Daily editionThursday, April 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
Business
Employees at Holy Donut on Park Ave voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers — they celebrated with pizza at Flatbread and will begin union negotiations with management soon.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
The documentary 'Lunchroom Revolution' premieres May 9 at the Portland Museum of Art and spotlights Maine's work to improve school meals by featuring local programs, including an initiative where inmates grow produce for schools and partnerships between fishermen and cafeterias — the film shows how efforts transform meals for students.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine author Elizabeth Strout will release her novel The Things We Never Say on May 5 and speak on May 13 at The Music Hall in Portsmouth (N.H.) as her story takes a fresh turn in a coastal Massachusetts town.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
After finishing a three-year study across 90 sites in Casco Bay—including one hotspot at a South Portland mall affected by an August 2024 truck fire—Friends of Casco Bay will now test fish tissue to check if PFAS are harming aquatic life.
FOX23Read more
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute uses science to study and protect local ocean ecosystems.
Senior scientist Jerome Pinti noted a 50% drop in Casco Bay seagrass meadows + vital for fish habitats and carbon storage as the nonprofit educates locals on climate challenges.
WGMERead more
Government
Portland Police are launching a downtown constable program in parks and public spaces that offers general assistance to promote community trust — led by retired officer Marty Ney from the Community Policing Division, the program does not serve law enforcement roles.
WGANRead more
Portland International Jetport is using a new FAA RNAV RNP Z RWY 29 approach published on April 16 to direct more planes over the water and ease noise in South Portland.
Airlines are urged to equip their aircraft so the approach can operate 24 hours a day in low visibility.
WMTWRead more
Penobscot Island Air will resume mail deliveries to North Haven, Vinalhaven and Matinicus Friday morning after USPS pledged to pay 25% of its $388,000 debt (with support from all four Maine congressional representatives speeding up the resolution).
FOX23Read more
Health
South Portland resident Trisha Pratt says her 16-year-old son Dante is in juvenile detention at Long Creek Youth Development Center after repeated hospitalizations and behavioral issues—his upcoming release in June underscores Maine’s ongoing shortage of teen mental health services as she pursues long-term treatment options.
WMTWRead more
On Earth Day, locals learn that while the sun warms and sustains life, its UV rays can cause skin damage — experts recommend using eco-friendly mineral or chemical sunscreen to protect against sunburn as spring sunlight intensifies.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Explore your creativity in the beautiful outdoor setting of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Thursday, May 7th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a peaceful morning of painting in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Friday, May 8th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of creativity surrounded by the beauty of nature.