Daily editionThursday, July 30th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of July.
Community
Buxton will hold its 'Rockin' in the USA' parade on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 11:00 a.m. along Depot Street; Standish will host a parade at 12:00 p.m. from Congregational Church *followed by a festival with fireworks at Standish Memorial Park*.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine native Jessica Meir, commander of the International Space Station, is set to complete her sixth spacewalk starting Aug. 6 at 7:35 a.m. EDT (she and flight engineer Anil Menon will work for about 6.5 hours on solar array and system upgrades).
WMTWRead more
In Ogunquit, metal rooster statues symbolize autism awareness after fines for their display.
Dave and Sara LeBlanc won a variance to support their autistic daughter and plan to form a nonprofit while community members back keeping the roosters as a disability aid — fueling local discussion.
WMTWRead more
Business
Broad Arrow Tavern reopened at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport after its 2024 closure and now serves wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and seafood daily (indoor or patio seating) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Giri Hotels, which bought the Inn in 2023, partnered with local food producers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Singer-songwriter Tucker Pillsbury, known as Role Model, will sign copies of his new album, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass, at Bull Moose in South Portland (219 Waterman Drive) on Aug. 8.
Preorders are open for the first 200 customers to pick up vinyl or CD copies at curbside.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Local artists in Maine are reinventing woodworking by creating sculptures, paintings, and furniture that celebrate the state’s long tradition.
Their pieces (including works by Steve Bartlett and Ben Boothby) show wood’s beauty and inspire creative thinking.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The ICA at MECA&D features 'Peter Simensky: Pyrite Radio,' a show that uses the late artist’s inventive works to explore questions of value and power.
The exhibit is free and open until Sept. 13 (Wed., Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Portland has partnered with the Parks Conservancy and a consulting firm to develop an urban forest master plan that addresses pests, storms, and development pressures — the project includes a community survey and a public workshop on Sept. 17 at Merrill Auditorium Rehearsal Hall.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
As of July 17, Maine CDC reported five bats testing positive for rabies in various counties, cautioning residents and pet owners to take safety measures if exposed.
The guidelines advise washing bites and contacting healthcare and local animal control (if a bat can be safely captured) for further steps.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sen. Susan Collins backed the bipartisan INSULIN Act to cap insulin costs at $35 per month and help uninsured patients access the medication.
The bill passed the Senate Health Committee by a 17 to 5 vote and will create a pilot program for affordable diabetes care.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine health officials reported 27 salmonella infections linked to poultry orders from spring, and they warn residents to wash their hands with soap + water after contact with birds.
The CDC noted that cases are unusually high for the state.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
Portland Housing Development Corp won planning board approval for a seven-story building at 879 Congress St with 54 apartments and retail space.
The project will apply for tax credits this fall, break ground in late 2027 or early 2028, and finish by 2030 for residents earning $29K to $75K.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
A 16-year-old from Searsport sustained burns on 30% of her body after trying to move a pot of cooking oil that caught fire on her stove on Tuesday + she was treated first at Waldo County General Hospital then transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.