Daily
Portland
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The outdoor Portland Farmers’ Market will start on Saturday at Deering Oaks Park. It will run on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the end of November from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and accepts SNAP/EBT benefits—also offering double SNAP spending with Maine Harvest Bucks. WGAN
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs held a public hearing at the State House on two bills that would limit or ban phones in classrooms. Supporters said the change would help kids focus on learning — while opponents argued schools should decide their own phone rules. WGME
- ➤ Restoration work on USM’s Academy Building found hidden student notes from the 1800s in the walls and floors; workers fixed wood rot using old methods and noted sums, lists, and funny drawings of teachers (the building was built in 1806 as a private school). The notes are now kept in special collections for study. WMTW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Maine farmers protested federal cuts in Augusta yesterday when the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association led a tractor brigade from the state library to the State House—citing over $4 million cut from local food purchasing and $12 million withheld for conservation projects—and urged Maine’s congressional delegation to restore the programs. WGME
- ➤ Portland city leaders have adopted the new Vision Zero Plan to reduce pedestrian deaths after over 150 people were involved in traffic crashes last year—29 communities will adjust roadway designs with roundabouts, speed bumps and speed limit changes to cut fatalities and serious injuries. WGME
-
Baby DINO Egg Hunt
9-11 a.m. — Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine — Ticketed event — Help collect colorful dino eggs while enjoying crafts, snacks, and fun activities.
-
Comedy Night at Empire Comedy Club
7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy laughter with headliner Doug Key and featuring Cathy Boyd.
-
Scenic Train Ride Experience
10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a beautiful 40-minute roundtrip train ride along Casco Bay with historical insights and picturesque views.
-
Boho Mommy & Me Mini Sessions
10 AM – 5 PM — The Beaux and Arrows Collective — Pricing based on session details — Capture the beauty of motherhood in a lush, boho-inspired setting with tailored portrait sessions.
-
Earth Day Guided Walk at Willow Brook Preserve
10 AM - 12 PM — Pond Cove Elementary School — Free entry — Celebrate Earth Day with a guided walk through the natural beauty of Willow Brook Preserve.
-
Thursday Coed Outdoor Kickball
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Payson Park — $950 team fee, $100 free agent fee — Join in the fun of a coed kickball league in the great outdoors.
-
Empire Improv Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $15 admission — Enjoy an evening of laughter with improv performances in a lively atmosphere.
-
Rick Glassman Live
7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of comedy with Rick Glassman, star of popular TV shows and podcasts.
-
Scenic Train Ride Along Casco Bay
10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket prices vary — Experience a picturesque 40-minute roundtrip train ride while immersing yourself in Maine's narrow gauge railroading history.
-
Scenic Train Ride Along Casco Bay
11 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Check website for ticket price — Experience a scenic 40-minute train ride with stunning waterside views and insights into Maine's narrow gauge railroading history.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Portland
Welcome to the Daily Portland, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Portland, Maine community. If you like the Daily Portland, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Portland.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Portland and across Maine. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Portland
A free Portland community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyportlandnews.com/sitemap