Daily editionWednesday, April 29th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of April.
Community
Portland chocolatier Dean Bingham, 79, will begin a 3,696-mile, unsupported ride on May 1 from west of Portland, Oregon, to raise $80,000 for multiple sclerosis and try for a Guinness World Record, finishing in Portland on July 9 (his 80th birthday).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Tuesday, Apr. 28, USM students partnered with Go Baby Go to gift three-year-old Claire an adaptive toy car at their Lewiston health care campus, helping her gain more independence despite spina bifida — her favorite yellow design includes stickers.
WMTWRead more
A Shred-A-Thon event is scheduled at Portland studios (81 Northport Drive) on May 1 from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., where residents will have their old documents shredded on site by Shredding on Site to help protect against identity theft.
WGMERead more
The 6th annual Drumming Up Wishes event returns on May 3 (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) at Funky Bow Brewery and Beer Company in Lyman, led by drummer Jeff Glidden to raise $25,500 for Make-A-Wish Maine.
FOX23Read more
Business
L.L. Bean will pause its social media starting May 1 to boost mental health by promoting outdoor time during Mental Health Month, offering two limited-edition Boat and Totes to encourage screen-free days.
The products come in two designs (Off the Grid and Analog) featuring curated outdoor essentials.
FOX23Read more
Culture
Portland joined the Lafayette Trail marker system on April 22 by unveiling a new plaque at Bramhall Square to honor General Lafayette's historic 1825 visit.
Local dignitaries attended the event (about 50–60 people), which was part of the city’s celebration for America’s 250th anniversary.
West End NewsRead more
Maine’s Semiquincentennial Commission announced seven items selected to represent the state in America’s Time Capsule to be sealed early June and buried in Philadelphia on July 4.
The box will be opened on July 4, 2276 to reveal artifacts that capture Maine’s history & commitment to its heritage.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine food writers enjoy creative freedom on Substack where they share essays and recipes that celebrate local culinary traditions.
The platform gives writers like Amie McGraham a personal outlet to update family recipes and tell engaging stories about food.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Meteorologists warned Maine residents yesterday of a high wildfire risk caused by dry, breezy weather that made vegetation more flammable.
Rain showers forecast for today may ease conditions, so authorities urged people to avoid starting fires and manage fire hazards carefully.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
InterMed announced it will stop accepting Martin's Point Medicare Advantage plans starting in 2027 (affecting thousands of patients in greater Portland) and patients will need to secure new coverage to avoid out-of-network costs.
FOX23Read more
Central Maine Healthcare in Lewiston will lay off 38 IT workers after implementing Epic (a new records platform) as part of Prime Healthcare’s $150 million investment.
The move does not affect patient care roles and affected employees are encouraged to apply for available positions.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Saturday, May 9th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a morning of creativity amid the beautiful scenery of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Buy tickets online — Enjoy a morning of painting in the scenic beauty of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of outdoor painting in the picturesque setting of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Thursday, May 14th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Unleash your creativity in a picturesque outdoor setting and enjoy painting among nature.