Daily editionSunday, May 18th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 18th of May.
Community
Cyclists gathered at Allspeed bike and ski shop on Saturday for its annual bike swap where over 250 used bikes were sold at discounted prices and unsold bikes were set to be donated to local charities.
Owner Chris Carleton said the event offered an affordable option for riders amid rising costs for imported biking gear.
WMTWRead more
Business
Joann Fabrics will close its Maine stores by the end of May after filing for bankruptcy—local fabric and craft retailers are now welcoming new customers seeking yarn, fabric, and supplies.
Independent shops like Rosemary’s Gift & Yarn Shop and KnitWit are also expanding their offerings and hosting classes to meet the growing demand.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
A small sinkhole has formed at the intersection of State Street and Park Avenue near Deering Oaks Park, slowing traffic and warning drivers with a large orange slow sign + Public Works is on the way to patch the hole.
FOX23Read more
Maine State Police said a bloodhound named Millie, with her handler Corporal Eric Sucy and Game Warden Julia Horst, found a missing 5-year-old girl with autism in a swamp near Rowe Road at about 5:30 p.m. on Friday—she was tracked nearly 2,000 feet from her home.
FOX23Read more
Health
Health care providers warned that the proposed Medicaid cuts — estimated to leave 34,000 Maine residents without coverage — could worsen the health care system, with hospitals already facing funding challenges.
Lawmakers and experts expressed concern that these changes will add pressure to a system struggling with long waits and limited services.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A Maine bill to help residents exposed to PFAS moved forward this week after the House and Senate passed it.
The measure requires health insurers to cover blood tests that cost hundreds of dollars— it still faces further procedural votes in the legislature.
FOX23Read more
Sports
The Southern Maine Community College softball team returned home Friday evening after clinching its first USCAA national title with a 10-0 win over Florida National University on Thursday—escorted by South Portland police and fire crews, the Seawolves celebrated a 32-7 season with cheers from students, staff, and families.
WMTWRead more
Maine Footy's women pro-am soccer team opened its season with an away game in Ludlow and will play its first home match on June 7 at Memorial Field.
New executive director Mony Hang and head coach Paul Baber are building a roster focused on Maine talent—while welcoming out-of-state players, they will also run a girls' soccer camp from July 14 to 17.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
PMP Certification Classroom Training
Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 · 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Portland, ME — Check for varying costs — Gain Project Management skills with extensive training and personalized support.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland
Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticket pricing varies — Explore Portland’s coast and historic neighborhoods on a classic fire truck with live narration.