Daily editionFriday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
Community
STRIVE Rocks fundraiser begins at 8 p.m. today at the Sullivan gym (USM campus) where STRIVE Studios helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities explore art and movement.
The dance party, supported by a media sponsor, will run until 8 a.m. Saturday.
WGMERead more
Culture
Maine chef Cara Stadler advances to the final round of America's Culinary Cup on May 13, where she will compete with Michelin-starred chef Chris Morgan and gold medalist chef Matt Peters for a $1M prize + the honor of representing Maine.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Thomas College president Dr. Jeannine Uzzi explained how the college connects education + training with Maine’s growing business community as Greenlight Maine celebrated its 10th anniversary with a road show featuring success stories; she highlighted plans to nurture next-generation entrepreneurs.
WGMERead more
Health
Lyme disease cases increased steadily over recent years, with 4,257 cases reported in 2025 by Maine CDC as deer ticks became active in both coastal and inland areas.
Health officials advise wearing long sleeves and using tick repellant (and checking pets) before outdoor activities to reduce infection risks.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
MaineHealth will open a 5,500 sqft clinical research unit at its Biddeford hospital in 2027 (serving 20-40 patients) so that locals can join trials without traveling to Boston.
The $2 million unit, funded by the Maine Technology Institute, will test new treatments such as emerging cancer drugs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Families along River Road in Benton are offered free PFAS blood tests from a state program that allocated over $1 million, though only 10% of eligible households have followed up; a new law will require insurance companies to cover PFAS testing next year if recommended by a health care provider.
FOX23Read more
The state, Maine’s largest employer, has announced that by late Oct employees taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs must enroll in a free guided nutrition and lifestyle program (aiming to curb rising costs) to retain insurance coverage, while those using the medication for diabetes will follow the usual process.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Gorham native Mackenzie Holmes joined the Seattle Storm for her second WNBA season after gaining pro experience overseas, and she is set to play today in a season opener against the Golden State Valkyries.
She missed her rookie season due to knee surgery and expects support from home.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Former WWE wrestler Scotty 2 Hotty will wrestle his son Keagan Garland in a father+son match today at 7 p.m. during Limitless Wrestling’s WARZONE event at the Portland Expo.
He will return to the arena where he first performed in 1989.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Thursday, May 21st, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy an outdoor painting session amid the scenic beauty of Fort Williams Park.