Daily editionThursday, April 30th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of April.
Community
The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland is featuring Chickpea, an 8-month-old puppy who loves belly rubs and gets along well with kids, for adoption at 217 Landing Road in Westbrook between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Shelter is closed Wednesdays).
WMTWRead more
Business
Mourning Cloak, a new bakery & cafe, will open Friday at 122 Washington Ave in the former Bake Maine space, serving baked goods like raspberry scones and blueberry muffins.
Owner William Justice will also open Sweetfern Geometer, a seasonal restaurant, in the adjoining area early this summer.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Indie rock singer Liz Phair will perform at the State Theatre on Sept. 23.
Tickets cost $55 in advance + $60 on the door and go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. in person at 609 Congress St. or online.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The musical 'An Evening at Dave’s Sauna' will run six shows at Good Theater from May 1 to May 10 at 2 and 7 p.m. and brings a fresh twist to the legendary 1970s sauna with updated songs and cast + appealing to longtime fans and newcomers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland is hosting Soft Edges at Light Manufacturing on Cassidy Point until May 29, showcasing quilts made by trans artists as part of an international tour.
The exhibit features an art reception on May 15 from 5-8 p.m. that will spotlight personal stories through textile art.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Portland residents can join No Mow May by leaving part of their lawns un-mowed this May (a practice that helps bees, butterflies and other pollinators find early food).
The move also helps strengthen plants to retain moisture during warmer spells.
FOX23Read more
No Mow May encourages homeowners to leave portions of their lawns unmowed until June to help pollinators, like bees and butterflies, find food.
Portland residents can join this effort to strengthen plants and improve moisture retention in yards.
WGMERead more
Government
Greater Portland Metro is designing a bus rapid transit route to run every 10 minutes and connect Gorham, Westbrook, and Portland.
The agency is asking residents to complete an online survey as planning continues and aims for service to start in 2031 or 2032 (survey available online).
WMTWRead more
Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would have paused new AI data centers and their heavy use of electricity and water in Jay.
Experts say Maine can use its offshore platform know-how to build floating data centers that use natural cooling + wind power.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
MaineCare covered nearly 70% of nursing home residents in recent years, with Senate data showing 68% of residents were covered in 2022 (the program offers free or low-cost insurance to those who qualify by age, income or disability).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
Nutritionist Sara Sullivan demonstrates how to make savory herb breakfast biscuits — offering a ham and cheese or Mediterranean sausage twist — that yield 12 biscuits and guide you through mixing and baking fresh ingredients.
WGMERead more
Sports
Scarborough linebacker Jayden Flaker is set to attend the Buffalo Bills rookie mini-camp next week to try to earn an NFL contract—as an undrafted free agent he will arrive May 7 and spend two days showing his skills on special teams.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
All Roads Music Festival - Day 2
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 · 12:00 – 11:59 PM — One Longfellow Square — Ticket prices vary — Experience Savoir Faire's jazz-infused music that connects modern themes to a nostalgic sound.