Daily
Portland
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Public visitation for fallen firefighter Andrew Cross was held Thursday evening at Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast (with shuttle service from local schools) and drew 500 firefighters. A memorial service will be held today at 1 p.m. at Veracity Chapel in Morrill while flags are lowered statewide to honor him. WMTW
- ➤ Island residents have organized for more than two decades to build and adapt affordable housing – from multifamily homes on Chebeague to converted duplexes on Isle au Haut – sustaining essential services and community life. In the past three years, 10 coastal islands have launched or completed affordable housing projects. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Community members gathered for Gerald Talbot’s funeral at Merrill Auditorium on Thursday at 10 a.m., honoring the state’s first elected Black legislator and civil rights activist. Gov. Janet Mills ordered flags to half-staff, and family members (including state senator daughter Rachel Talbot Ross) celebrated his lasting legacy. WGME
- ➤ Maine towns host Memorial Day events honoring fallen service members this week with varied start times from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.—Portland’s procession at Stevens Ave begins at 2 p.m., while ceremonies in Augusta, Bangor, and Cape Elizabeth offer quiet remembrance ahead of the holiday. WGME
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Greenlight Maine is spotlighting innovation by linking startups with mentorship & support as explained by longtime mentor John Karp. The program will offer local entrepreneurs valuable exposure and resources to help boost new businesses. WGME
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Midcoast Youth Center and Skatepark launched its first Youth Voices Film Festival to highlight youth views with films, live music and skateboarding + storytelling, inviting local community members to join in a fresh celebration of creative expression. WGME
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials expect over 1 million vehicles on the Maine Turnpike this Memorial Day weekend with heavy travel Friday between 3 and 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so drivers are urged to plan ahead and drive safely. WGME
- ➤ Officials warn that the Maine Turnpike will see heavy traffic this holiday weekend — peak hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. Memorial Day as more than 1 million vehicles travel the route; drivers are urged to plan ahead and drive safely. FOX23
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Maine’s lakes, ponds, and coastal waters remain dangerously cold, with water in the 40s to low 50s despite sunny weather today. Two paddling deaths in May triggered safety tips from officials and outdoor experts, who urge paddlers to check temperatures, wear life jackets, and use dry suits if needed. Portland Press Herald
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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.
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Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Capture the beauty of Portland in vibrant hues at this outdoor painting session.
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Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Create your masterpiece against the stunning backdrop of Fort Williams Park.
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