Daily editionWednesday, August 12th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 12th of August.
Community
Kennebunk fire officials said a child wandered away from a distracted caregiver at Mother's Beach on Monday and was safely reunited shortly after.
Officials warned parents to keep phones down — lifeguards cannot substitute for proper supervision near the water.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Guy O'Connell has turned his backyard into a micro-vineyard with grapevines covering his yards (East Deering).
The Frontenac grapes will be ready to harvest by mid to late September as he prepares to test his low-tannin blends with neighbor help.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
With summer heat and rising prices near $5 a gallon, some Maine customers on auto fill have received unexpected oil deliveries, including a recent 100-gallon drop.
Customers are advised to contact their supplier (to review delivery timing and price options) as they adjust to higher costs.
WGMERead more
Environment
Bob Wiegars flew his drone on Sunday to capture thousands of striped bass schooling in Saco Bay.
He returned Monday to see that the fish group had grown larger but lost its tight formation (according to his camera footage).
FOX23Read more
Government
South Portland has launched a program offering free weatherization assistance to 50 households; residents can apply on a rolling basis to get help with minor repairs and energy efficiency upgrades from city staff & local contractors.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
State regulators approved York Hospital's plan to merge with MaineHealth.
The merger will close on Oct. 1 and the hospital will continue its inpatient care while gaining more resources and specialty services.
WGMERead more
Target and Walmart in Maine are recalling Taylor Farms products over a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors.
Items include Taco Dip (best if used by Aug. 12) and Pico de Gallo (best if used by Aug. 16); Taylor Farms now uses alternative suppliers.
WGMERead more
Real Estate
A new hotel with five stories has opened at Thompson's Point, joining Residence Inn and Moxy with 148 rooms.
It offers an indoor pool + fitness center and bar near the Children's Museum, and its design honors the area as a former transport hub.
WGMERead more
Sports
Windham high and UMaine grad Sarah Talon earned a pro basketball contract to play in Germany.
She will join her new team later this season, marking a milestone for a local athlete.
WMTWRead more
Fall sports practices start on Monday, Aug. 17 with games beginning early September as student-athletes prepare for the season.
Portland sports medicine expert Sarah Shubert advises warming up, using proper gear, and getting a pre-season physical to lessen injury risks — a key step for safe play.
WMTWRead more