Daily editionWednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
Culture
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 HeraldRead more
Education
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 HeraldRead more
Government
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.
FOX23Read more
Sports
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.
WMTWRead more
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.
FOX23Read more
Accidents
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.
WMTWRead more
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.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
Jacob Augustine Album Release Party
Saturday, May 30th, 2026 · 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.
You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine
Sunday, May 31st, 2026 · 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.