Daily editionWednesday, July 29th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of July.
Culture
Rocky Bottom Fisheries in Casco Bay is hosting a harbor tour that explains how lobster traps are set and hauled & shares firsthand accounts of life on the water from Captain Eric and Kate Lyn Knight.
WGMERead more
Virginia Shaffer, known as Lady Oyster, opened The Parlor in Bath in May and released her memoir Oyster Society detailing her journey in the oyster industry—highlighting Maine’s leading and equitable oyster culture.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Stacia Brezinski of Maine Audubon features the great black-backed gull as this week’s Bird of the Week, noting its nearly 6-foot wingspan (uncommon among seagulls) and dark plumage; the bird is seen on local beaches and rooftops and helps researchers monitor habitat changes.
FOX23Read more
A new study shows that warming temperatures have extended mosquito disease days in Portland by 27 days since 1970, increasing the risk for West Nile and other diseases.
Residents can protect themselves by wearing long sleeves + using an EPA-approved repellent.
FOX23Read more
Government
South Portland PD hosted its Coffee with a Cop event Tuesday morning to build trust with residents & address community concerns, and police and fire stations opened for tours Monday night from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with an information session on new stations.
WMTWRead more
Health
Maine’s congressional delegation asked the DEA to clarify its new EMS registration rule after major health systems ended medication agreements with 140 EMS agencies over confusion and added costs.
The letter sent Monday said unclear rules imposed financial and operational challenges on local EMS providers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lincoln Hospital may lose its labor and delivery unit if MaineHealth decides to close it within the next two weeks, making it the 12th maternity unit closure statewide.
Gubernatorial candidates have debated rural healthcare funding as this potential change raises concerns in the community.
FOX23Read more
Lifestyle
Portland gardeners can get ready for fall by planting late-season vegetables like lettuce, peas, and carrots while tending flowering baskets with extra fertilizer.
McLaughlin Garden in South Paris will host a tour of nine gardens on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for $40.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Oyster sommelier Virginia Shaffer revealed her top 10 Maine oyster favorites for summer based on seasonal flavors.
The list includes picks from local producers like Bombazine Oyster Company & Maine Ocean Farms, highlighting how each oyster evolves with the seasons.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
GreenMars is developing Cape Commons, a three-story mixed-use building next to Cape Elizabeth’s town hall offering 18 housing units and 2,700 sqft of commercial space.
The planning board approved the site plan on July 21 and set a public hearing for Aug. 18 with groundbreaking planned for next summer.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.