Daily editionWednesday, May 14th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 14th of May.
Community
Portland’s Parks Conservancy is opening the Riverton Trolley Bike Park today (the first public bike park for BMX and mountain biking fans) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Jack Phillips and Stu Johnson (from Parks Conservancy and Maine Trail Builders) will speak at the event.
WGMERead more
Culture
Portland’s Indigo Arts Alliance, a Black-owned art collaborative, bought its East Bayside studio at 60 Cove St. in January after nearly six years of renting—saving on rising rental costs and paving the way to expand programs and staff support for local artists.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland’s USM campus will host the 21st annual STRIVE Rocks dance party Friday at 8 p.m. at Sullivan gym, with the event raising funds for STRIVE (a nonprofit serving teens, tweens and young adults with intellectual disabilities).
WGMERead more
Government
Rep. Marc Malon introduced a bill to ban dynamic pricing—raising prices during busy hours—in Maine stores and restaurants because supporters say Mainers should not pay more based on demand while critics argue there is no local evidence of the practice.
WGMERead more
Portland granted General Assistance to 3,051 individuals last year; over 57 percent received help for three months or less, with about 30 percent only aided for one month and just over 3 percent for 12 months.
The mayor said many recipients do not live in the city and will seek more state funding.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
The Magic of Motown
Friday, May 16th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 · 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
Sunday, May 18th, 2025 · 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
Monday, May 19th, 2025 · 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.
pollinateHERS - Support Group for Women Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — coworkHERS — Free entry — Connect and collaborate with fellow female entrepreneurs every third Tuesday of the month.
Lecture on Greater Portland's Mid-20th Century History
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 · 6:30-7:30 p.m. — South Portland Recreation Center — Free entry — Discover the rich history of Greater Portland in the mid-20th century with local historian Michael.
Cage Match Showdown
Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 · 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
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 · 11 a.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Free admission — Celebrate Unity Environmental University’s graduating class of 2025 with keynote speaker Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Live Music in the Brewhouse
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Allagash Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy local live acts while savoring craft beer and cider in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Burst & Bloom Variety Show
Sunday, May 25th, 2025 · 8 p.m. — The Apohadion Theater — Check site for details — Experience a modern mix of comedy, music, and magic in this vibrant variety show.