Daily editionTuesday, May 20th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of May.
Business
Portland welcomes Sodt, a new Scandinavian-inspired candy shop started by two sisters—Nikoline and Signe Ostergaard—who often brought candy back from Denmark to share with friends.
WGMERead more
Culture
Evergreen Cemetery in Portland has more than 2,000 graves of fallen service members from 10 wars (including veterans from the 1700s and many from the Civil War) and serves as a lasting reminder of our nation’s military history.
The cemetery honors the tradition of Memorial Day by highlighting the sacrifices made by those who died defending our freedoms.
FOX23Read more
Government
The Portland City Council approved a $171.8 million school budget on Monday night that will raise the schools portion of the property tax rate by 5.3%, adding about $210 annually for a median-priced home.
The budget must still be approved by voters and includes increased spending for special education, music teachers and early childhood services—despite higher employee medical premiums.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson announced his campaign for governor with a launch event at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery at 11:30 a.m. Monday—he said he planned to tour Kittery, Auburn and Waterville to meet with Mainers ahead of the June primary in 2026.
WMTWRead more
Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson announced his run for governor in the 2026 election and said he will start his statewide tour with an official event on Monday, May 26th at 11:30 a.m. at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery (he will also visit Mechanic Falls and Waterville) as he vows to help workers and families facing rising costs and low pay.
FOX23Read more
Health
New data show that Maine’s long-term care costs rank among the highest in the nation with home health aides earning $43 per hour and private nursing home rooms costing up to $166,000 a year — far above national averages.
Families struggle as insurance policies run out and facilities close while experts urge state and federal investment to secure care for the future — a challenge affecting many Maine residents.
FOX23Read more
Baby Maddox underwent open-heart surgery at MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital when he was 2 months old to treat a rare congenital heart defect; his family said the care close to home has given them hope for his long-term health—he is now recovering with his parents in Greene.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Maine Fungi Fest 2025
Friday, May 30th, 2025 · 12 PM – 5 PM — Saint Joseph's College of Maine — Free entry — Celebrate all things fungi, plant-based healing, and evolving consciousness.