Daily editionSaturday, June 21st, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of June.
Community
The city and MaineHousing said they plan to extend Portland’s pilot Housing First Program for at least another year after it helped house dozens of residents.
The program permanently housed 45 of 85 participants and helped residents like John Young Jr. move from homelessness to a stable apartment at Franklin Towers—showing continued progress in addressing housing needs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Today, The Hill Arts in Portland announced it has raised $9 million of the $18 million needed and will break ground on a new 400-seat performance venue on Congress Street in October.
The project received all necessary city approvals and will connect with the existing Parish Hall Theater that hosted over 200 performances in 2024—its modern design includes panoramic views and state-of-the-art lighting and acoustics, and it is set to open in early 2027.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
The Marine Learning Project held an open house aboard the schooner Harvey Gamage on Thursday to let Maine teachers and school administrators learn about maritime heritage through hands-on activities.
A second open house will be held on Sunday in Wiscasset from 12 to 3 p.m.—the historic 131 foot sail training vessel built in 1973 offers a unique learning experience for interested visitors.
WGMERead more
Government
Maine lawmakers passed nearly 400 new laws this session that change rules on pesticide penalties, raise the minimum age for marriage, and set fair wages for farm workers plus add measures on public safety.
Lawmakers will return to Augusta this week to spend the remaining $5 million and address about 300 bills that still need funding.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
The N-Y-A boys lacrosse team won 9—7 over Maranacook Winthrop Co-op at Deering High School last night as Gavin Thomas and Max Siebert drove key scoring, earning their first title since 2019.
The Maranacook Winthrop girls team won 10—9 over TRAIP Academy when a last-second goal by Stella Stewart clinched the close contest.
WMTWRead more
Stella Stewart scored with 7.1 seconds left to give Maranacook/Winthrop a 10—9 win over Traip Academy in the Class C girls lacrosse state final on Friday at Deering’s Memorial Field; the win earned the Black Bears their first state title since starting varsity play in 2019.
Maranacook/Winthrop outshot Traip 22—14 as the team rallied for a dramatic victory.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Capoeira Classes
Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 · 6:30-8 p.m. — The Salt Flat Dance Collaborative — Classes for all levels — Learn the Brazilian martial art combining movements, music, and history.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 · 1:30 – 2:30 PM — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Check website for ticket prices — Experience Portland’s scenic coast and historic sites from a classic fire engine.
Stolen Mojo - Annual Music Cruise
Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — Casablanca Cruises — $40-$100 — Celebrate the 4th of July with live music and cocktails on Casco Bay.