Daily editionWednesday, June 24th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of June.
Business
Owner Ryan Carey announced that Noble Pizzeria and Barbeque on Stevens Avenue will close in a few weeks after nearly a decade of service as he refocuses on his growing family and other businesses; the restaurant will cease operations on July 12.
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The Sports Bra Maine, a women’s sports bar franchise, will open later this year in the Deering Center neighborhood.
Owners Emily Lesher and Ann Freeman will renovate the former Noble BBQ site (476 Stevens Ave, 118 seats) to showcase televised women’s games and serve updated pub fare with Noble-style pizza.
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South Portland's The Barkery, which featured an indoor dog park and bar, closed on Monday, June 22 after less than five months in operation — the owners cited financial stress and a challenging market for the new concept and are now helping staff transition.
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Culture
Winners at the Maine Literary Awards were honored on May 28 at Johnson Hall Opera House in Gardiner.
Over 300 local authors submitted their works in more than a dozen categories, celebrating achievements in fiction, poetry, and children’s literature.
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Maine writers and artists released a series of new children’s books that celebrate the natural world and wildlife to inspire outdoor curiosity.
The titles include a picture book with field guide notes and a middle-grade novel about landfill hazards (a twist on local history) that offer fresh summer reading for young explorers.
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On Thursday at 6 p.m., the Maine Jewish Museum (267 Congress Street) will host a Vietnamese–Jewish fusion dinner featuring author Nhi Aronheim as guests taste kugel and crumble bars while hearing her journey from fleeing Vietnam to embracing Jewish traditions.
A free brown-bag talk with book signings runs at noon.
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PortConMaine returns in Portland as the state’s largest geek culture event.
The multi-day convention (drawing gamers, cosplayers and fans) will begin on Thursday at the Holiday Inn by the Bay and run through the weekend.
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Government
The state treasurer — responsible for unclaimed funds — will mail 34,000 checks valued from $10 to $5,000, totaling $10.5 million, next week to Mainers who the state has identified, and those due should expect their money by the end of the week.
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Lifestyle
Franciska in the Old Port celebrates its Argentine-inspired cuisine a year after opening, serving high-quality South American wines and dishes like braised short rib empanadas and Maine fluke crudo+ owner Alex Marchesini also offers themed wine dinners today and a Sunday restaurant week menu for added flavor.
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Sports
The Gardiner boys basketball team celebrated its first state championship ring ceremony Tuesday night in the school cafeteria after winning the Class B crown on Feb. 27.
Senior guard Brady Peacock and teammates received commemorative rings that mark years of hard work and pride.
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Falmouth finished No. 1 in the final Varsity Maine boys lacrosse poll after winning a Class A championship game Saturday in Portland (the score was 13-8 against Yarmouth).
They secured the top spot with playoff wins over Cape Elizabeth, No. 5 Deering and No. 2 Yarmouth.
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Picklr in Westbrook will host the 2026 Portland PPA Challenger starting Friday.
Top professional pickleball players from around the country will compete for cash prizes and ranking points.
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Portland Events
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.
The Bug Club Live Performance
Monday, June 29th, 2026 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — SPACE, 538 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticket prices vary — Experience the UK rock duo The Bug Club as they showcase their latest album 'Every Single Muscle'.
Paint Outdoors in Portland
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of outdoor painting in the scenic Fort Williams Park.
13 Scotland Rd Live Performance
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Wander at LongWoods — Check website for pricing — Experience a dynamic blues and acoustic roots duo from Portland, ME, as they blend soulful melodies with unique instrumentation.
Wine Sail in Casco Bay
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Sail through Casco Bay while tasting exquisite European white wines with a knowledgeable sommelier.
Wine & Raw Bar Sail Experience
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 · 12-2 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Ticket required — Experience a gourmet raw bar with exquisite wines aboard a tall ship in Casco Bay.
Wine and Oyster Experience on Casco Bay
Sunday, July 5th, 2026 · 3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $175 — Join Sommelier Erica Archer for a sailing adventure pairing exquisite wines with fresh oysters amidst stunning views.