Thursday, May 15th, 2025

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Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 16-year-old Deering High student was mistakenly detained at gunpoint by South Portland police off school property during lunch Tuesday on Orkney Street—parents have accused the officers of racial profiling and demanded accountability as the encounter ended in five minutes. WGME
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Josh Schlesinger has leased two adjoining buildings at 144 Fore Street—he said his new venue, Live at Madrid’s, will hold about 800 people and host live music, comedy, podcasts and events featuring local bands. The $3.5 million renovation will add stages and a bar and is expected to open later this year. Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Brian Reynolds was sworn in Wednesday to fill a seat left vacant for seven years by the Houlton Band of Maliseets in the Maine House—his term ends Oct. 31 and reflects improved ties between state lawmakers and local Wabanaki tribes. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Maine is preparing to hold habeas corpus hearings that may release low-income defendants who have waited over 14 days for an attorney and drop charges for those waiting 60 days—data from May 6 show waiting counts fell from 492 to 358 for attorney assignment and from 111 to 57 in custody since the March 7 ruling. Lawmakers passed an emergency bill to add more than $3.3 million over three years to hire more lawyers—experts say the move follows lessons learned from a Massachusetts case. WMTW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers debated two bills to create a universal health care system in Maine; one bill would implement universal care with an oversight agency while the other would study costs and funding. Representative Anne-Marie Mastraccio from Sanford said clear data is needed for future decisions — a public hearing held Wednesday provided input — as legislators weigh if a publicly funded system is achievable. FOX23
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Spring has arrived and warmer temperatures invite residents to try kayaking and paddle boarding in Casco Bay. Zack Anchors from Portland Paddle said outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the waterfront—making the most of fresh seasonal opportunities. FOX23
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Portland developers and Safdie Architects propose Old Port Square—a 30-floor, 380-foot tower at 45 Union St. that would be Maine’s tallest building if built; the project is under review by the planning commission, and critics say it may disrupt the historic fabric by serving only affluent residents. Portland Press Herald
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mt. Ararat baseball came from behind to win 3+2 against Brunswick after scoring three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, putting the Eagles in first place in Class A North. Coach Brett Chase said the team played together after a nine-day break and gained the needed boost for the season. Portland Press Herald
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Scenic Train Ride
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Check website for pricing — Experience a picturesque journey along Casco Bay in historic passenger cars while learning about Maine's railroading history.
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Visit the CREA Ecology Center – Open Sundays
12-2 p.m. — CREA Ecology Center — Free entry — Explore nature and enjoy the beauty of the Cathance River Nature Preserve with family and friends.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The shoe that fits one person pinches another.
~ Carl Jung
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