Daily editionWednesday, June 25th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of June.
Community
Wayside Food Programs is hosting free pop-up picnics to fight hunger and boost community spirit with family fun and free food.
Emma Berry said the events will offer a welcoming space for neighbors to gather—helping them connect over shared meals and community care.
FOX23Read more
Culture
On Tuesday, September 9 at 7 p.m., Maine Voices Live will host a conversation with author Tom Ricks (a veteran military journalist) at One Longfellow Square in Portland.
The event will be livestreamed so local viewers can watch the discussion.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland City Council approved a $285.6M budget for 2026 that raises the tax rate by 7% and requires drawing $8.8M from the rainy day fund to cover a $19M gap, resulting in spending $8.6M more than last year.
Gov. Mills signed a $320M supplemental state budget that includes $4M for general assistance + amendments such as $100,000 for child care vouchers and a 25% pay increase for city officials amid ongoing state funding uncertainty.
WMTWRead more
Maine lawmakers plan a bill to lower Net Energy Billing costs by about $7 a month for families and businesses while keeping clean energy progress on track; ratepayers are projected to save $61 million in the first year and over $1 billion in 16 years as the law takes effect January 1. The bill targets large solar projects only—encouraging battery storage without changing the rooftop solar program.
FOX23Read more
Bath Iron Works and Greater Portland Metro have joined to expand the BREEZ bus service to Bath starting July 7, offering discounts for shipyard employees and local commuters.
The new route will ease travel by leaving Portland at 5:10 a.m., stopping in Yarmouth, Freeport, and Brunswick before arriving in Bath at 6:20 a.m.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A law was signed to help mobile home park residents by giving them the right of first refusal to buy the park if they match an outside offer — the law will take effect in 90 days.
FOX23Read more
A Maine law now makes it easier to cancel subscriptions—companies must let customers cancel using the same method they signed up.
The law also requires companies to get expressed consent for automatic renewals.
WGMERead more
A Maine law now makes it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions by requiring sellers to use the same method for cancellation as for sign-up — companies must also obtain expressed consent for automatic renewals.
FOX23Read more
Real Estate
The Maine Association of Realtors reported that the median price for single-family homes reached $425,000 in May, up from $230,000 in May 2019 — an 85% increase over the past six years.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 · 1:30 – 2:30 PM — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Check website for ticket prices — Experience Portland’s scenic coast and historic sites from a classic fire engine.
Stolen Mojo - Annual Music Cruise
Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — Casablanca Cruises — $40-$100 — Celebrate the 4th of July with live music and cocktails on Casco Bay.
Wine Sails in Portland, ME
Friday, July 4th, 2025 · 7:15-9:15 p.m. — Casco Bay — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beauty of Casco Bay on a wine sailing adventure with stunning views.
Prester & Samargia Jazz Trio Performance
Saturday, July 5th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Free entry — Experience a captivating blend of standards, originals, and Brazilian & Latin jazz with talented musicians.
Wine & Raw Bar Sail
Sunday, July 6th, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — Ticketed event — Enjoy fine wine and a gourmet raw bar experience aboard a beautiful tall ship as you sail through picturesque Portland waters.