Daily editionWednesday, May 7th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.
Government
Portland City Council accepted a $10,000 donation to start a pilot soccer program run by Hearts of Pine for asylum-seekers who are not permitted to work—Mayor Mark Dion said no taxpayer funds were used.
The program will begin in the first week of May and run through the end of June—success may lead to a permanent league.
FOX23Read more
Today, TSA no longer accepts state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID compliant for adult airline passengers—those without a REAL ID can use other approved documents like a U.S. passport to pass security.
Maine residents have faced long DMV wait times recently, and officials say REAL IDs will continue to be issued at BMV offices after today.
WMTWRead more
Health
MaineGeneral Health will cut pediatric psychological services at the Edmund Ervin Pediatric Center in Augusta because MaineCare reimbursements do not cover costs and the center operates at a million-dollar annual loss, leaving families of children with disabilities scrambling for care. The cuts will also end psychological evaluations, and parents may have to seek services out of state (the last program serving Maine’s most vulnerable children).
FOX23Read more
Real Estate
Developers have unveiled plans for Old Port Square, a four-acre project on Middle, Exchange, Fore and Union Streets that will bring new homes, hotels, offices and restaurants to downtown.
The project includes a building that could be the tallest in Maine — construction timelines have not yet been released.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
Scenic Train Ride along Casco Bay
Sunday, May 18th, 2025 · 10 AM – 1 PM — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticketed event — Experience a picturesque 40-minute train ride while learning about Maine's railroading history and enjoying beautiful waterside views.
Book Reading with Jamie Loftus
Monday, May 19th, 2025 · 6-7 p.m. — Longfellow Books — No tickets needed — Celebrate the paperback release of Jamie Loftus's bestselling book, Raw Dog, in a fun-filled evening.