Daily editionSaturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
Community
New England Motorcycle Group is hosting International Female Ride Day today with stops planned in New Hampshire and Maine to support women in recovery + all funds raised will benefit the cause.
FOX23Read more
Culture
CiderFeast Portland will bring together over a dozen cideries and breweries at Oxbow Blending and Bottling on Sunday, May 3 from noon to 3 p.m.
FOX23Read more
Staff at Space on Congress Street joined the United Auto Workers Local 2110 (a union for cultural institution workers) on Friday as all 21 employees supported the move; management said they look forward to working together to uphold shared values.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Over a dozen cideries and breweries will showcase their craft beverages tomorrow at CiderFeast Portland, held at Oxbow Blending & Bottling from noon to 3 p.m.
WGMERead more
Environment
Allagash Brewing released its seventh annual B Corporation report on April 20, showing that 98% of its waste is diverted from landfills and detailing upgrades in local grain sourcing and shipment redesign+ measures that lower its environmental impact at its Industrial Way facility. The report reinforces its commitment to sustainability in the community.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Firefighters in Westbrook say the staffing levels remain a safety risk as call volumes more than doubled since 2001, leaving the department stretched during emergencies.
City officials plan to add a full-time position and develop a training facility to build a stronger fire service, but no immediate changes will occur.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Governor Mills suspended her Senate campaign on Thursday, Apr. 30 due to inadequate funds and support, causing surprise among voters.
The change led new contender Graham Platner to withdraw from planned primary debates as he positions himself to challenge Susan Collins in November.
FOX23Read more
Eligible Maine workers began taking leave on May 1 under the new Paid Family Medical Leave Program, and the first weekly payments are scheduled for May 7 for 102 approved workers (the state received over 2,000 applications since March 30).
WMTWRead more
Health
Portland officials say the streets face a difficult mental health crisis as increasing public drug use and homelessness challenge local services; community groups and city programs are expanding crisis intervention and street cleanup efforts & debating longer therapeutic jail alternatives.
West End NewsRead more
Portland Events
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.
Rescued Hearts Film Screening
Sunday, May 17th, 2026 · 2-4:30 p.m. — Entertainment Luxury Cinemas South Portland — Ticketed event — Experience the award-winning documentary on the healing power of the horse-human connection with special guests.