Daily
Portland
Thursday, June 12th, 2025
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Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of June.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGAN
- ➤ 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 Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. WGME
- ➤ 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. FOX23
SHOP NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Portland.
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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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Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour
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.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Portland.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The best art divides the audience.
~ Rick Rubin
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