Daily editionWednesday, June 18th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of June.
Community
On Sunday, hundreds of cyclists completed the 180-mile Trek Across Maine to raise funds for the American Lung Association.
They began at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, rode past Bates College and St. Joseph's College, and returned to finish the ride + longtime rider Jeff Beach said it felt like a family reunion.
FOX23Read more
Culture
Portland will hold its Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday as part of Pride Month celebrations.
More than 100 groups will march from Monument Square at 1:30 p.m., and the festival will be held at Deering Oaks Park (theme: Maine Transcends).
FOX23Read more
Economy
Maine launched the country’s first registered aquaculture apprenticeship program to help train workers for fish, shellfish & seaweed farms.
The program has doubled its applicants over three years & offers apprentices pay and certificates that are recognized nationally.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Maine's Appropriations Committee approved a budget that ends the free community college program after the class of 2025—students who graduate in 2025 have two years to benefit while later classes will not qualify.
WGMERead more
A bill signed yesterday sets a new minimum wage of $14.65 an hour for Maine farmworkers from next year—replacing the current $7.25 wage.
FOX23Read more
Sports
Kyle Soule hit a walk-off double in the seventh inning to give Greely a 4—3 win over Fryeburg Academy in Tuesday night's Class B South final, sending the Rangers to Saturday’s state final against Ellsworth.
Greely won its first regional championship since 2015 after four recent tough losses, and Keeler Vogt pitched a complete game throughout the contest.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cooper Flagg, a Newport native, is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks at the NBA draft scheduled for June 25th at the Barclays Center — he earned top national awards and led Duke to the Final Four in a standout season.
New Balance has promoted the event with its 'Flagg Day' video — a nod to nearly two years of preparation.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, June 20th, 2025 · 3:00-5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Price includes lunch and drinks — Savor Maine's seafood culture with tasty lobster rolls and chowder while learning about the local industry.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Saturday, June 21st, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — Scenic Outdoor Location — Tickets required — Learn to paint beautiful Maine landscapes with a local instructor while enjoying the great outdoors.
Sleep Theory Concert
Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 · 6:00 – 8:30 PM — State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the dynamic rock sounds of Sleep Theory, featuring powerhouse vocalist Cullen Moore.
Bingo at the Elks Lodge
Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cards for sale — Enjoy a day of bingo with lunch options and fun prizes.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour
Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland — Ticket required — Experience Portland’s coastal beauty and historic charm aboard a classic fire engine tour.
Book Launch by High Frequency Press Co-Founders
Thursday, June 26th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Print: A Bookstore — Free entry — Attend a reading and book signing with husband and wife co-founders at a cozy local bookstore.
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, June 27th, 2025 · 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Cost included — Indulge in local seafood delicacies while learning about Maine's vibrant lobster industry.
Outdoor Painting Class in Cape Elizabeth
Saturday, June 28th, 2025 · 1–4 p.m. — Scenic location near Portland — Cost varies — Capture Maine's beauty with professional guidance in a private painting class.
Scenic Train Ride
Monday, June 30th, 2025 · 10 AM – 1 PM — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a unique 40-minute roundtrip train ride through beautiful Casco Bay while learning about Maine's rich railroading history.
Capoeira Classes
Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 · 6:30-8 p.m. — The Salt Flat Dance Collaborative — Classes for all levels — Learn the Brazilian martial art combining movements, music, and history.