Daily editionTuesday, June 24th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 24th of June.
Environment
After a heat advisory and an extreme heat watch affected parts of Maine yesterday, several communities have opened cooling centers to help residents cope with today's high temperatures that may reach heat indices up to 108.
Facilities in multiple counties — including a 24/7 center at the Lisbon Police Department — now offer cooling, charging, water, and Wi-Fi.
WMTWRead more
Government
A bill designed to lower Maine electricity bills is heading to Governor Janet Mills' desk for review.
The measure adjusts the state's Net Energy Billing system—reducing solar-related costs and abusive billing practices—and could save non-solar customers more than $1 billion over 16 years.
FOX23Read more
During the legislative session, House Rep. Marc Malon pushed for bills that ease review of adding housing units and prevent arbitrary denials in commercial areas so Maine can work to build roughly 80,000 needed homes, and Governor Mills signed one of the measures while Speaker Ryan Fecteau’s zoning reform passed unanimously—actions designed to unlock infill development and support smart growth.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
A study by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension tick lab found that ticks in the Midcoast counties carried Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis at higher rates than those in northern counties, with more than half of ticks in Lincoln testing positive for Lyme bacteria. Researchers said climate change and local behavior may be driving this trend—public health officials advise residents to take precautions against tick bites.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Hospital leaders in Maine say proposed Medicaid cuts will hurt hospital budgets and force some rural facilities to close, putting fewer services available for thousands of Mainers.
They warn that the cuts will lower revenues by hundreds of millions and risk patients’ access to care—leaving people like Lewiston resident Siiri Cressey with fewer treatment options.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Biddeford baseball outfielder Payton Blais made a diving catch in the top of the seventh on Saturday that ranked No. 5 on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays and helped secure a 7 to 6 win for the team—delivering its first state championship in 41 years.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Newport native Cooper Flagg is set to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Draft on Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Brooklyn.
Experts say the Duke star has a high basketball IQ and humble mindset—qualities that will help him adjust to the NBA's physical game.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Three Sea Dogs pitchers combined on Sunday to throw a no-hitter in a 10-0 win over the Akron RubberDucks at Delta Dental Park, with Starter David Sandlin pitching six innings while Christopher Troye and Jonathan Brand closed the game.
6,868 fans attended the sellout— and the team will begin a six-game road trip tonight against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Wine Sails in Portland, ME
Friday, July 4th, 2025 · 7:15-9:15 p.m. — Casco Bay — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beauty of Casco Bay on a wine sailing adventure with stunning views.
Prester & Samargia Jazz Trio Performance
Saturday, July 5th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Free entry — Experience a captivating blend of standards, originals, and Brazilian & Latin jazz with talented musicians.