Daily editionWednesday, May 13th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of May.
Culture
The Bates Film Festival began Tuesday and runs until May 17, offering films and community discussion organized by Maine students.
The event brings locals together to explore fresh stories in film.
FOX23Read more
Definitive Brewing Company is hosting its 8th anniversary party Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Industrial Way in Portland where families can enjoy new beer releases, live music, food & a bounce house for kids.
WGMERead more
The Maine Playwrights Festival returns to Portland this Friday at Stevens Square Theater, presenting seven new plays through May 24.
Megan Tripaldi debuts her work (We Were Caught Wandering) with director Nathan Speckman involved.
FOX23Read more
Maine restaurant owners are weighing whether to post political messages or keep their spaces neutral as they balance staff and customer expectations.
Some businesses (like Coffee By Design) openly share their values while others choose to let the food speak for itself.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Heavier downpours now fall across Maine as a warming climate increases the atmosphere's moisture; Portland's heavy rain events (up 16% since 1970) heighten risks for flash flooding and road washouts.
Average temperatures have risen by about 3.5° since then.
FOX23Read more
A coalition of 17 public health and environmental groups released the Meeting the Moment report Tuesday urging state leaders to pass legal mandates including a Wabanaki-led tribal land return (and banning synthetic pesticides), a 100% clean energy target and land conservation measures to curb rising energy costs and destructive storms.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Maine lawmakers approved affordability checks in the state budget signed by Governor Janet Mills.
Eligible Mainers making less than $50k, $75k head of household, or $100k if married will receive a $300 check — couples get $600 — beginning July 31 with more payments arriving early August.
FOX23Read more
Gorham cemetery committee member Dennis Morton said in a May 11 inspection that fallen gravestones across 12 cemeteries including 200 at Eastern plus 40 at Dow Road need urgent repair and urged town officials to assign teams per state law.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Friday, May 22nd, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy a morning of painting in a beautiful outdoor park setting.
Turkish Ceramic Painting Workshop
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 · 1 PM – 3:30 PM — Best Western Merry Manor Inn — All materials included — Unleash your creativity while enjoying Turkish tea and sweet treats in a beginner-friendly environment.
Paint Outdoors in Portland
Monday, May 25th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a morning of creativity in a beautiful outdoor setting.