Daily editionSaturday, July 18th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of July.
Community
Chabad of Maine launched the Kitchen of Kindness program to deliver kosher meals to Portland residents facing hardship; volunteers meet monthly to cook, package, and deliver meals (with handwritten notes) that follow Jewish dietary laws.
WMTWRead more
Business
BlueShift Aerospace tested its new rocket engine in Brunswick on Thursday (July 16), marking its first public engine test in years.
The test is part of a $1 million U.S. Air Force contract to advance a new class of rocket engines.
WGMERead more
Culture
Edible Maine released its summer issue featuring stories on local fishermen, farmers, chefs, and makers — which showcase Maine’s food culture — and will hold a launch party next Thursday.
FOX23Read more
Environment
Researchers at Bowdoin College and Wells Reserve found blue crabs can kill green crabs in tank trials in Harpswell and New Meadows River.
Scientists warn that while blue crabs might help control the green crab problem, they may also harm soft-shell clams + local fisheries.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Windham Town Council considered a $800K contribution to a 5-mile bike trail extension that will link the current Mountain Division Trail from Route 202 in Windham to Bridge Street in Westbrook.
The unanimous vote sends the plan to Maine DOT, with completion expected between 2031 and 2035.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Nearly 4,000 activists are electing 500 delegates from county meetings this weekend for a statewide convention in Bangor on July 25 to pick a new Senate candidate after Graham Platner dropped out.
The delegate guide shows many favor former Senate President Troy Jackson to beat Sen. Susan Collins.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Marshwood 9U won the New England championship and will compete at the Cal Ripken World Series in Florence, Alabama from Aug. 2–8.
The team is holding a fundraiser and parent meeting to plan their trip — it is only the second Maine team to qualify for this national stage.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Narrated Train Ride
Thursday, July 30th, 2026 · 10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Enjoy a scenic ride along Casco Bay while learning about Maine's unique railroading history.