In their inaugural season, the Hearts of Pine took Maine by storm. The USL League One soccer team sold out every home game at Fitzpatrick Stadium and set the league’s average attendance record. Each game was a unique experience because of the atmosphere created by the team’s fans. From lighting colored flares in the stands, to chanting, to forming their own band dubbed the Valentine Band, fans showed their eager support for their favorite team.
Maine
Local and state news from the Sun Journal.
Posted inLife & Culture, Maine
Cooper Flagg takes the court | Year in Photos
The Maine Event. Not since Stephen King has a person put Maine on the national map at this scale. Newport native Cooper Flagg captured the attention of basketball fans nationwide with his sheer talent and performances on the court. In 2025, Flagg brought Duke to the NCAA Final Four and became the NBA No. 1 first round draft pick, scooped up by the Dallas Mavericks. He came back to Maine in August to hold a basketball camp with his brother, Ace, for young players. He has thrilled fans at home and in Texas during his games with the Mavericks and in December became the youngest player to ever score 42 points in a game. Though his team is in Texas, Mainers still regard him as The Maine Event.
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Posted inMaine, News
Toy Fund brings holiday joy to over 4,000 Maine kids thanks to donors, volunteers
A surge in demand this year prompted an extra order of toys and added shifts for volunteers, but every family who asked for help has gotten it, thanks to nearly $200,000 in donations.
Posted inLife & Culture, Maine
Maine fairs and festivals | Year in Photos
A collection of images from the Maine Trust for Local News photographers from agricultural fairs and community festivals throughout the state in 2025.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools & Education
Revisiting Hyde: Former students say abuse allegations reopened painful memories
After a federal lawsuit was filed this summer, some who went to the school in the ’70s and ’80s say they’re still haunted by their experiences at the Bath boarding school.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine, News, Religion & Values
For these Maine churches, the story of Christmas and immigrants’ reality tell a similar tale
As congregations count down the days of Advent, the story of Christ’s birth and Joseph and Mary’s flight to another country for safety has prompted church leaders to draw some parallels this year.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools & Education, The Maine Forecast
Maine braces for pre-Christmas snow and the parking bans and travel delays that come with it
Meteorologists say the state is expected to see up to a foot of snow in some areas between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
How the Maine Turnpike Authority manages snowy days and slick conditions
From a little room in the back of the Maine Turnpike Authority’s central office, a handful of dispatchers and supervisors manage traffic along the road’s entire 109-mile stretch.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News, Politics
Maine suspends payments to Portland health care provider accused of fraud
The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is also seeking financial information about Gateway Community Services as part of its investigation into suspected fraud in Minnesota.
Posted inFood, Maine
When it comes to holiday baking, these Mainers are all about tradition
Local bakers say using recipes handed down through generations of their families keeps them connected to loved ones and adds to the magic of the holidays.