Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of June.
Good morning, Portland.
University of Maine graduate David Holomakoff started Kinotek in Portland to use LiDAR to create 3D reports of body movement for therapists, trainers and athletes.
The company uses AI to measure body angles and will reach $1 million in revenue while serving 400 locations worldwide—expanding local innovation into a global service.
South Portland City Council selected the field next to the former Mahoney Middle School for a new police station last week to replace a small, flood-prone facility.
The Mahoney City Center Committee will gather public input until November to refine plans for the $70 million project — which will include civic and recreational spaces.
On the final day of the session, Maine lawmakers approved dozens of bills including funding for reproductive care, money for emergency homeless shelters, and a ban on ghost guns—bills now sent to Gov. Mills for her signature or veto.
They also sustained all five of her vetoes as the session ended after months of work since January.
Gov. Mills backed Rep. Poirier’s measure to add funding for mental health treatment and law enforcement—an alternative to a red flag referendum aimed at changing the state's yellow flag law.
The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee will meet again to review the proposal before it goes to voters in November.
Officials advise Maine pet owners to keep dogs and cats inside with air conditioning, plenty of water, and wet towels to beat the heat.
Experts recommend offering frozen treats—such as fruit popsicles—to keep pets engaged and to contact a veterinarian if a pet appears off.
A new Harvard report finds that nearly 52% of Portland renters spend over 30% of their income on housing and more than 24% are severely burdened by costs (the study marks a record high for the area amid slow new construction).
Local housing advocates and officials warn that rising rents and fewer affordable units will make it harder for low-income residents to manage their budgets.
ESPN NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo compared Maine standout Cooper Flagg to top NBA players — he measured 6 feet, 8 inches tall, had a 7-foot wingspan and a 35.5-inch vertical leap at Duke’s combine, while averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game as a freshman who led Duke to the Final Four. Woo said his defensive strength and emerging scoring skills will make him a key two-way player in the upcoming NBA draft.
Newport native Cooper Flagg became the first Mainer picked first overall in the NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn yesterday.
Gov. Mills declared June 25 as Cooper Flagg Day—state residents celebrated his success as he looks forward to signing a four-year deal and beginning his NBA career.
Farmer's Market
8 AM – 1 PM — Brunswick Town Mall — Free entry — Fresh local produce and artisanal goods await at this vibrant community market.
Sacred Nourishment: Connected Cooking and Eating Practices
3-8 p.m. — Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center — Workshop fee includes dinner — Experience mindful cooking and communal eating in honor of the summer solstice.
MaineR Users Group Social Hour & Lightning Talks
5:30–6:30 p.m. — Novare Res Bier Cafe — Free entry — Connect with data professionals and enjoy quickfire talks on R and data science.
An Evening with Chris Whitaker
6-8 p.m. — Books-A-Million — Book purchase required — Engage with bestselling author Chris Whitaker during a special signing and discussion about his latest novel.
Acoustic Sunset Sail on Frances
6:00–8:00 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $90 — Watch the sunset over Casco Bay while enjoying live folk, bluegrass, and soul music in an acoustic setting.
Stolen Mojo - Annual Music Cruise
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
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
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.
Wine & Raw Bar Sail
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — Ticketed event — Enjoy fine wine and a gourmet raw bar experience aboard a beautiful tall ship as you sail through picturesque Portland waters.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland, Maine
1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticket prices vary — Experience Portland’s scenic coast and historic sites aboard a classic fire engine with live narration.
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