Daily editionThursday, June 12th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of June.
Business
Portland’s new Maine International Cold Storage Facility opened in early February and sits beside the Casco Bay Bridge with 106,000 square feet, 13 loading docks, and advanced robots to move goods like seafood, blueberries, and ice cream.
MITC and Taylor Logistics toured the site on June 11, and the facility aims to help local companies store and ship products more efficiently + boost Maine’s international trade market.
WGANRead more
Renys Department Store will close its Congress Street location when its lease expires in April 2026 because the company will not renew it, and employees will be offered transfers to other locations.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Scarborough author Travis Kennedy—who has spent years working in government—will release his debut novel The Whyte Python World Tour on June 24 and Paramount is developing a film based on its story of a drummer caught in Cold War espionage in the 1980s.
A book launch event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 24 at Print: A Bookstore in Portland.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Voters in the Windham-Raymond school district approved a $67.8 million budget by 101 votes — 971 in favor and 870 against.
The budget is 12.75% higher than before and has a 6.4% boost for a new middle school planned — with Raymond voters supporting the measure while Windham voters did not.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A new report ranks Maine in the bottom 10 for K-12 education, showing a drop from 37th to 41st due to low preschool enrollment and declining test scores—officials say extra funding and upcoming teacher pay increases may help address these challenges.
Lawmakers have voted to raise starting teacher pay from $40,000 to $50,000, but the change has not yet been signed into law.
WGMERead more
Portland School Board voted Tuesday night to ban cellphones and similar devices during school hours—with an exception for earbuds and necessary accessibility—starting next school year.
Leaders will work with schools to adapt the policy for different grade levels + address concerns from both teachers and students.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, June 13th, 2025 · 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.
Wine Sail in Casco Bay
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 · 3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Indulge in five exquisite white wines while sailing through the stunning Casco Bay.
15th Anniversary Sunset Champagne & Oysters Sail
Sunday, June 15th, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $ — Celebrate 15 years of Wine Wise with a sunset sail featuring world-class champagne and fresh oysters.
Community Bingo Event
Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 · 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.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticketed — Experience Portland’s coast, lighthouses, and neighborhoods on a classic fire engine.
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.