Daily editionMonday, May 19th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 19th of May.
Community
On Friday night, the STRIVE Rocks dance at USM raised over $110,000 for teens and young adults with intellectual disabilities—about $8,000 more than last year’s total.
WGMERead more
Last Friday night, STRIVE Rocks held a dance at USM that raised over $110,000—about $8,000 more than last year's total—to support young adults with intellectual disabilities.
The fundraiser boosted the non-profit’s plans to expand its support programs for teens and young adults.
FOX23Read more
Education
Dr. Nirav Shah, the former director of the Maine CDC and principal deputy director at the U.S. CDC, has returned to Maine and will begin a one-year visiting professorship at Colby College in Waterville this fall to teach courses on public health and outbreak response—aiming to equip graduates for immediate entry-level work in public health. The move follows his recent departure from the CDC amid concerns over budget cuts affecting pandemic preparedness.
WMTWRead more
Health
Hundreds of Mainers joined the Maine Heart Walk on Sunday at Back Cove in Portland to fight heart disease and learn about CPR + yoga exercises.
Over $340,000 were raised with support from more than 100 local businesses.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Oakley McLeod, a junior from Windham High School, held her second Mental Edge Softball Camp at the University of Southern Maine’s fieldhouse on Sunday with 160 players learning to focus on a healthy mental approach—crucial to playing with confidence.
Local coaches and college players then shared personal tips on managing stress and building mental toughness on and off the field.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
CoComelon Live: Sing-A-Long
Thursday, May 29th, 2025 · 6-10 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience your favorite CoComelon songs live in a thrilling interactive show for kids.