Daily editionThursday, July 9th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of July.
Community
The fifth annual Tee Off 4 Travis Mills Foundation Charity Golf Tournament will take place on July 20 at The Woodlands Club in Falmouth (golfers, veterans, and community members will gather to raise funds for post-9/11 veteran programs).
FOX23Read more
Culture
Bates Dance Festival runs from July 10 to 31 at various venues in Lewiston, featuring contemporary works such as Kyle Marshall’s 'Femenine' on July 17 and 18 and Jesse Factor’s 'Marthaodyssey' on July 30 and 31 (the festival also offers dance films and educational sessions with nearly 300 students expected).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cape Elizabeth singer-songwriter Role Model will perform at Thompson's Point in Portland on Aug. 7 to kick off his 27-date tour and coincide with the release of his new album Chuck Timely & The Hourglass; artist presale tickets begin Thursday at 10 a.m.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Maine Audubon is seeking volunteers to help count loons at Little Sebago Lake on Saturday, July 18 & the sign-up deadline is this Friday, as the annual count documents changes in the iconic bird population.
WGMERead more
Fisherman Jake Hall captured a video of a humpback whale breaching while fishing in Penobscot Bay near Searsport on Sunday morning.
It was his first whale sighting of the season as Maine gears up for peak whale watching.
WGMERead more
Lifestyle
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland features Batty—a 1.5-year-old energetic dog looking for a family that can keep up with his needs.
Interested adopters can visit the Westbrook shelter at 217 Landing Road from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on open days except Wednesdays.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Varsity Maine Boys Team of the Year finalists include teams that overcame major adversities in recent state championships—Dirigo wrestling persevered without key grapplers, Falmouth lacrosse remained undefeated in Class A, and Gardiner and Portland basketball captured state titles amid injuries and setbacks.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Westbrook High football won the regional title with a 40-20 victory over Cony and was named Varsity Maine Boys Team of the Year after a remarkable turnaround from a 2-6 season.
The team’s strong season energized its community — marking a proud moment for Westbrook.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cape Elizabeth's girls soccer team completed an 18-0 season by defeating Hermon 3-0 at Edward Little High School on Nov. 8 and scoring 89 goals while allowing only seven; the team earned the title of 2025-26 Varsity Maine Girls Team of the Year — a nod to their outstanding performance.
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.