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Daily editionFriday, September 18th, 2026

Good morning, Portland.

The Daily Portland Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of September.

Culture

  1. A Maine farm’s corn maze won USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards for the fifth year at Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant.

    The five-acre maze — celebrating America’s 250th birthday — features a Statue of Liberty design, an eagle, and iconic landmarks.

    WGMERead more

  2. Rufus King, a Scarborough native who signed the U.S. Constitution 239 years ago, is honored at the Scarborough Historical Society with a painting that recalls his role in forming a strong government — a nod to the town’s rich past.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Economy

  1. The Maine Department of Energy Resources reported that as of Monday the average heating oil price was $5.77 per gallon (up 74% from last year), meaning residents now pay nearly $675 more to fill a 275-gallon tank.

    WMTWRead more

Education

  1. UMaine is considering layoffs for faculty and staff as part of its process to address a projected $19 million budget shortfall for FY28 starting July 1, 2027 (layoffs will follow collective bargaining agreements).

    Additional proposals for other units are expected soon.

    WMTWRead more

Environment

  1. In 2025, Maine generated nearly 18% of its electricity from solar power, with half coming from small-scale installations (including rooftop panels) based on EIA data.

    State law calls for 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and 90% by 2040.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

  2. After a dry summer, Maine is in moderate to extreme drought; central and midcoast areas are hardest hit (Portland received just 8.65 inches and Wiscasset 6.5 inches, well below average).

    The prolonged lack of rain threatens fall foliage, crops, and residential wells as relief is not expected soon.

    FOX23Read more

  3. The Maine Board of Environmental Protection delayed final approval of NECEC’s conservation plan at the Augusta Armory yesterday, asking DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) staff for more details while environmental groups argue it falls short in protecting mature forest and habitat connectivity.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Government

  1. The House passed the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act on Tuesday to fund tick research & CDC grants through 2030, as Sen. Collins backed the move amid rising Lyme disease cases in Maine; the bill now heads to the president’s desk.

    FOX23Read more

  2. South Portland City Council rejected plans to adopt city-issued trash bags after finding that the pay-as-you-throw model would add an extra $13 per year for households (raising costs to $192), and they instead kept current municipal trash and recycling services while considering a curbside compost program.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more