Daily editionFriday, May 16th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
Community
Portland opened its first dedicated public bike park at Riverton Trolley Bike Park on Wednesday as part of a $500,000 park improvement project that began in October 2024—officials say the park gives all ages a new outdoor space to gather.
WGMERead more
Culture
Portland's Wabanaki Film Festival will take place Sunday at the Portland Museum of Art, showing five films including a screening of Harvest of Empire and three films by Maine filmmakers—designed with panel discussions to boost awareness of Indigenous stories.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Classical Uprising and local elementary and middle school students created the concert 'Growing Up in Maine' using poems, interviews and clapping games, and they will perform it Saturday at Bowdoin College in Brunswick and Sunday at the State Theatre in Portland.
The project began nearly two years ago and now seeks album recording funds through a Kickstarter campaign—showcasing the vibrant voices of Portland's youth.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
The new board of Saint Dominic Regional High School proposed leasing the Auburn campus and moving middle school students to the high school after the diocese’s deadline passed Wednesday for raising $3 million for a bridge year.
The board said it has raised over $1 million (through donations and pledges) and has contacted the Maine Department of Education (for guidance on keeping the school open).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
The CBS13 I-Team held a town hall on Tuesday to discuss contractor disputes and a proposal to require contractors to be licensed in Maine—panel members included a contractor and a lawmaker.
Lawmakers will continue debating the proposal as consumer protection concerns remain high.
WGMERead more
Health
Portland has seen a surge in methamphetamine use that now makes up 30 percent of street drugs and has led to rising overdoses and erratic behavior, police said.
Local health agencies and community groups are expanding treatment programs—such as rewards for negative tests—to help people beat addiction.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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.
An Afternoon with B. Dylan Hollis
Monday, May 26th, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — Books-A-Million — Ticket required — Celebrate the release of Baking Across America with a lively discussion, meet-and-greet, and an autograph from the beloved author.