Daily
Portland
Wednesday, June 11th, 2025
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Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 11th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ US Army Private Willard Merrill, captured in 1942 in the Philippines and lost for more than 80 years, was laid to rest in Dover-Foxcroft after his remains were identified in April—first responders lined the route from Logan Airport. He was buried beside his mother and brother. FOX23
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new report from the 2025 Kids Count Data Book shows Maine schools rank among the bottom 10 states for K-12 education as rankings drop from 37th to 41st due to low preschool enrollment, poor test scores, and falling graduation rates—experts say remote learning left many students behind. Local leaders have voted to raise teacher pay and are seeking federal funds to help small districts—future support efforts are not yet confirmed. FOX23
- ➤ Retired teacher Jayne Sawtelle was elected to the school board with 75% of the vote in a special election and will serve a six-month term before running again in November for a full term. The school district also approved a $171.8 million budget with 67% voter support—this plan increases spending by 6% and adds early literacy and special education staff. Portland Press Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Massive wildfires burning in Canada have made the skies hazy and the air hard to breathe in Maine in recent weeks. Forecasts show rain will help fires in western Canada—but smoke from over 7 million acres burned is expected to linger for weeks. FOX23
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A commemorative stamp honoring Barbara Bush was issued by the USPS on June 10 in Kennebunkport after a dedication ceremony at Ganny's Garden on the Green near the Walker's Point Estate. Former President George W. Bush with his wife Laura spoke about her love of books and family—reflected in the stamp’s design—while it became available to the public. WMTW
- ➤ Falmouth student Abby Werthmann, who experiences up to 60 seizures on her worst days, urged Gov Mills to sign a seizure safety bill now on her desk— the law would give schools the resources to develop seizure action plans. Gov Mills’ Office is reviewing the legislation. FOX23
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Saturday night the Father's Day Pro Boxing Classic will be held at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland — local boxing expert Bobby Russo of the Portland Boxing Club and boxer Casey Streeter shared details highlighting the event's excitement. WGME
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Eilen Jewell Live Performance
8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $35-$45 — Experience Eilen Jewell's captivating blend of vintage roots-noir with a psychedelic twist.
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Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
3:00 – 5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Price includes seafood and drinks — Immerse yourself in Maine's seafood culture while enjoying lobster rolls and chowder by the waterfront.
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Wine Sail in Casco Bay
3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Indulge in five exquisite white wines while sailing through the stunning Casco Bay.
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Visit the CREA Ecology Center – Open Sundays
12-2 p.m. — Highland Green — Free entry — Explore nature at the CREA Ecology Center within the scenic Cathance River Nature Preserve.
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Community Bingo Event
10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cards for sale — Enjoy a lively day of Bingo with lunch options and prizes in a friendly local atmosphere.
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Bess Jacques & The Strays Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an eclectic mix of originals and standards from jazz to Americana and beyond.
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Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
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.
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Summer Reading Book Club with Dog Man
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Books-A-Million — Free entry — Celebrate reading with games, activities, and meet Dog Man for a photo op!
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Sleep Theory Concert
6:00 – 8:30 PM — State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the dynamic rock sounds of Sleep Theory, featuring powerhouse vocalist Cullen Moore.
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PMP Certification Training in Portland, ME
Jun 24-27, 9 AM-5 PM — Portland, ME — Pricing varies — Enhance your project management skills with 32 hours of interactive training including e-learning access and real-world case studies.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Writers live twice.
~ Natalie Goldberg
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