Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 18th of May.
Good morning, Portland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland
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.
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