Daily editionThursday, May 28th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of May.
Community
Ketcha Outdoors (a Scarborough nonprofit) and Piper Shores have partnered with the Center for Grieving Children to offer free summer camp scholarships to up to 30 grieving children (ages 4-13), with camp starting on June 15; nine children have signed up so far.
WMTWRead more
Maine's Total Weather chief meteorologist Roger Griswold will return to Channel 8 on Monday, June 1 after getting treatment for cancer+he thanked his family, coworkers, and New England Cancer Specialists for their support.
WMTWRead more
Portland Hearts of Pine and local partners are launching Maine Soccer Summer, a free series of public soccer events in June and July.
The series begins June 12 at the State Theatre for the U.S. men’s national team opener — continues June 19 at Monument Square with live music and a beer garden — and ends July 19 with Footy Fest featuring pickup games and youth activities.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Museums honor Betsy James Wyeth with a new exhibit that celebrates her art and design work.
The show opened on May 2 at the Farnsworth Art Museum and will run through Dec. 31, while Colby College will present a related display in Waterville from June 12 through Nov. 2.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Brunswick's Music on the Mall (free Wednesday shows starting in June) kicks off the season, while Bath Waterfront Music Series and Harpswell Bandstand by the Sea host family-friendly concerts at Linwood E. Temple Waterfront Park and George J. Mitchell Field.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Maine’s hydropower, supplying about 20% of in-state electricity and including nearly 700 MW across 50 facilities, is seen as key to keeping energy costs low for local businesses and new technologies.
The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce is urging Sen. King and Sen. Collins to ease federal licensing for lasting reliability.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Portland teachers union is urging voters to reject the $179 million school budget that cuts six staff positions in favor of administrators because union leaders say the change will harm students.
Voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday, June 9.
WGMERead more
Government
On May 23, 150 voters in Gray and New Gloucester gave preliminary approval to the $39M MSAD 15 school budget that increases funds by 5.98% to cover higher salary and air quality bond costs.
A town-wide vote will take place on June 9 (with in-person voting available).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Black fly season is in full swing as mid-May through mid-June brings rising numbers on calm, warm days near streams and wetlands across Maine.
Hikers are advised to wear long sleeves and pants and apply picaridin for protection to enjoy a safe outdoor experience.
WGMERead more
Real Estate
A new MaineHousing report shows that over the past 10 years, median home prices in Portland doubled from $263,000 to $558,000 while statewide prices jumped 111% from $193,000 to $407,000, leaving many residents squeezed (wages rose only 53%).
FOX23Read more
Buxton’s planning board approved plans for eight condo units off Spruce Swamp Road.
Built by Gorham based MFOO Properties, the project offers four duplex structures priced at $525,000 and is meant to provide affordable housing pending a performance guarantee — a stop sign is planned for safety on the hill.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Friday, June 5th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Explore your artistic side with outdoor painting in a beautiful park setting.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Saturday, June 6th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Tickets available — Enjoy a day of creativity surrounded by nature in beautiful Cape Elizabeth.
Cut and Paste Collage Event
Sunday, June 7th, 2026 · 4-7 p.m. — Lambs — Free — Get creative with friends while enjoying drinks at this fun collage-making event.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Monday, June 8th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a creative outdoor painting experience in a beautiful park setting.