Good morning, Portland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Asian Mahjong Game

4-5:30 p.m. — Prince Memorial Library — Free entry — Engage in a weekly drop-in Mahjong game with instruction for beginners.

Maine Fungi Fest 2025

12 PM – 5 PM — Saint Joseph's College of Maine — Free entry — Celebrate all things fungi, plant-based healing, and evolving consciousness.