Daily editionThursday, May 14th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of May.
Community
The planning board approved the Boys and Girls Club expansion at the Cumberland Avenue location (corner of Cedar Street) Tuesday night to add a 13,000 sqft teen center for 500 more youth with art, music, and trade spaces.
Construction will start after permits are issued and take 15-18 months.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Local author Caitlin Shetterly, whose sequel The Gulf of Lions explores motherhood and healing, will join Richard Russo and NPR's Scott Simon for a live conversation at Mechanics Hall on May 20 at 6 p.m. She will discuss her creative process and journey from personal challenge to literary inspiration.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
This week’s poem by James Brasfield, ‘A Separate Light,’ is featured in Deep Water: Maine Poems (a collaboration with Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance).
It offers vivid imagery and a gentle meditation on memory and nature.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine art galleries have scheduled summer shows with a mix of solo and group exhibitions from early June through October.
Venues include Rockport, Camden and Portland (with other towns also featuring events), giving local art lovers diverse opportunities to view both established artists and emerging talent.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Morse High School valedictorian Olivia Drewniak won a $35,000 VFW national scholarship for her essay on patriotism (inspired by her mother's Coast Guard service) and will use the award for her studies in political science and biology at Boston College.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
Maine readers can make the most of summer by pairing local beaches with a curated list of must-read books, from a coming-of-age story at Sand Beach to sci-fi exploration at Crescent Beach.
The guide offers choices for a refreshing literary escape — perfect for coastal days.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
Portland’s planning board approved GreenMars’ proposal on May 12 for a seven-story building with 87 units on Congress Street and Washington Avenue.
The project includes 22 workforce housing units and commercial space and requires a zoning change while facing concerns over parking and scale — signs of an evolving housing market.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Kaden Bedard, a 19-year-old point guard at Newman School, said he will play college basketball at UMaine (where his father Andy Bedard is a local legend) and he expects to bring hard work and community energy to Memorial Gym.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Playing Card Painting Workshop
Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Belleflower Brewing Company — $10 entry — Create unique painted cards while supporting the Maine Cancer Foundation and meet fellow crafting enthusiasts.