The West End News

11/25/2025

How to build more housing? Portland City Council established a group of residents to figure it out. Thirteen generous souls have volunteered to comprise the new Social Housing Task Force. Learn more - https://thewestendnews.com/how-to-build-more-housing-social-or-otherwise/

Photo: Construction of The Casco downtown Portland. This building meets inclusionary zoning (IZ) requirements with some of its 266 units affordable at 80% AMI. -Photo by Nancy English (Aug. 2022)

11/05/2025

In unofficial results, Councilor Pious Ali wins reelection and the $19 minimum wage ordinance passes. Unofficial election results for Portland are here -

The composition of the Portland City Council will be unchanged after Councilor Pious Ali wins reelection. Plus, $19 minimum wage is approved.

10/28/2025

This Thursday is the last day to vote early in-person at Portland City Hall. The election is next Tuesday, November 4th. Learn more about the city council candidates here - https://thewestendnews.com/three-city-council-candidates-answer-questions-ahead-of-the-election/

09/23/2025

Looking for a pleasant fall walk downtown? The Western Cemetery is undergoing a rejuvenation thanks to volunteers, who also are unearthing the history of this important Portland landmark. Learn more - https://thewestendnews.com/kip-deserres-unearthing-stories-in-the-western-cemetery/

09/15/2025

We are proud to report that The West End News has been selected to participate in the second cohort of Climate Ready Newsrooms, a groundbreaking fellowship from the University of Rhode Island’s Metcalf Institute designed to support local newsrooms like ours in our efforts to report on the science of climate change.

08/22/2025

Maine Public and the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies have a new podcast: Essential Salt. And we got to chat with producer Brenna Farrell and host Jess Miller. Read the interview here - https://thewestendnews.com/essential-salt-maine-publics-new-podcast-brings-local-stories-to-life/

What a great opportunity for us at WEN. Thank you, Liz Trice, for producing our interview column, PelotonPosts, every month!

-Essential Salt image courtesy of Maine Public

08/13/2025

The Jolly Ukes entertained with a sing-a-long including “Yellow Submarine” and “Happy Trails” which had visuals! At the WENA annual picnic on August 12 at Harbor View Memorial Park.

08/12/2025

Southern Maine New Horizons Band is a concert band for grown ups! Now with a new home at the Portland Conservatory of Music (PCM) in Portland's West End. Open to all whether new or rekindling a past hobby. - https://thewestendnews.com/everyone-is-a-musician-with-southern-maine-new-horizons-band/

PHOTO: SMNHB in concert at PCM. -Courtesy of PCM

07/25/2025

The downtown Portland Public Library at 5 Monument Square will serve as Portland’s cooling center today, Friday, July 25th from 10 AM to 5 PM. Additionally, the City urges people to take advantage of the Deering Oaks Ravine and the several splash pads around the city. For more heat safety tips, visit: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat.

Photos: Portland Public Library and Deering Oaks Ravine. -WEN file photos

07/17/2025

Nancy visits Northern Uganda spotting antelope, buffalo, chimps and more along the way. -https://thewestendnews.com/uganda-not-just-another-safari/

Photos: 1) Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda. 2) Nancy Dorrans with Alex Guma of Gorilla Walking Safaris at the Top of Murchison Fall. 3) Jackson's Hartebeest, a type of antelope. -Courtesy of Nancy Dorrans

07/15/2025

Todd Morse, founder of Urbanist Coalition of Portland and data analyst, offers insight into Portland's recent property tax evaluation. (Link to UCP's detailed map in the article. ) - https://thewestendnews.com/todd-morse-looking-at-property-tax-evaluation/

07/10/2025

West End News & freelance journalist Nancy English look at the growing anti-Trump administration protests in Portland and Maine. We talked to rally goers to see why they were protesting and how they were growing the movement - https://thewestendnews.com/anti-trump-protests-keep-growing-in-portland-me/

Photo - No Kings Rally on June 14, Portland, ME. -Courtesy of Indivisible Greater Portland Maine