Daily editionThursday, July 10th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 10th of July.
Business
LB. Mini-Mart is expanding in Portland with two new convenience stores (235 Vaughan Street opening in the fall and 251 Congress Street planned for mid-2026) after its Westbrook success, and the stores will offer wellness-focused options.
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Education
USM received town approval Monday to build a $15 million three-story art building on the Gorham campus pending trustee clearance — the project will relocate the art department from Robie Andrews Hall and includes plans for an elevator and welding shop at the Campus Avenue and School Street intersection. University officials plan to start preconstruction work next and aim for a November groundbreaking.
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Government
Governor Mills signed a law to fund the Respite for ME program—granting caregivers up to $5,100 in a two-year pilot—and the law will take effect in September.
Nearly one in eight Mainers provide care for loved ones, making the program a key support for the community.
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Mayor Mark Dion said Portland could not support the county’s unhoused population on its own and floated an idea to fund new shelters with an equitable county tax—similar to how public facilities like the jail receive funding.
He added that the measure aimed to ease the adverse effects on Congress Street and that officials discussed increasing police presence along with plans for a daytime facility offering food and social services.
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The TSA announced Tuesday that travelers in the standard lane at Portland Jetport no longer must remove their shoes due to new imaging and identification technology—travelers selected for random screening may still need to take off footwear.
The rule, once limited to TSA Pre-Check users and children under 12, is now effective at all U.S. airports.
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Real Estate
A LendingTree report shows Maine had a 21.1 percent housing vacancy rate from 746,552 homes, with 157,467 vacant units, most of which are seasonal and not move-in ready.
Most available homes—about 2 percent—are tight in supply due to historic underproduction, deepening the state's housing challenges.
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Accidents
Maine officials and water safety advocates urged caution on local waters after recent emergencies left two teens dead and a fisherman missing, noting that low water temperatures, fewer lifeguards and a decline in swimming education have raised risks for swimmers and boaters—warning all to follow safety guidelines.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Tour
Friday, July 11th, 2025 · 3:00-5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Includes lunch — Delight in a guided tour with local seafood delicacies and a drink.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Saturday, July 12th, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — Scenic Spot in Cape Elizabeth — Cost varies — Capture Maine’s natural beauty in a private painting class for all skill levels.
Wine Sail Through Tuscany
Sunday, July 13th, 2025 · 3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $150 — Experience a delightful wine tasting while sailing through the scenic Casco Bay.
Funky Mondays featuring The Red Eye Flight Crew
Monday, July 14th, 2025 · 9:30-11 p.m. — Portland House Of Music and Events — Ticket info varies — Enjoy a lively performance from Funky Mondays and The Red Eye Flight Crew in a vibrant local venue.
pollinateHERS - Women Entrepreneurs Support Group
Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — coworkHERS — Free entry — Connect with fellow female entrepreneurs in a supportive environment.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Check website for pricing — Experience Portland's scenic coast and historic sites aboard a classic fire engine.
The Cedars Leadership Symposium with Howard Fillit, MD
Thursday, July 17th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Atrium At the Cedars — Free entry — Explore innovative insights on aging from a leading expert in Alzheimer's research.
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, July 18th, 2025 · 3-5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Price includes food and drinks — Discover Maine's seafood delights while walking along the waterfront and enjoying local flavors.
Outdoor Painting Class in Cape Elizabeth
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — 1000 Shore Rd — Cost varies — Paint outdoor landscapes while soaking in the natural beauty of Maine with guidance from a local instructor.
Wine Sail in Portland, Maine: European Wines
Sunday, July 20th, 2025 · 3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic sail through Casco Bay while tasting exquisite European wines guided by a professional sommelier.