Daily editionMonday, May 18th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of May.
Community
Calvary Chapel Greater Portland held its 'Make Heaven Crowded' event at the Portland Expo Center on May 15 — drawing a large crowd with heavy police presence and prompting over two dozen local faith groups to stage a peaceful counter-event downtown that underscores its growing role in local discourse.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Saturday, May 17, Belfast VFW members collected donations outside the Belfast Co-op to support those affected by the Robbins Lumber explosion and fire.
The contributions will aid injured first responders, their families, and local fire departments in meeting their needs.
FOX23Read more
Government
Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman announced that workers displaced from Robbins Lumber will soon have access to a rapid response program that speeds up unemployment insurance applications.
The Department of Labor team conducts a needs assessment today to identify necessary services.
FOX23Read more
Health
MenoPantry, a women-owned Portland nutrition company, today launched MenoMix—a smoothie powder with 21 grams protein, 5 grams fiber, and 9 grams antioxidants—to ease menopause symptoms.
Co-founders Kate Howe and Caitlin Hosmer will appear on Greenlight Maine May 30 to present their approach to healthy midlife nutrition.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Yesterday, the 27th Maine Heart Walk took place on Back Cove Trail (starting at 8 a.m. with a 9:30 a.m. race) and raised over $400,000 for heart disease research, with organizers aiming to break the previous record of $423,000.
WMTWRead more
Sports
USM baseball defeated Babson College, 14-4, at Ed Flaherty Field Sunday to secure their spot in today's NCAA regional final against top seed Rowan University (scheduled for 11 a.m.).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Falmouth’s Luke Kusel and Eli Sidhu won the state doubles tennis final yesterday at Bates College — beating Brunswick’s Brendan Shaw and Evan Williams 7-5, 6-4.
They overcame early deficits in both sets to earn their second state title.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Outdoor Painting Experience in Portland
Friday, May 29th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Unleash your creativity with a morning of outdoor painting amidst stunning park scenery.