Daily
Portland
Friday, April 18th, 2025
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Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The first cruise ship of the season docked in Portland on Thursday at 7 a.m.—Victory I arrived with more than 200 passengers. More than 90 ships will visit the harbor this season through November. WGME
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Pine State Expo, formerly known as Maine Comic & Toy Con, runs today through Sunday at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland and will feature fans in costumes such as superheroes and Star Wars characters (organizers Will Hesketh and Miki Mays say themed displays and activities will bring pop culture to life). WGME
- ➤ Actor David Walton from New Girl is podcasting his path to learn stand-up as he performs at Maine clubs like The Comedy Mill in Biddeford. He recorded his set in early April and said his podcast—Starting Stand-Up in Maine—shows how he is turning his midlife crisis into humor. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Today the Department of Energy announced it will limit future college grants to 15% for administrative costs — a move meant to save $405 million; groups representing the University of Maine and other universities are challenging the decision in court as they study its impact on research. Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Seven legal aid organizations held a press conference at the State House to ask lawmakers to pass a $15.9 million emergency funding bill over the next two years so Mainers facing civil legal challenges can get needed help—such as those battling domestic abuse or housing issues. The groups warned that without the new funds, many people in urgent legal situations will lose access to proper representation. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Lawmakers debated a long-overdue bill, LD 1226, at a hearing on Thursday as they discussed new rules for home contractors working on projects over $15,000 to increase consumer protection. If passed, the bill will create a nine-member Residential Construction Board, require contractors to show liability insurance and meet education standards (such as board-approved training), and take effect in 2027. WGME
- ➤ Today Maine farmers gathered at the state house in Augusta — arriving on tractors — to protest federal funding cuts that left small farms without the promised support. Representative Chellie Pingree was present and urged the group to keep fighting for the restoration of funds. WMTW
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Portland.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Boho Mommy & Me Mini Sessions
10-11 a.m. — The Beaux and Arrows Collective by Rebecca Pinkham-Stevenson — Pricing available upon inquiry — Capture the magic of motherhood in a boho-inspired photography session surrounded by vintage elegance.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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