Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of July.
Good morning, Portland.
17-year-old Deven Young from Frankfort—who spends summers near Crawford Pond—was arrested at about 10:30 p.m. in Union for the July 2 murder of Sunshine 'Sunny' Stewart, whose body was found on July 3 near 100 Acre Island and whose death was ruled a homicide from strangulation and blunt force trauma; he remains at a juvenile facility with his next court appearance scheduled for Aug. 22.
Seventeen-year-old Deven Young was arrested in Union on Wednesday and charged with the murder of 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart from Tenants Harbor whose body was found under unusual circumstances on Crawford Pond at 1 a.m. on July 3—police say the investigation is ongoing and a motive has not been released—.
Five years after the 2020 protests, Portland officials have taken steps such as eliminating school resource officers and banning facial recognition while forming a DEI committee—activists say many promised reforms like police oversight and affordable housing are still stalled.
City leaders claim progress is underway but critics argue that change has been too slow to address long-standing community concerns.
A new Out of Reach 2025 report by the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition found that residents need to earn $28.42 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom rental—a rate far above the $14.15 minimum wage that forces many to work 78 hours per week.
The report reveals that over 65% of extremely low-income renters face severe housing cost burdens, stressing the urgent statewide need for more affordable homes.
Wine and Oyster Sail in Casco Bay
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $175 — Experience an unforgettable journey tasting wines and fresh oysters aboard a stunning tall ship.
Kurt Vile Concert
7:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets from $61 — Experience the indie rock vibes of Kurt Vile live in Portland.
PMP Certification Classroom Training in Portland, ME
9 AM – 5 PM — Portland, ME — Cost varies — Enhance your project management skills with comprehensive training and certification preparation.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour
1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Tickets available — Explore Portland’s scenic coast and historic sites aboard a classic fire engine.
Paint Night - Oysters
5-7 p.m. — Root Wild Kombucha — All materials provided — Explore watercolor techniques while painting oysters with local artist Jeanelle Demers.
Maine Yoga Festival
1 PM – 5 PM — Southern Maine Community College — Check website for ticket info — Celebrate wellness with diverse yoga workshops and live music overlooking Casco Bay.
Central Coastal Maine Private Day Tour
8 AM – 3 PM — City of Portland, Maine — Pricing varies — Discover the beauty of Maine’s coast with a personalized private tour featuring lighthouses, gardens, and charming coastal villages.
BBQ Benefit for Peaks Island Children's Workshop
4:30-6:30 p.m. — Peaks Island Lions Club — Contribution appreciated — Enjoy delicious BBQ while supporting local kids and preserving island heritage.
PASTA 212 Food Truck at Belleflower Brewing
4-11 p.m. — Belleflower Brewing — Check Instagram for updates — Enjoy fresh and flavorful pasta made with fewer ingredients than traditional fast food.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Tickets required — Explore Portland’s scenic coast and historic sites aboard a classic fire engine while enjoying live narration.
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