Daily editionFriday, May 29th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of May.
Community
At 6 a.m. this December, Sienna Rhynd, a graduating senior at Bonny Eagle High, and her mother Jillian drove from Standish to downtown Portland, delivering over 100 bags of donated supplies to unhoused people.
They logged 220 community service hours for her capstone and will soon send letters to National Guard trainees.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
The Youth Voices Film Festival showcases skateboarding culture with a 60-minute film lineup at Midcoast Youth Center and Skatepark at 6 p.m. June 4 (tickets range from $25 to $75 and the event includes a raffle and a skateboard trick competition).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Armored Medieval Martial Arts will present 10 intense caged knight battles at Cross Insurance Arena on May 30.
The live spectacle (open to audiences age 3 and up) combines authentic armor with modern martial arts for a high-energy local experience.
WGMERead more
Portland Bach Experience launches a series blending live classical music + craft beer tasting with storytelling and community engagement.
Founder Emily Isaacson of Classical Uprising said the events will offer local residents a unique cultural experience today.
WGMERead more
Education
South Portland has named Angela Atkinson Duina as its new superintendent — she will start on July 15 to lead a district reeling from recent budget cuts that closed a school and cut 50 positions.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The board of trustees of the University of Maine System extended Chancellor Dannel Malloy’s contract through June 2028 (he has led the system since 2019 and formerly served as Connecticut’s governor) to ensure stable leadership amid evolving challenges.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Maine Audubon cut the ribbon on the Ann and Jim Hancock Native Plants Education Center at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth with over 200 attendees including Gov. Janet Mills.
The building – supported by over $5 million in donations – will serve as a hub for native plant events and habitat restoration.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
A high school senior from Falmouth urged Maine's young voters to back Dr. Nirav Shah for governor in the June 9 primary, noting his record as a public health expert, attorney and economist during the pandemic – emphasizing the need for civil discourse among his peers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
At MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital’s Family Birth Center, nurse Danielle Peart (RN II) earned the DAISY Award on May 8 for her compassionate care during labor, delivery and recovery, a recognition noted by a grateful patient.
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Portland Events
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.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Tickets available — Enjoy a morning of outdoor painting in a beautiful park setting.