Daily editionFriday, July 17th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of July.
Business
Mainer Mint Chip Flavored Whole Milk is available as a limited edition product by Oakhurst Dairy and Gifford's Ice Cream for National Ice Cream Month.
It will be sold in pint, quart, and half-gallon sizes until September at local grocery stores + select retailers.
WGMERead more
Health
Doctor Kristy Perkowski (pediatrician) from Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland offers swim safety tips, including installing pool fencing with self-closing latching gates and designating a water watcher to guard children in pools, lakes, and rivers.
Parents should teach kids to enter the water feet first to prevent diving injuries.
WMTWRead more
Spurwink announced Thursday that it will move its outpatient behavioral health services from Bayside to 895 Washington Avenue—bringing care together under one roof with improved parking and accessibility.
The relocation will create vacancies in its former Elm Street and nearby Washington Avenue buildings.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing the region — causing hazy skies and reduced visibility — as residents face air quality alerts; health officials advise sensitive groups to check the Air Quality Index with conditions forecast to persist until winds shift later this week.
WGMERead more
Portland residents can protect themselves from wildfire smoke by checking local air quality ratings and using N95 masks when outdoors.
Health experts advise those with breathing issues to stay indoors and seal windows with blankets — simple steps that help reduce exposure.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Emily Winkler earned the Varsity Maine Girls Tennis Player of the Year award at Thornton Academy after a 7-0 season and a state singles final finish, losing only 10 games overall.
The sophomore (an exchange student from Austria) said her time on the team taught her the value of support.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Some senior cheerleaders practiced new stunts at Central Maine Community College in Auburn ahead of the Shriners Lobster Bowl at 4 p.m. Saturday at Lewiston High School — a final chance for some to push their skills to new heights.
WMTWRead more
The 2026 Varsity Maine All-State girls tennis team was announced to honor top local high school players from Lincoln Academy, Cony, Falmouth, Thornton Academy, and Presque Isle.
The selections recognize standout records in regional and state tournaments, including Ruby Glenn’s 11-2 season and Kira Gregor’s 13-0 team matches (great achievements).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Eli Spaulding repeated as New England Amateur champion (fifth to do so) on Thursday at GreatHorse in Hampden, Massachusetts, winning by two strokes and becoming the first Mainer in nearly 90 years to claim consecutive titles.
He will qualify for the U.S. Amateur Championship on Monday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Narrated Train Ride
Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 · 11 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience a scenic 40-minute narrated train ride along beautiful Casco Bay while learning about Maine’s unique railroading history.