Daily editionTuesday, July 7th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 7th of July.
Community
Portland opened the Rising Eddy Community Pool (on Douglass Street) Monday, replacing the 60-year-old Kiwanis Pool with a state-of-the-art facility featuring water slides, lap lanes, a splash pad and ADA accessibility.
American Rescue Plan federal funds and local fundraising supported the project.
WGMERead more
A survey by nonprofit Preble Street found 104 people living on Portland’s streets last fall, with 92% chronically homeless and 86% using substances.
The study calls for permanent housing + more shelter beds + improved access to food and hygiene as safety concerns keep residents from shelters.
WGMERead more
Business
The Fourth of July weekend was busy in Old Orchard Beach as the Chamber of Commerce reported summer business is in full swing.
Canadian visitors arrived despite past trade war concerns, and local shops now expect an even busier peak season in August.
FOX23Read more
Culture
Barry Manilow’s farewell concert at Cross Insurance Arena on July 3 featured a highlight when Gorham High music teacher Isaac Hawkins received a $10,000 award — $5,000 cash and $5,000 toward classroom instrument purchases — and he later met Manilow backstage.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Two tugboats from Portland will join America 250 celebrations in Boston on July 11 and later in New York after the 4th of July events.
The Andrew McCallister is decorated for the festivities + shows local maritime skill.
WMTWRead more
Ringo Starr will perform with his All Starr Band at Cross Insurance Arena on Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. (press release)
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland Post Office is marking America's 250th anniversary with a free pictorial postmark that shows the text '1776'.
It is available for 90 days starting July 4 and must be requested by mailing an envelope with required instructions + the proper address.
WMTWRead more
Health
Tri for a Cure, an all-women's triathlon supporting Maine Cancer Foundation, is scheduled for Sunday, July 12 at Southern Maine Community College.
The event starts with an opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m. plus the first swim wave at 8 a.m. and aims to raise $2.1 million for cancer care.
WMTWRead more
Hearts and Horses Riding Center in Buxton offers therapeutic riding lessons that help young E manage sensory challenges.
Instructor Karen Rice guides her safely on Blaze (a specially tested horse), and Cara and Chrissy Flaherty say the gentle movement calms her meltdowns and eases bedtime routines.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
M&R Development plans to launch Windham Village, a 172-unit affordable housing project offering one- and two-bedroom homes, with the first 36 units opening by the end of this year on Tandberg Trail in Windham.
The remaining 136 units will be released sequentially through 2027 to address local housing needs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Maine boxer Amelia Moore will fight for her first world title on Aug. 29 in Birmingham, England—she is undefeated in four bouts and has fully recovered from a broken hand.
The Oxford Hills graduate also provides commentary for the Team Boxing League.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
Disco Biscuits Concert
Friday, July 10th, 2026 · 8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre — Concert tickets available — Experience an electrifying performance by The Disco Biscuits in Portland.
Wine Sail in Portland, Maine: Rosé
Saturday, July 11th, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic wine sail with expert guidance and breathtaking views of Casco Bay.
Wine Sail in Portland, Maine: Tuscany
Sunday, July 12th, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic wine sail with expert guidance while tasting exquisite Tuscany wines.
Introduction to Volleyball for Kids
Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 · July 14th – July 22nd — Reiche Community School — Refunds available up to 2 days before event — Let your child discover the joy of volleyball in a fun, supportive environment.
Daniel Mason: On Nature
Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 · 5:30-8:30 p.m. — Halo at the Point — $15-$20 — Engage in a literary discussion with acclaimed author Daniel Mason on nature and his new book 'Country People'.
Narrated Train Ride
Thursday, July 16th, 2026 · 10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Enjoy a scenic train ride with rich stories of Maine's railroading history and stunning views of Casco Bay.
Wine Sail in Portland, Maine: Spain
Friday, July 17th, 2026 · 3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic wine tasting sail through Casco Bay with a sommelier guiding you on exquisite Spanish wines.
Live Music at Batson River Brewing & Distilling
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 · 2-5 p.m. — Batson River Brewing & Distilling — Free entry — Enjoy local musicians in a cozy brewery setting.
Narrated Train Ride Along Casco Bay
Sunday, July 19th, 2026 · 4 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience scenic 40-minute train rides with fascinating history and beautiful waterfront views.
Narrated Train Ride along Casco Bay
Tuesday, July 21st, 2026 · 12 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience a scenic 40-minute train ride while learning about Maine’s narrow gauge railroading history.