Daily editionMonday, May 5th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 5th of May.
Community
The Autism Society of Maine held its largest fundraising event at Riverbank Park in Westbrook with over 300 participants+ to raise funds for services supporting individuals with autism and their families.
Organizers raised over $50,000+ and the event featured a Star Wars theme with costumes, vendors, and community activities.
FOX23Read more
On Saturday morning, dozens of residents gathered in local parks to pick up litter and debris—an effort led by the City Sustainability Office and the Portland Parks Conservancy that aimed to improve public areas across the city.
WMTWRead more
Moms from across Maine gathered in Westbrook at the first ever Strongest Moms Event hosted by Iron Legion Strength to raise funds for Make-a-Wish Maine—Sabrina Selleck won the deadlift contest by lifting 375 pounds.
FOX23Read more
Business
Tony’s Donuts—a local shop on 9 Bolton St. that has served fresh doughnuts since 1965—was recently announced for sale, with owner Rick Fournier having taken over from his late father.
Historical photos capture the shop’s long-standing legacy in the community.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Maine arts groups were told late Friday by the National Endowment for the Arts that support for their grants will end May 31, leaving groups like Salt Bay Chamberfest without a $20,000 grant for their 2025 festival if they do not appeal (they have seven days to do so).
The Maine Academy of Modern Music already received its grant and will hold its Resurgam Music and Arts Festival on June 8, while local arts leaders warn that the cuts may force changes in planned events.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
The Emerald ash borer has been destroying ash trees in Maine for several years and shows no sign of stopping—experts advise homeowners with ash trees to apply a systemic injection in June if the insect is detected.
The Maine Forest Service provides monitoring resources and guidelines to help residents identify and report infestations.
WMTWRead more
Lifestyle
A Portland restaurant is introducing kelp-infused dishes for Maine Seaweed Week—featuring a smoked salmon breakfast sandwich with brussels sprout and kelp slaw on house-made English muffins and kelp-infused cannelés—and drawing local diners to try innovative flavors.
Chef Damian Sansonetti and his wife, pastry master Ilma Lopez, crafted the menu to highlight the seaweed's versatility.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
Whose Live Anyway? in Portland
Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 · 7:30-9:00 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of improv comedy and audience participation from a beloved group of comedians.
Stereo Dreams Concert
Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 · 7:30-11 p.m. — The Apohadion Theater — $5-$15 — Enjoy live performances by Grand Vizier, JB!! aka Dirty Moses, and Shiloh The Messenger hosted by Graphic Melee.
Count Basie Orchestra Concert
Thursday, May 8th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — $35-$70 — Experience the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, continuing a rich tradition of jazz excellence.
Farmer's Market
Friday, May 9th, 2025 · 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Brunswick Town Mall — Free entry — Browse fresh produce and local goods at the vibrant community market.
Live Music in the Brewhouse
Saturday, May 10th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Allagash Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy local live music alongside locally-brewed beer in Portland's vibrant brewhouse.
Portland Sea Dogs Mother's Day 5K
Sunday, May 11th, 2025 · 12:30 p.m. — 271 Park Ave, Portland, ME — Registration needed — Celebrate Mother's Day with the community at the 23rd Annual 5K road race featuring commemorative shirts for the first 750 registrants.
Community Bingo Event
Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 · 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cards for sale with lunch options available — Enjoy a fun day of bingo with friends and community members.
Trivia Night
Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy a fun-filled evening of trivia with friends.
The Magic of Motown
Friday, May 16th, 2025 · 7:30-9 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the joy and nostalgia of Motown classics in a vibrant evening of music.
Outdoor Painting Class in Cape Elizabeth
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — Scenic Location Near Portland — Booking Required — Capture Maine's natural beauty in a private painting class for all skill levels.