Daily editionWednesday, July 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of July.
Culture
Local car enthusiasts from across the Northeast will attend Porsches in the Park at Bug Light Park in South Portland on Saturday, Jul. 25 to support the Dempsey Center's programs & see models from various eras showcased.
FOX23Read more
Education
Under a state law signed on April 10, all school districts must adopt bell-to-bell cellphone bans by end of July to reduce classroom distractions.
Local leaders in Westbrook and Portland have quickly reallocated funds for cellphone pouches (costing about $20 to $25 each) to ease the transition.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Canadian wildfire smoke has become a common summer issue in Maine since 2023, as larger fires burning more land and shifting weather conditions let smoke travel far, lowering air quality.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection explained the change.
FOX23Read more
A warning was issued to boaters as NOAA reported more humpback whales feeding near the Maine coast (boaters should keep 100 yards away) to protect both themselves and the whales.
Experts say slowing down near feeding areas is crucial to prevent unexpected encounters.
WMTWRead more
Government
About 500,000 Mainers who filed a 2025 tax return and meet income limits will receive $300 affordability checks later this month to help with rising costs; the program — funded by $155 million from the state’s rainy day fund — aims to support residents facing expense challenges.
WGANRead more
The Maine Public Utilities Commission reviewed CMP’s proposal to raise electric bills by about $11, noting gaps in justification for spending on infrastructure, staffing, and storm response (which may heavily affect low-income households) and giving the company an opportunity to respond.
FOX23Read more
Health
Defend Our Health – a Portland-based nonprofit – has built a searchable online directory to help consumers check cookware for forever chemicals under Maine’s PFAS ban that took effect on Jan. 1; the group will update the tool this month to cover art supplies, clothing, and cosmetics.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
An adult in Lincoln County tested positive for Powassan virus last week, marking the state's third case this year, while a wild bird in Cumberland County tested positive for West Nile virus (the first case this year) as state health officials study how ticks and mosquitoes spread the viruses.
WMTWRead more
Sports
The Varsity Maine All-State girls track and field team, led by upperclassmen like Angelina Boisvert and Ella Cameron, competed in state and New England meets this spring while coach Sarah Carrigan guided Yarmouth to its first Class B title + Division 1 girls crown at WMC championships.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Gorham Little League defeated Vermont 10-0 by mercy rule on Tuesday morning in Bristol, Connecticut during the New England Region tournament and will face the loser of Tuesday’s second game between Connecticut and Rhode Island at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday to advance further in the tournament.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Diego Gonzalez and Dylan Sing, both on loan to Hearts of Pine, are boosting the team's offense with key plays and goals.
The team hosts Union Omaha today at 7 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Stadium + aims to improve their playoff position.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Scarborough's Isabella Harmon was named Varsity Maine Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year after winning key events at state and regional meets earlier this season.
She will continue her track career at the University of Connecticut (a large program known for excellence).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Championship teams (Scarborough, Yarmouth, Marshwood) each placed two top talents on the 2026 Press Herald All-Region girls track and field team, with Marshwood junior Anna Jennings setting a record long jump of 18 feet, 7 inches on June 6 in Bangor.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Narrated Train Ride Experience
Friday, July 31st, 2026 · 10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Enjoy a scenic narrated train ride along Casco Bay while discovering Maine’s unique railroading history.
Narrated Train Ride Experience
Saturday, August 1st, 2026 · 2 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Enjoy a scenic narrated train ride along Casco Bay while learning about Maine’s narrow gauge railroading history.
Wine Sail Experience in Casco Bay
Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $175 — Enjoy a scenic sail with premium wines and fresh oysters while learning about pairings and tasting notes.