Daily editionThursday, July 16th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of July.
Culture
Maine painter Anne Neely shows her new work 'The Wonder of the Light' at Elizabeth Moss Galleries until Aug. 15 and a documentary about her life will play at the Portland Museum of Art from July 17 through summer.
The exhibit reflects her journey and ties to Maine's coastal light.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine galleries feature diverse summer art shows across Thomaston, South Portland, Rockland and downtown.
Jenna Ransom’s ‘Greetings’ runs (through July 25) at 153 Main St. in Thomaston while Open Forms and other exhibits appear at Ocean House Gallery, Caldbeck, and Maine Museum of Photographic Arts through early August.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Canopy Portland Waterfront marks five years today with its Summer Maker's Market + a dozen local makers will showcase their work at the hotel to spotlight local art and craftsmanship.
FOX23Read more
Opera Maine will stage Charles Gounod’s 1867 opera Roméo et Juliette on July 23 and 26 at Merrill Auditorium (20 Myrtle St.) in Portland.
The production will blend a Renaissance setting with animé-inspired design, feature a live orchestra, and offer tickets from $35-$175 with free admission for those 21 and under.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Tomorrow, free nature journaling sessions begin with Sukie Curtis and Cordelia Hill at Knight’s Pond Preserve (10-11:30 a.m.).
Another workshop is set for July 31 at the Portland Public Library, and Maine Audubon will host Brush With Nature Day at Scarborough Marsh on Aug. 8.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Residents at Pine Tree Estates in Standish asked for a rent stabilization ordinance at Tuesday’s town council meeting.
They are gathering signatures to put the measure on the November ballot and town officials will discuss the proposal at the Aug. 11 meeting (aiming to protect fixed incomes).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Rich Kent (a longtime coach) built Maine soccer by coaching at Rumford High and taking teams to England in the 1980s and 90s.
His pioneering trips sparked local passion seen in sold-out games and community celebrations.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Varsity Maine All-State boys tennis team was announced as top local talents were recognized for their strong play, led by Matt Morneault (Player of the Year).
Teammates, including Arya Bhatia and Vivaan Churiwalla, reached the quarterfinals in state singles tournaments, marking a standout season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
On Monday, Jul. 13, a fire destroyed a six-unit apartment building at 18 Bridge Street in Yarmouth when firefighters extinguished an attic blaze with no injuries reported, and all tenants were displaced.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
FOODEESFEST Portland Food Truck Festival
Friday, July 24th, 2026 · 1-9 p.m. — The Maine Mall — Free entry — Experience a culinary feast with 40+ food trucks and local artisans in a vibrant community setting.
Live Music at Batson River Brewing & Distilling
Saturday, July 25th, 2026 · 2-5 p.m. — Batson River Brewing & Distilling — Free entry — Enjoy local musicians performing in a cozy taproom setting.
Narrated Train Ride Along Casco Bay
Sunday, July 26th, 2026 · 11 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience a scenic 40-minute train ride while learning about Maine's unique railroading history and enjoying breathtaking views.
Narrated Train Ride
Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 · 10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Enjoy a scenic narrated train ride along beautiful Casco Bay while learning about Maine’s unique history.