Thursday, May 8th, 2025

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Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Portland designer Daphne Murphy of Daphne Michelle Designs turns old blankets, quilts and tapestries into custom jackets that sell for about 150 to 300 dollars. Her work gained attention online and in person when artist Lisa Bello wore one of her jackets at Fenway Park — fans now line up for her sustainable, one-of-a-kind pieces. WMTW
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Marshals are searching for Kristofer Haken, who has local and federal warrants for his alleged role in the 2024 Portland shooting that killed Susan McHugh and injured three during a motorcycle club fight, and police say he is dangerous — he is known to frequent Lebanon, Londonderry, Manchester, Barnstead, White River Junction, and Albany. WGME
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission repealed planned changes to Maine’s minimum lobster catch size that would have required fishermen to release more lobsters into the Gulf — a decision reflecting fishermen’s view that the lobster population is healthy. Local fishermen will continue catching lobsters at the current size. FOX23
- ➤ Portland is suing Maine DHHS after a rule change cut shelter funding nearly in half, which Mayor Mark Dion said should have required a vote from lawmakers. He is asking the court to pause the rule to restore funding for the city's shelter that houses over 250 people a night — most of whom come from outside the city. FOX23
- ➤ Survivors and mental health workers testified on Wednesday in Augusta urging lawmakers to pass a bill that would give $3.4 million over two years to keep the Maine Resiliency Center open—serving over 600 people since the Lewiston mass shooting amid uncertain federal funding—to ensure continued trauma support. Lawmakers stressed the importance of expanding services for those still healing from the tragic event. Portland Press Herald
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The team behind Old Port Square unveiled plans Tuesday for a new 380-foot building in downtown Portland that will have a 30-story tower with a sky lobby — a spot to see the city and Casco Bay. The project still needs approval from Planning and Urban Development and will break ground in 2027 if approved. WMTW
- ➤ East Brown Cow and Safdie Architects unveiled plans on Tuesday to redevelop the Canal Plaza Block in the Old Port into Old Port Square— a mixed-use project that will include a 30-story, 380-foot tower at 45 Union St, retail space, hotels, residences, offices, and a timber and glass pavilion at 55 Union St. The developer said the project will transform Portland’s skyline while honoring the area’s historic character. Portland Press Herald
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Portland.
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Farmer's Market
8 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Brunswick Town Mall — Free entry — Browse fresh produce and local goods at the vibrant community market.
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Spring Planting Festival at Mount Joy
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Mt. Joy Community Orchard — Free entry — Celebrate Spring with a plant swap, work party, and grafting workshop.
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Boho Mommy & Me Mini Sessions
10-11 a.m. — The Beaux and Arrows Collective by Rebecca Pinkham-Stevenson — Pricing available on inquiry — Capture the enchanting bond of motherhood in a lush, boho-inspired setting.
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Community Bingo Event
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.
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Trivia Night
6-8 p.m. — Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy a fun-filled evening of trivia with friends.
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The Magic of Motown
7:30-9 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the joy and nostalgia of Motown classics in a vibrant evening of music.
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Outdoor Painting Class in Cape Elizabeth
1-4 p.m. — Scenic Location Near Portland — Booking Required — Capture Maine's natural beauty in a private painting class for all skill levels.
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Scenic Train Ride along Casco Bay
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.
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Book Reading with Jamie Loftus
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.
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Creative Chaos Creative Retreat 2025
12 PM – 9 PM — O'Maine Studios — $1,100 ticket — Engage in hands-on painting workshops and connect with fellow creatives over three exciting days.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Portland.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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