Daily editionWednesday, July 8th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of July.
Community
Wayside Food Programs held a free summer picnic on Monday at Payson Park Community Garden, feeding over 100 guests with salvaged meals, live music by Fiona Shubeck and bike repairs by Portland Gear Hub.
More pop ups are planned for July 20, Aug. 3 and Aug. 17.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Former Beatle Ringo Starr will perform at Cross Insurance Arena on Oct. 3 as part of his fall tour.
It will be his first performance here and tickets will be on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
FOX23Read more
Ringo Starr, a former Beatle, is set to perform live at Cross Insurance Arena on Oct. 3 as part of his fall tour after releasing his 22nd solo album (Long Long Road); tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster and the arena box office.
WGMERead more
Education
Maine schools are facing program cuts and closures as student enrollment falls due to fewer births since 2000.
Lawmakers have revised the funding formula to ease tax pressures while administrators look for new solutions.
FOX23Read more
Environment
Maine’s black-capped chickadee (a cherished backyard bird) is featured as Bird of the Week for its cheerful chick-a-dee-dee-dee call and playful charm.
Local birdwatchers are invited to appreciate this lively symbol of nature.
WGMERead more
Government
State officials at the Maine Department of Agriculture have issued an advisory restricting dogs coming from Texas counties with confirmed New World screwworm—an uncommon flesh-eating parasite—to protect local livestock and pets.
Local shelters have already halted accepting dog transports from affected areas.
FOX23Read more
Health
Pet owners should know Maine restricts dogs from Texas areas with New World screwworm while healthy pets meet import rules.
A local shelter has halted dog transports, and no screwworm cases have been found in Maine (so far).
WGMERead more
Real Estate
Developers Collaborative proposes a dual affordable housing project at 41 Ashmont St. that will add 63 units—33 for individuals exiting homelessness with Catholic Charities and 30 for older adults—with a planning review set for July 28 as neighbors express concerns about height, density and parking.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Varsity Maine revealed its Girls Game of the Year finalists from the 2025-26 contests, highlighting overtime wins and historic co-championships in hockey, field hockey, wrestling and soccer.
Portland Press HeraldRead 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.