from July 2024 to July 2025.
The state added roughly five residents per 1,000 people, reaching a record total of 1.4 million in 2025.
FOX23Read more
Sports
The unbeaten Black Bears advanced to the state final with a 19-2 win over Traip Academy in a lacrosse semifinal Wednesday at Lewiston High School.
They will face North Yarmouth Academy in the championship match Saturday at Deering High School.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Thunderstruck Concert
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 · 7:30-9 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $30-$39 — Experience rock anthems reimagined through a powerful violin performance in a candlelit setting.
PortConMaine 2026
Thursday, June 25th, 2026 · Thursday-Sunday — Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay — Admission varies — Celebrate Maine's largest geek culture event with anime, gaming, and more.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Friday, June 26th, 2026 · 9-10 AM — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Experience the beauty of outdoor painting at scenic Fort Williams Park.
Mast Landing's Wavy Days Beer Fest 2026
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 · 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Thompson's Point — 21+ event — Enjoy an afternoon of craft brews and good vibes at the 5th annual beer festival.
Chef Series Wine & Food Sail with Chef Sansonetti
Sunday, June 28th, 2026 · 12-2 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $185 — Experience a scenic wine sail featuring exquisite Spanish cuisine paired with fine wines prepared by Chef Damian Sansonetti.