Daily
Portland
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Volunteer firefighter Katherine Paige suffered severe burns in the Robbins Lumber explosion in Searsmont on Monday and is on a breathing tube at Maine Medical Center (she will need several surgeries and skin grafts) as her family has raised over $10,000 for her long recovery. WGME
- ➤ Investigators are assessing the cause of Friday’s deadly fire in Searsmont — a follow-on to a Sept. 16, 2019, Farmington propane explosion at a nonprofit that injured several and cost one firefighter’s life — as state and federal teams work to support affected families. WMTW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local chefs have shared favorite restaurant dishes they didn't prepare themselves — a chain of recommendations highlights standout picks like yakitori soba with swordfish toro at Aomori and Mi’kmaq trout at Franciska, plus eight more must-tries. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Maine System will begin a two-year, $1.39M contract with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Edu on July 1 to offer secure, fee-free AI access to 25,200 students + 5,600 staff, with optional training planned for the next school year. Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Maine officials said that suspending the 30-cent gas tax is off the table today because any change would need legislative approval to protect long-term highway funding, even as some states ease their taxes amid rising fuel prices. FOX23
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Amelia Moore from Norway, Maine won the NABF Lightweight Championship in March while overcoming a broken hand and is now providing commentary for Team Boxing League & 28 appearances planned this year; she will defend her title in August at Encore Casino in Boston and inspires locals to embrace authenticity. WMTW
- ➤ All Elite Wrestling brings Maine its first nationally televised pro wrestling show in 30 years today at Cross Insurance Arena — a three-hour event that leads into a sold-out stadium show in Brooklyn this weekend featuring Westbrook native Scotty 2 Hotty. FOX23
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Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy an outdoor painting session amid the scenic beauty of Fort Williams Park.
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High Fade Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Portland House Of Music and Events — $37 general admission — Enjoy an evening with High Fade at the vibrant Portland venue.
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HEY PARTY PEOPLE! Comedy Show
6:30 p.m. — The Hill Arts — $Varies — Experience a night of fast-paced sketches that balance absurdity and relatability with local comedy talent.
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Paint Outdoors in Portland
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a morning of creativity in a beautiful outdoor setting.
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Playing Card Painting Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Belleflower Brewing Company — $10 entry — Create unique painted cards while supporting the Maine Cancer Foundation and meet fellow crafting enthusiasts.
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Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Check website for pricing — Enjoy a morning of creativity in a beautiful outdoor setting.
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Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket required — Explore your creativity while painting amidst the natural beauty of Fort Williams Park.
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Noir at the Bar: Maine Crime Writing Night
7-9 p.m. — Belleflower Brewing Company — Free entry — Experience suspenseful tales and criminally good storytelling with Maine's crime writing community.
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Jacob Augustine Album Release Party
8-11 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate a decade in the making with Jacob Augustine's first new album release and special guests.
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You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine
2-5 p.m. — The Hill Arts — Ticket information available — Experience a heartfelt tribute to the legendary songwriter John Prine featuring artists sharing stories and performances.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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