Good morning, Portland.

Bangor native Shelby Howell won the Miss Maine USA pageant after a two-day contest at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland and will represent Maine at Miss USA—Jordon Hudson, the girlfriend of former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, finished as second runner-up while Isabelle St. Cyr placed in the top 10.

Maine college graduates from institutions including Maine College of Art & Design, Husson University and University of Maine walked across the stage over the weekend—marking the start of their next chapter.

After announcing his candidacy for governor last month, GOP candidate Bobby Charles— a former naval intelligence officer from Leeds endorsed by Buzz Aldrin— outlined his plan to combat fentanyl with measures to fight addiction, cut the state budget, reduce taxes, and improve education during his Total Maine interview on Sunday.

State lawmakers are reviewing two bills that would strengthen Maine’s dam safety program by boosting enforcement, expanding mapping, raising the chief inspector’s pay, and setting aside $5 million for municipally-owned dams—steps aimed at addressing aging infrastructure and growing climate risks. Lawmakers plan to refine the proposals after listening to concerns about underfunding and potential disaster risks.

Residents at a recent meeting asked for a municipal commission to oversee operations at Portland Jetport after the Planning Board approved a parking expansion that critics say ignores the airport’s master plan.

The group will submit a proposal to the city council's Sustainability & Transportation Committee this summer to boost public input & improve communication.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brunswick Downtown Hiring Event

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM — Brunswick Town Mall — Free entry — Connect with local employers seeking job seekers at this hiring event.

Cage Match Showdown

6-9 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $15 admission — Witness the comedic clash of Sporks vs Pitch to Pilot in an improv battle for the ages.

May 2025 Commencement Ceremony

11 a.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Free admission — Celebrate Unity Environmental University’s graduating class of 2025 with keynote speaker Neil deGrasse Tyson.