Daily editionSaturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
Community
Portland will install raised speed tables and add five-foot bike lanes along Arboretum Road and Catafalque Drive in Payson Park in June after a March study showed vehicles speeding in a 15 mph zone.
The project is part of the Vision Zero effort (supported by funding from last year’s Back Cove Music and Arts Festival) driven by local residents.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Thursday, hundreds gathered in Portland to honor civil rights leader Gerald Talbot during a three-hour service with tributes from state lawmakers and family.
His work in the Legislature and as founder of the NAACP chapter shaped local Black history and inspires progress.
WMTWRead more
Business
Maine food producers are gearing up for spring as oyster and goat farmers bring their produce out after a harsh winter; Love Point Oysters raised nearly 500 cages with a new work skiff while Abraham’s Goat Farm manages a busy kidding season (reporting over 70 births since March).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Temporary wall maker STARC Systems opened its new 100,000 sqft facility (16 Katahdin Dr.) at Brunswick Landing on Tuesday; the upgraded space features three shipping bays and more manufacturing room for its 140 employees.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Two rescued turtles from Center for Wildlife visited CBS13+FOX23 studios on Friday, May 22 to share their wildlife rehabilitation story; one turtle suffers from metabolic bone disorder from an improper diet while its box turtle friend thrives in the outdoor enclosure.
WGMERead more
Government
Sen. King said a $11 bath mat could help curb fall injuries (potentially saving millions) among seniors.
He recommended added safety features statewide (to reduce hospital visits) in a bid to lower Medicare costs.
WGMERead more
Residents might see discolored water because Portland Water District began spring water main maintenance in Cape Elizabeth and Windham, and work will occur Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. to keep water clean.
WGMERead more
Health
The Maine Legislature passed LD 721 to stabilize community behavioral health clinics and LD 1216 to make 988 the permanent crisis lifeline, while Gov. Mills set aside $3.4 million for Maine’s first youth psychiatric residential treatment facility; Sweetser plans to begin construction on its Saco campus this summer.
WMTWRead more
Lifestyle
Sausage is a playful pup & available for adoption at Midcoast Humane today.
Locals can meet the dog and offer a loving home at the shelter.
FOX23Read more
Nothing Bundt Cakes in Scarborough is offering bundt cakes for Memorial Day weekend as a sweet option for Mainers.
The bakery promotes its treats for upcoming celebrations like Father’s Day, graduation season and barbecue weather.
WGMERead more
Sports
Franklin Arias and John Holobetz helped the Sea Dogs win 2-1 over the Fightin Phils on Friday at Hadlock Field in Portland, with Arias hitting two solo homers and Holobetz tossing six scoreless innings.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Westbrook's *Blue Blazes* extended their winning streak to eight games after outslugging Thornton Academy 13-7 in a Class A South softball game in Saco on Friday.
Greta Krantz went 2 for 5 with two doubles, three RBI, and three runs to secure the win.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Walter Varela returned from hernia surgery to help Portland secure a 2-1 USL Cup win over Rhode Island FC last Saturday, and coach Bobby Murphy praised his stabilizing play as he created a penalty kick opportunity.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Monday, June 1st, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Capture the beauty of Portland in vibrant hues at this outdoor painting session.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Create your masterpiece against the stunning backdrop of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Thursday, June 4th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy painting in the beautiful outdoors of Maine.