Daily editionTuesday, July 28th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 28th of July.
Community
Topsham officials consider a trial of an ATV access lane proposed by Topsham Trailriders on 0.8 mile of Main Street from Mt. Ararat High School to Interstate 295 to link separated trails (public hearing set Aug. 6 will review safety concerns with traffic reaching 50 mph).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Woof Play Eat is temporarily closed as its owners review business matters and plan to update the community on the venue's future, which includes a dog park, doggie daycare, and restaurant.
WGMERead more
Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport and White Barn Inn Restaurant in Kennebunk have been named among OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants.
Their recognition highlights a trend of dining shaping travel choices — the two venues are less than seven miles apart.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Maine Apple Camp returns in late August at Camp Bishopswood in Hope from Friday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Aug. 30.
The event (organized by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and Maine Heritage Orchard) will feature apple research panels, cider tastings, and pear preservation talks, with registration ending Aug. 15.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Vintage photos reveal Portlanders on roller skates in the mid-1980s, using them for work and play at local parks and busy streets.
The images were taken between 1980 and 1988 and include one from Kennedy Park (Feb. 19, 1981).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Maine Maritime Academy launched its new training ship State of Maine as a $330M floating college for 600 cadets; built at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, the vessel began its summer cruise on May 9 from Portland (aiming to address the nation’s mariner shortage).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Final paperwork was filed Friday to protect 78,000 acres and create a 500,000-acre wildlife corridor in northern Oxford County.
Four conservation groups still need to raise ($1.9M) for a stewardship fund and legal fees.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Town Manager Robert Burns said the North Windham wastewater treatment plant delayed its launch from last weekend because of issues with its computer control system, and he expects the plant to begin receiving wastewater within two weeks (located near Manchester Elementary School).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
A Skowhegan woman & her husband were awarded nearly $17 million last week after a surgical error at Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville mistakenly removed her bladder instead of an ovarian cyst.
The verdict is the largest award in Kennebec County history.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
Boat tours and rides are opening this summer with options like concert cruises in Casco Bay, lobster trap tours in Portland and pedal-powered party boats, providing varied water-powered fun across Maine (with schedules running into September).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Portland Sea Dogs pitcher Max Carlson earned the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week honor Monday after pitching five and two-thirds scoreless innings in relief and striking out seven during games on July 21 and 24.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.