Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of April.
Good morning, Portland.
🏘️ 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).
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.
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.
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.
💼 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.
🎭 Culture
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.
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 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.
🌲 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.
🏥 Health
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.
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.
🎉 Portland Events
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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.
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.
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.
The Laugh Track
May 6 – 31 — Portland Stage — Tickets on sale March 24th — Discover the world premiere of a play about the female writers behind I Love Lucy.
Chase Shanahan Comedy Night
8:30 PM - 12:30 AM — Lincolns — Tickets $10 at the door — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Chase Shanahan at the Laugh Shack.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of creativity surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Album Release Show: Thin Lear and Friends
8 PM - 12 AM — Blue Portland Maine — Tickets TBA — Celebrate the release of Thin Lear's 'Many Disappeared' with supporting acts including Sagittarius Rising and The Womps.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
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
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
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Unleash your creativity in a picturesque outdoor setting and enjoy painting among nature.
🏠 Portland Real Estate
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💼 Portland Job Board
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📣 Portland Announcements
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