Daily editionSunday, July 26th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 26th of July.
Community
Danielle Davis and Kelly Kern rescued a 6-7 week old puppy from a Tennessee roadside and brought him to South Berwick, where he now enjoys a loving home with his new family.
WMTWRead more
Economy
Maine households already have one heat pump for every four homes after exceeding a goal with 143,000 units in 2025; the target is 175,000 by 2027.
Efficiency Maine offers rebates — for heat pump water heaters too — to help residents lower heating costs as electric rates rise.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
NOAA's report found that water temperatures in 2024 and 2025 were slightly cooler, but warming will resume this fall due to climate change.
Local fishing ports have become busier, and experts advise diversifying business as iconic lobster numbers decline.
WGANRead more
Government
Maine astronaut Jessica Meir assumed command of the International Space Station Saturday during a change-of-command ceremony — taking over from Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov — as the departing crew will return today at 6:25 a.m. EDT.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Friday's Banana Ball Championship League game at Hadlock Field had the Loco Beach Coconuts defeating the Texas Tailgaters 3-2.
Player JD Urso said his role has shifted from chasing hits to engaging fans on the plaza — a shift that lets players embrace the fun side of baseball.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
A Delta flight returned safely to Portland on Saturday, July 25 after a smoke sensor in its cargo hold triggered an emergency — the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Team deplaned and assessed all passengers.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
Wine Sail in Portland, Maine: Tuscany
Friday, August 7th, 2026 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Embark on a scenic wine sail featuring exquisite Tuscan wines and breathtaking views of Casco Bay.