Daily editionFriday, June 27th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of June.
Business
Portland-based North Spore is launching a new mushroom coffee that blends New England-sourced coffee with extracts from five adaptogenic mushrooms to boost energy, focus, and ease stress.
The company has grown from 18 to 70 staff in five years and is expanding its production facility to add a second floor.
WMTWRead more
Cousins Maine Lobster surpassed $1 billion in systemwide sales after growing from a single food truck launched in April 2012 in Los Angeles by cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis to more than 85 locations nationwide.
The business closed its Portland truck this summer and plans to open over 30 more trucks in 2026 — a milestone that marks its continued expansion.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
At 133 Pleasant St. in Portland, Holy Trinity is hosting its 41st annual Greek Festival this weekend with food, music and dancing that attract up to 10,000 visitors.
Volunteers prepare traditional Greek dishes and manage sales, while festival hours run from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Friday and until 8 p.m. Saturday — continuing a long-held local tradition.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Thornton Academy student Sam Drummey from Saco was awarded the 2025 Chenette Leadership Scholarship by York County Commissioner Justin Chenette after serving as student council vice president and co-president of the Environmental Club; he was also chosen as one of two Maine students for the U.S. Senate Youth Program and will attend Columbia University this fall to study economics and human rights—his local leadership set him apart.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Maine will enact new laws later this year to protect against harmful artificial intelligence—non-consensual deepfakes will fall under the state’s revenge porn statute while companies are banned from misleading customers by presenting chatbots as real people.
FOX23Read more
Maine is enacting new AI protections that will classify non-consensual deepfakes as revenge porn + ban companies from misleading customers by making chatbots appear as real people + both measures will take effect later this year.
WGMERead more
Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would let farm workers discuss their salaries, saying it would set up a new legal framework for labor standards in Maine.
The Legislature did not overturn her veto on Wednesday and state Sen. Mike Tipping expects the bill to be reintroduced—he noted that the measure affects minorities most.
WMTWRead more
Maine Sen. Susan Collins is urging Congress to rethink a proposed $1 billion cut to public broadcasting funding—she said the move would hurt local TV and radio that serve emergency services and cover local sports, and she urged exploring other ways to address alleged bias in NPR and PBS. Congress has not yet decided on the funding changes.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland, Maine
Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticket prices vary — Experience Portland’s scenic coast and historic sites aboard a classic fire engine with live narration.
Powerman 5000 Concert
Thursday, July 10th, 2025 · 6:30-8 p.m. — Aura — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying performance from the iconic industrial rock band Powerman 5000.