Daily
Portland
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ An Earth Day guide highlights Midcoast events including a Girl Scouts event at Freeport Town Hall (Apr. 18), museum crafts and art sessions (Apr. 22) at local venues, and a festival at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary (Apr. 25); it also lists nearby trails and a farmers market opening May 2. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Lee Humiston, founder of the Maine Military Museum in South Portland and long-time veteran, died Wednesday morning in Scarborough at age 86 (passed peacefully with family at his side). Funeral plans have not yet been announced. WMTW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Greenlight Maine, a televised pitch competition featuring college students, will premiere on CBS13 this Saturday. Judge Michelle Anderson from Junior Achievement joins the panel to support fresh local entrepreneurial talent + community innovation. WGME
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ After a year of talks, the MSAD 51 Education Association and district board approved a new contract for education support professionals in Cumberland-North Yarmouth that lasts until July 2028. Staff receive wage increases and back pay from July 2025 (which shortens the time to reach top earnings). Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State leaders are launching a work zone safety campaign ahead of road construction season after two workers were killed in Waterville, and Governor Mills signed a law offering a $100,000 death benefit to families of slain road workers (coinciding with next week’s National Work Zone Awareness Week). WGME
- ➤ On Wednesday, Apr. 15, the USDA announced its first Office of Seafood to help Maine fishers access federal programs and boost seafood competitiveness — a move backed by Sen. Susan Collins and local fishermen. WMTW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Maine native Matt Forcier from Biddeford is running the Boston Marathon next week to raise money for One Mission, a nonprofit that provides hospital events and support to children undergoing cancer treatment across New England — he has raised $16,000 so far with community and family encouragement. WMTW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Longtime Greely boys hockey coach Barry Mothes retired Thursday after 32 years and five state championships, confirmed by athletic director David Shapiro (Mothes began coaching mid-1994-95 season). Portland Press Herald
- ➤ After beating childhood kidney cancer, Sea Dogs outfielder Nelly Taylor is promoted to join Portland this season. The 23 year old, drafted by the Red Sox in 2023, continues to impress with key defensive plays+ his inspiring comeback, drawing local community attention. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ At Cross Insurance Arena, Wednesday night's game start was delayed 30 minutes when the Worcester Railers wore Mariners practice jerseys turned the wrong way as their jerseys arrived late; play eventually began and Worcester won by a score of 3 to 1. WMTW
- ➤ As spring arrives and snow melts, local golfers are returning to courses and driving ranges, with the American Golf Association reporting that nearly 126,000 Mainers play regularly. The warmer weather has renewed interest in the sport. FOX23
- ➤ Fifteen promising southern Maine boys lacrosse players were featured in a new list that highlights statistics from last season and expectations for the 2026 school year. The profiles include attackers, midfielders, and goalies — local players from Brunswick, Wells, Falmouth, among others — offering insight for fans. Portland Press Herald
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Portland Earth Day Celebration
11 AM – 2 PM — Deering Oaks Park — Free entry — Celebrate nature and sustainability with local music, activities, and food options.
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John Butler Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Last-minute ticket availability — Enjoy a lively performance from renowned artist John Butler at the iconic State Theatre.
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Women’s MTB Workshop: Bike Setup
6-8 p.m. — Allspeed Cyclery & Snow — Pre-registration required — Discover mountain bike setup essentials and enhance your ride with fellow riders.
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Celtic Woman: A New Era
7:30-9:00 p.m. — State Theatre — $75-$45 reserved seating — Experience the captivating blend of Irish music and culture as Celtic Woman returns with their all-new show.
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Bloodshot Bill with Holly & Her Buddys
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Veterans of Foreign Wars — $20/$15 presale — Experience an electrifying rockabilly performance by Bloodshot Bill and local sensations Holly & Her Buddys.
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Life Drawing in the Light
11:00 AM — Mechanics' Hall — Pay what you can — Enjoy a figure drawing session with live music and fresh coffee in a vibrant community setting.
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Art Mondays at Ugly Duckling Maine
5-7 p.m. — Ugly Duckling Maine — Free entry — Experience a cozy creative meetup filled with art, music, and good energy.
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40 Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — The Portland Yoga Project — $775 — Deepen your practice and teaching skills in an immersive Yin Yoga training experience.
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John Legend Concert
6:59 AM – 1:59 PM — Merrill Auditorium — Last-minute tickets available — Don't miss the chance to see John Legend perform live in Portland.
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Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Cost info not available — Experience the beauty of outdoor painting in a picturesque setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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