Daily editionFriday, July 24th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of July.
Community
A family in Ogunquit reached a compromise after fines for using metal roosters as a business sign; officials allowed two roosters on the lawn to comfort their daughter with autism.
Neighbors now foster extra roosters (a sign of community care).
WGANRead more
Environment
Portland recorded only half an inch of rain by July 21 — nearly two inches below average for early July; if the hot, dry pattern continues, more areas may soon be reclassified as abnormally dry.
WGMERead more
Government
At a DEP meeting in Gorham, residents urged officials to slow review of Amazon’s planned facility near the town center to better study risks to endangered birds and wetlands; the agency will decide by Sept. 21 and may delay the decision for further study + record public input.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Gateway Community Services did not file an appeal before the July 17 deadline to reverse the state's suspension of Medicaid payments; the provider denies wrongdoing after state audits revealed over $1.1 million in overpayments along with nearly $663,000 in earlier periods, and the investigation continues.
WGMERead more
Gateway Community Services did not file an appeal before the state's July 17 deadline to contest the suspension of Medicaid payments amid billing overpayment claims and has denied wrongdoing, while state audits uncover over 1.1M in overpayments from 2021 to 2022.
FOX23Read more
On Monday night, Westbrook City Council approved a proposal giving Westbrook High School students free unlimited Metro rides capped at 30,000 rides at $1.13 each.
The plan needs a second reading on Aug. 3 and will start for the upcoming school year if approved.
WGMERead more
Health
The Red Cross said there is an emergency shortage of blood donations in Maine - Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is hosting its third annual blood drive until July 31 and donors will receive a Fandango movie ticket.
WMTWRead more
The nurses union will rally at noon on Wednesday at Western Promenade to demand MaineHealth end its Palantir contract (which the hospital says is used to challenge insurance denials and speed up care) amid concerns about data ethics.
FOX23Read more
Nurses will rally at noon on Wednesday at Portland's Western Promenade to demand MaineHealth cancel its contract with Palantir after union claims the firm is linked to immigration enforcement (MaineHealth said the tool helps overturn coverage denials but does not influence clinical decisions).
WGMERead more
Sports
Officials in Cape Elizabeth are posting mile markers with a new race logo as they prepare for the 28th TD Beach to Beacon 10K, set to run from Crescent Beach to Fort Williams Park on Aug. 1.
Preparations include installations by local public works staff along Route 77.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Narrated Train Ride
Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 · 11 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience a scenic 40-minute train ride along Casco Bay with unique historical insights.