Daily editionThursday, July 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of July.
Community
Volunteers and Windham Town Council plan a biking/walking trail along the old Mountain Division Railway from Portland to Fryeburg, with construction expected by early 2027 - connecting 10 miles of current trail segments and building on decades-long efforts to repurpose 40 miles of unused rail.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
The former Tacos y Tequila on Ocean House Road was cited by the Maine Department of Labor in April for owing about $19,000 in unpaid wages and $9,000 in fines (the former owners did not respond to inquiries).
WGMERead more
Culture
Disney’s Frozen is on stage at Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick today offering live songs and scenes from the hit Broadway adaptation.
Artistic director Curt Dale Clark said the performance is designed to bring local audiences a fresh take on the beloved film (featuring elaborate sets and costumes).
FOX23Read more
Virginia Shaffer will launch her memoir, Oyster Society: Adventures with the Shellfishly Motivated, at Lambs bar, 695 Broadway in South Portland on Aug. 10, 6-8 p.m. The free event offers complimentary oysters by the Lady Oyster team + a celebration of coastal traditions.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Ocean temperatures along Maine's coast are dropping below average as upwelling pushes warm water offshore + colder, nutrient-rich water from the Gulf rises to replace it.
This change creates better fishing conditions following early July's extreme heat.
FOX23Read more
Government
City officials in Saco warn residents that empty propane tanks may explode when crushed in trash bins; they urge proper disposal at a propane exchange & Riverside Recycling in Portland.
FOX23Read more
Real Estate
A new report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows Maine minimum wage workers must work 86 hours per week to afford a two-bedroom apartment at a market rent of $1,681, while Portland renters face a higher wage of $40.96 per hour (the report cites rising market pressures).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
The Press Herald announced the 2026 All-Region softball team that honors top high school players from three state championship teams.
The list features players from Bonny Eagle, Cheverus, Westbrook and others, marking a season highlight for local softball.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Narrated Train Ride
Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 · 12 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience a scenic ride along Casco Bay while learning about Maine’s rich rail history.