Daily editionSaturday, July 11th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of July.
Community
About 70 families near Sugarloaf rely on the deteriorating Iron Road Bridge, which now has a 5-ton weight limit after failed repairs led to serious structural issues.
Neighbors are planning a temporary fix before winter as they explore funding for a permanent replacement.
WGMERead more
Business
Banded Brewing Co. in Biddeford will close on Aug. 31 after 13 years due to ongoing challenges.
The company said it plans to make the most of one last summer with its community and thanked loyal customers for their support.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Rose Marasco launched a new visual arts scholarship to help high school students attend art college this fall and will host a talk on July 23 at 5 p.m. at the Maine Jewish Museum, where her exhibit My Nature shows until Aug. 27.
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Mechanics’ Hall has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant to lead a yearlong literacy program featuring Nathaniel Philbrick’s 'In the Heart of the Sea.' The nonprofit will host book discussions, panels and an inflatable whale event as it highlights its historic role in the community.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Thomas and Coursey are this season's volunteer lighthouse keepers at Seguin Island Light Station near Fort Popham, doing upkeep, visitor welcomes, and preservation work.
Friends of Seguin Island (since 1998) will complete a new dock to improve safe access to the historic site.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lewiston's Isaac Atkins, known as the Singing Soldier, earned a Golden Buzzer from Mel B (a former Spice Girl) for his rendition of 'Beggin' and will appear on America's Got Talent Season 21 starting Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. on NBC.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Volunteers with the Presumpscot Land Trust gathered at the Gambo Preserve in Gorham to cut Japanese knotweed and cover the area with a tarp and mulch to block sunlight and oxygen.
Sessions are planned on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings through October for community members to help protect local ecosystems.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
The 19th Tri for a Cure broke records Friday by raising $2,164,852 at Southern Maine Community College.
The all-women triathlon for the Maine Cancer Foundation will feature an opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow with the first wave of swimmers at 8 a.m. (via WMTW).
WMTWRead more
Barbara Royle, aged 87, will be the oldest woman in the Tri for a Cure event in Burnham as she completes a 5K (with her daughter biking and a family friend swimming), joining a tradition that inspires more women to stay active.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Portland Hearts of Pine are taking advantage of the ongoing World Cup fever by entering the midseason of their regular play; coach Bobby Murphy said the team’s progress boosts local fans in town.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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.
Jordan Jensen Live at State Theatre
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 · 8 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket pricing varies — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Jordan Jensen in Portland's beloved venue.
Jeff Beam & Aedan Macdougall Concert
Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 · 6-9:30 p.m. — Bayside Bowl — All ages — Experience a captivating night of indie rock and folk with Jeff Beam and Aedan Macdougall under the stars.