Daily editionWednesday, May 6th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 6th of May.
Community
York community arranged a dignified funeral for James, 80, who died on March 5 at a care facility in Bridgton; the town’s burial fund covered his service while Janie Sweeney (family services manager) organized the effort so he would not be alone.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The annual dance marathon to support STRIVE Worldwide will kick off Friday at 8 p.m. at the Sullivan gym (USM campus) and run until 8 a.m. Saturday.
It funds online programs that teach independent living skills for youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
FOX23Read more
Business
Sea Salt Fry Co. in Wells opened in December in a space known for quick turnovers; chef-owner Norman Owens serves local bistro dishes (including famous duck fat fries) and will open a 20-seat outdoor side deck for the summer season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
On Tuesday, May 5, the average gas price in Maine reached $4.48 & SMCC commuters faced higher costs as they adjusted by taking direct routes, carpooling, or switching to electric options.
Many students continue to search for better ways to save on their daily rides.
WMTWRead more
Environment
Downeast Institute deployed wooden recruitment boxes in the mudflats of Cumberland, Falmouth, Yarmouth and Freeport this spring to study softshell clam survival against invasive predators.
Researchers will later collect and process the boxes (with help from volunteers) to link declining clamming to environmental trends.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland officials will discuss a plan Thursday to renovate the city-owned school district central office on Cumberland Avenue into a long-term shelter with individual sleeping quarters and dedicated areas for children — the redesign is estimated at nearly $14 million.
The proposal comes as the current shelter operates at 34% capacity.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
Maine Marine Patrol and the Coast Guard are searching near Deer Isle Bridge for a missing kayaker who overturned his craft Tuesday morning after family members reported the incident, and officials said updates will follow as the search continues.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Monday, May 18th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of creativity in the scenic outdoors of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Check the website for ticket prices — Experience creativity in nature while painting at a scenic park.