Daily editionFriday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
Community
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.
WMTWRead more
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 HeraldRead more
Culture
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.
WGMERead more
Education
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 HeraldRead more
Government
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).
WGMERead more
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.
WMTWRead more
Health
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.
WMTWRead more
Sports
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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.
WMTWRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
Badfish Concert
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — State Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the sounds of Badfish, a tribute to Sublime, at one of Portland's top venues.
John Butler Concert
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 · 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.
Women’s MTB Workshop: Bike Setup
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Allspeed Cyclery & Snow — Pre-registration required — Discover mountain bike setup essentials and enhance your ride with fellow riders.
Celtic Woman: A New Era
Friday, April 24th, 2026 · 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.
Bark in the Park
Saturday, April 25th, 2026 · 1 p.m. — Hadlock Field — Dog-friendly event — Celebrate furry friends with the Portland Sea Dogs at this fun-filled day.
Life Drawing in the Light
Sunday, April 26th, 2026 · 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.
Art Mondays at Ugly Duckling Maine
Monday, April 27th, 2026 · 5-7 p.m. — Ugly Duckling Maine — Free entry — Experience a cozy creative meetup filled with art, music, and good energy.
STOLEN MOJO + THE MIDDLE MEN
Thursday, April 30th, 2026 · 8 PM – 12 AM — Vinegar Hill Music Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an engaging night of hard pop tunes from The Middle Men and more.
John Legend Concert
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 · 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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Cost info not available — Experience the beauty of outdoor painting in a picturesque setting.