Daily editionSaturday, April 5th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 5th of April.
Community
The Western Cemetery, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of March 17th, received over $214,000 from a capital campaign to fund repairs to a damaged fence after two vehicle crashes — including restoring sections on Vaughan Street and planning an extended fence along the Western Prom. Volunteers will begin Saturday morning work sessions in May if weather cooperates — and a tool shed installation with water service improvements is scheduled for later in 2025.
West End NewsRead more
At its March meeting, the West End Neighborhood Association discussed pedestrian safety after several pedestrian deaths and noted that the City has embraced Vision Zero.
The association will continue traffic calming projects on Danforth Street—posting driver reminders and urging government action on measures like lower speed limits and adjusted signal timing at key intersections.
West End NewsRead more
Business
Mast Landing is launching its new Deliteful cookie stout today in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Maine.
The stout is brewed with coconut, chocolate and caramel — all proceeds will support the Girl Scouts while the brewery offers a special cookie pairing flight.
WGMERead more
Culture
Portland has built a strong independent media scene that reaches readers from around the world—outlets like Common Dreams and Means TV offer a local, trusted look at the news.
Their work shows local voices and independent reporting free from corporate or government funding.
West End NewsRead more
Environment
Portland is set to strengthen its urban tree canopy by adding mulch, aeration, and organic matter to help water and air reach tree roots.
The city will offer free mulch and information on May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Taylor Street Park (for West End, Parkside, St. John Valley, Libbytown, and Western Promenade) and will treat ash trees against emerald ash borers (including work near Fessenden Park).
West End NewsRead more
Government
Rep. Melanie Sachs of Freeport introduced a bill on March 26 before the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee that would provide $15 million over two years to fund the Low Income Assistance Program—designed to help Mainers with high electric bills by easing the burden on low-income households. The committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks as Sachs emphasized the need to support working families facing rising energy costs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau introduced a bill Thursday that would raise the real estate transfer tax from $2.20 to $5 per $500 for home sales over $1 million—he said the change would help fund housing programs and bond obligations while removing the extra tax for first-time homebuyers.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Casco Bay Mariners 14U girls and boys hockey teams reached the quarterfinals of USA Hockey's Tier II national tournaments after winning their pool play games; the girls won 2-1 in Coral Springs, Florida and the boys won in Kalamazoo, and both teams will play quarterfinal games today+ with the girls starting at 10:15 a.m. and the boys taking the ice later this morning.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
IxDF Portland (Maine) April Design Meetup
Sunday, April 6th, 2025 · 1:30-3:30 p.m. — Definitive Brewing Company — Free entry — Engage in a creative design challenge while connecting with local designers.
Dementia Support Group
Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 · 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — The Atrium At the Cedars — Free entry — Attend a supportive gathering featuring insights from elder law attorney Tracy Nale Sewall.
Art in Bloom 2025
Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 · 10 a.m.–8 p.m. — Portland Museum of Art — Free with admission — Experience a vibrant display of floral artistry inspired by the museum's collection.
International Building Code Transition Training
Thursday, April 10th, 2025 · 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — In-person attendance only — Learn about the transition from the 2015 to the 2021 International Building Code with expert John Gibson.
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
Friday, April 11th, 2025 · 2 PM – 12 AM — Custom House Parking Garage — Price per team — Engage in a fun scavenger hunt adventure combining puzzles and informative self-guided exploration.
Portland Maine Home Show
Saturday, April 12th, 2025 · 9 AM – 6 PM — Brick South Events & Catering Co. — Check website for entry fee — Discover beautiful displays and innovative solutions for home improvement projects.
Frozen Yoga on Ice Before Mariners Game
Sunday, April 13th, 2025 · 8 a.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket purchase required — Glide into mindfulness before cheering on the Mariners!
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
Monday, April 14th, 2025 · 2 PM – 12 AM — Custom House Parking Garage — Price per team — Engage in a thrilling scavenger hunt blending adventure and puzzles.
2025 New England Home Care & Hospice Conference
Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 · 12 PM – 3 PM — Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay — Early Bird registration available — Explore the region's premier event for home care and hospice agencies featuring workshops and networking.
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 · 2 PM – 12 AM — Custom House Parking Garage — Price per team — A fun-filled scavenger hunt that combines puzzles, adventure, and informative exploration of Portland.