Daily editionSaturday, June 27th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 27th of June.
Community
On Tuesday, the Planning Board approved a 33-unit Home For Good project on outer Forest Avenue that will offer supportive housing for residents facing homelessness.
Named The Dawn in honor of a former resident, the project will include on-site social workers and marks the first phase of a two-part development.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland's featured pet Raspberry, a 3-month-old kitten, was adopted 20 minutes after the shelter opened on Thursday.
Interested adopters can visit at 217 Landing Road in Westbrook from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. except Wednesdays.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Patriot Cinemas reopened the old Nordica Theatre space in Freeport Village Station earlier this week.
The six-screen venue shows first-run films like Supergirl and Toy Story 5, offers Super Tuesdays at $6, and will start a free summer movie series on July 8 with free parking nearby.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Gorham school officials have proposed a $4.8M bond referendum on the November ballot to fund renovations at the high school (including replacing outdated portable classrooms and updating parking, drainage, and ADA features).
If approved, Great Falls Construction will begin work in spring 2027 to address these challenges.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Twelve new firefighters joined the Portland Fire Department after finishing nine weeks of fire and EMS training last Friday.
They will officially start working Sunday and received their badges as family members pinned them on (a long-held tradition).
FOX23Read more
Greater Portland Metro and BSOOB Transit will raise bus fares Aug. 1, with base fares rising from $2.00 to $2.25, daily caps from $6.00 to $6.50, and monthly caps from $60 to $65 while tap to ride payments begin in July to support service improvements.
WMTWRead more
The South Portland pier at Thomas Knight Park is closed to the public due to safety concerns; it has been unsafe since May last year.
An engineer will inspect it next week and the city will work with engineers to develop a reopening plan.
WGMERead more
Health
Patients at the Gorham branch of Martin’s Point (a local healthcare practice) faced repeated provider changes, with at least four doctors leaving in 13 months.
The practice recently added two doctors and is recruiting more to stabilize care.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
A new state report shows Maine issued 7,499 building permits last year, achieving a net gain of 6,981 housing units—although urban counties like York and Cumberland fell short while rural regions exceeded their targets.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Former pro golfer Blair O’Neal led a golf lesson for local girls from the Boys & Girls Clubs at Falmouth Country Club on Friday morning as part of the Drive Fore Kids fundraiser; she focused on simple basics like stance and swing to boost their confidence.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Black Country, New Road Concert
Monday, July 6th, 2026 · 8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre — Discount tickets available — Experience the unique sounds of Black Country, New Road live in Portland.
A Brief History of Chasing Storms
Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — SPACE — All ages — Explore the mythologies of tornadoes with a film and Q+A featuring director Curtis Miller.
Disco Biscuits Concert
Friday, July 10th, 2026 · 8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre — Concert tickets available — Experience an electrifying performance by The Disco Biscuits in Portland.