Daily editionWednesday, April 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 23rd of April.
Environment
Maine’s coastal towns face a growing cleanup task as boat owners are increasingly leaving older vessels behind to avoid high removal fees — with officials estimating 40 to 50 abandoned boats in five years and dozens of removal projects underway.
Local harbor masters and government leaders are urging the state to fund cleanups and enforce tougher penalties to protect the environment.
WGMERead more
Firefighters in Maine responded on Monday to wildfires in 26 communities, including a Sherman fire that damaged vehicles and a building and a Blue Hill fire that burned 1.6 acres and destroyed a garage.
It is Wildfire Awareness Week — officials note that aside from zone 2 covering parts of York and Oxford counties, fire danger remains low statewide even as most of the 700 annual wildfires are caused by people.
WMTWRead more
Government
On Tuesday, Maine lawmakers passed a bill to prepare communities for severe weather fueled by climate change — the law provides a grant program for homeowners, funds for the Emergency Management Agency, and establishes a state resilience office.
Governor Mills was expected to sign the bill into law Tuesday afternoon.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
LD 1184, a bill to have larger municipalities report home construction data, was approved by the housing committee Tuesday—aiming to track progress toward 84,000 new homes—and now heads to the House for further consideration.
The bill includes amendments to limit the reporting mandate to towns with at least 4,000 residents and to offer financial help for the extra costs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine lawmakers held public hearings Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the State House to discuss raising the fine for passing a stopped school bus from $250 to $1,000—other bills addressed removing the 45 mph speed limit on school buses and clarifying driver exam requirements.
WGMERead more
Maine lawmakers held work sessions Tuesday on bills that aim to help groups buy mobile home parks.
One proposal would provide a $3.5 million fund managed by the State Housing Authority — while another gives mobile home owners the right to purchase a park before it is sold and requires park relocation within 25 miles.
FOX23Read more
Accidents
In October 2023, a fire in the Ocean Navigator’s engine room docked in Portland forced about 200 people to evacuate and left one employee burned as the NTSB found that debris in the lubrication system likely came from a lapse in maintenance — oil filters and oil were used far past recommended hours.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Empire Improv Show
Thursday, April 24th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $15 admission — Enjoy an evening of laughter with improv performances in a lively atmosphere.
Latin Night Celebration with PM Salsa
Friday, April 25th, 2025 · 7 PM - 12 AM — Blue Portland Maine — Introductory salsa lesson included — Dance the night away with salsa and bachata beats from DJ Avel.
Scenic Train Ride Along Casco Bay
Saturday, April 26th, 2025 · 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
Sunday, April 27th, 2025 · 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.
Boho Mommy & Me Mini Sessions
Monday, April 28th, 2025 · 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.
Theatre Playmaking Squad: Deep Sea Adventures
Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 · 3:45-5:15 p.m. — Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine — $225 per person — Dive into creativity with a submarine adventure while crafting original stories and characters.
Trivia Night at Brickyard Hollow
Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge with fun trivia every Wednesday evening.
Intro to Quilting Workshop
Thursday, May 1st, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Factory 3 — Cost info pending — Master the art of quilting with expert guidance as you create your own quilt over four weeks.
Yoga for Good
Friday, May 2nd, 2025 · 8-9 a.m. — Toad&Co. — $15 donation — Participate in a beginner-friendly yoga class while supporting a local non-profit.
Scenic Train Ride Along Casco Bay
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 · 10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Cost varies — Experience a scenic 40-minute train ride through Portland’s picturesque waterfront and learn about Maine's narrow gauge history.