Daily editionThursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
Community
Ed Lechner, 90, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boston Shoe Travelers Association Tuesday at his South Portland Selby Shoes store—recognizing over 50 years of service in retail.
His family now runs the business, continuing his legacy and local community ties.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Kerem Durdag’s poem 'Roses' is featured by DEEP WATER: Maine Poems in collaboration with the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance (with author permission), presenting tender images of nature and memory.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
ARC Maine's Jeff Peterson is touring Allagash Brewing Company today for National Beverage Day and will show how the brewery produces its popular craft beers (a behind the scenes look at local brewing).
WGMERead more
Maine art museums are hosting summer exhibits featuring photography, painting, and sculpture that showcase local and national talent; the Portland Museum of Art is showing Winslow Homer works (July 3-Oct. 18) while other venues present themed collaborations.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
STRIVE’s programs help local adults build independent living skills while fostering community support—STRIVE Rocks fundraiser will begin at 8 p.m. Friday at the University of Southern Maine’s Sullivan Gym, and donations will keep the programs thriving.
FOX23Read more
Environment
Students and scientists at the University of Maine are testing a biodegradable pesticide to protect spruce and fir trees from increased spruce budworm numbers; federal Forest Service funding supports research near the Quebec border & Fort Kent and aims to save Maine forests.
FOX23Read more
Government
Portland leaders are discussing converting part of the school district’s Cumberland Avenue office into a long-term family shelter as Chestnut Street leases expire next month.
They will review a $14 million renovation plan (with $4 million annual operating costs and $10 million in obligation funds) at a Thursday finance meeting.
WGMERead more
Health
MaineHealth will begin enrolling 60 referred patients next week in its second year clinical trial on chronic Lyme (where symptoms continue despite treatment) at centers in Biddeford, Portland, Brunswick, Rockport, and Belfast.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says naloxone is still used in suspected overdoses even when fentanyl is mixed with nonopioid drugs (it only counteracts opioid effects).
Portland police reported seven suspected overdoses on April 26 and urged 911 calls immediately.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
UNO Pizzeria & Grill in South Portland will host a Mother’s Day-inspired ‘Mom and Me’ pizza class Saturday at noon to let moms and kids bond while making deep-dish pizza from scratch.
Chefs will guide participants through dough preparation & topping choices.
WGMERead more
Sports
The Mariners clinched their first playoff series win in a 3-1 Game 7 victory over Adirondack at Cross Insurance Arena Wednesday, scoring two late goals.
They will face the Wheeling Nailers in the second round starting Friday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Thornton Academy earned every first-place vote and Falmouth all nine second-place votes in the latest Varsity Maine boys lacrosse poll based on games played before May 5 — the top six teams were unanimously ranked by all nine voters, and shifts may come in future rankings.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed entry — Enjoy a morning of outdoor painting at a scenic park in Cape Elizabeth.