Good morning, Portland.

Portland residents are invited by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Association to adopt a tree today from 9-11 a.m.—they will receive free mulch to revitalize tree wells—and see new trees planted in empty wells.

Portland police arrested 57-year-old Jay Larose after he slashed a 56-year-old man near a shelter on Elena’s Way at 9:15 p.m. Thursday night— the victim was taken to Maine Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and Larose is charged with elevated aggravated assault.

STRIVE Rocks 2025 kicked off Friday night with live music, games, and prizes that raised money for STRIVE Studios, a space offering art and movement programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The organization also introduced an eight-week Tuesday Studio Series for young artists ages 15 to 24 — building creative skills and community ties.

Bayside Bowl in Portland will host a three-day celebration for its 15th anniversary from June 20th to June 22nd — the event will feature bowling, live music, and food and drinks and is open to all ages.

The Sun Bucks program will give eligible Maine families a one-time payment of $120 per child to cover summer meal costs—helping about 110,000 children benefit.

Department of Health and Human Services expects the program to assist families with over $12 million in total aid—providing support during summer break.

Portland high schooler YuJi Smith (17 from Waynflete School) led efforts to have Maine and the city recognize May 18 as National Asian American and Pacific Islander Day Against Bullying and Hate.

The proclamations signed by Gov. Janet Mills and Mayor Mark Dion aim to honor over 27,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders while denouncing rising bullying and hate.

Since 2014, Maine’s health care workforce has grown 143% for nonwhite employees, rising from 4% to 10% as more immigrants and people of color fill key roles amid a severe shortage in direct care.

Hospitals and state lawmakers plan to boost training and recruitment programs to meet growing care needs for Maine’s aging population—ensuring that services remain available.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An Afternoon with B. Dylan Hollis

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.

Capoeira Classes

6:30-8 p.m. — The Salt Flat Dance Collaborative — Costs vary — Explore the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira through movement, music, and culture.