Daily editionSunday, May 17th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 17th of May.
Community
Andrew Cross, a Morrill firefighter who died while fighting the Robbins Lumber fire in Searsmont, was honored on Saturday by first responders along Route 3 as his body traveled from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta to the Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast.
WGMERead more
Health
Maine has seen fewer overdose deaths as the Scarborough Police Department’s LEAD program helps people find care instead of incarceration.
Supported by Sen. Collins and the governor’s office, the program shows participants are 58% less likely to reoffend despite federal restrictions on spending essentials.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Last Sunday, reporting showed only 12% of Maine schools were tested for radon in the past five years, with 25% of those tests finding elevated levels of the cancer-causing gas (radon).
A study indicates that schools in low-budget districts may delay testing, with remediation costs estimated between $2,000 and $20,000 per school.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Portland's Hearts of Pine beat Rhode Island FC 2-1 at Fitzpatrick Stadium on Saturday (6,307 in attendance), earning four points in Group 5 of the USL Cup; they will face Brooklyn FC on June 7 and New York Cosmos on July 11.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
USM baseball rallied from a 7-2 deficit with a nine-run inning on Saturday + Vacchiano hit a tiebreaking grand slam on his 20th birthday to secure an 11-7 win over Babson in Gorham, moving the Huskies into the regional winners bracket for their next game on Sunday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cheverus softball won on Saturday after scoring eight runs in one inning, with Cameron Gagnon’s solo homer & Kylie Lambson’s RBI single driving the victory.
Bonny Eagle and Massabesic baseball teams also won on the diamond with strong pitching and timely hits.
WMTWRead more
The state high school doubles tennis tournament moved outdoors to Edward Little Saturday, where Falmouth’s seeded teams cruised into the semis, a Brewer pair edged a thrilling win, and a Yarmouth duo balanced tennis with prom prep — a compressed schedule tested all teams ahead of Sunday’s final four.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
On Friday morning, a massive explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont left one firefighter dead, 27 year old Andrew Cross of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, and several others seriously injured, with Katherine Page of Belmont in a medically induced coma and a Lincolnville firefighter hospitalized.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Check website for pricing — Enjoy a morning of creativity in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Thursday, May 28th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket required — Explore your creativity while painting amidst the natural beauty of Fort Williams Park.