Daily editionSaturday, September 19th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of September.
Community
United Way of Southern Maine held its 10th annual United We CAN Food Drive at Back Cove in Portland Friday.
Over 40 local companies built sculptures with nonperishable food to collect meals for residents in Cumberland and York counties — the final event recognized winners from creative entries.
WMTWRead more
Maine veterans took a free flight from the Portland Jetport yesterday morning for a trip to Washington, DC.
The Honor Flight Maine group planned stops at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, war memorials, and Constitution Hall for a documentary screening.
WGMERead more
Business
New Balance received a contract to produce athletic shoes for the U.S. military at its Skowhegan plant.
The three-year deal is worth up to $59 million and requires the Defense Logistics Agency to buy a minimum of 22,000 pairs yearly — supporting American footwear production.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Pastry chef Georgia Macon will open Mère, a bakery-cafe with a market, at 204 Gray Road in Cumberland on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The 2,000 sqft venue, formerly Seymour Bird Refuge, will serve pastries, breads, coffee and grab-and-go meals for local workers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
David Wallace and his son Nick build and repair pipe organs at their Gorham shop for churches and concert halls in the US and overseas, and they are currently crafting a 20-foot-tall instrument for a New Hampshire church while continuing a storied family craft.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Heating oil prices (74% higher than last year) are nearing record levels as the war in Iran strains global supply, pushing Maine residents to prepare for a colder winter with rising bills.
Community action agencies urge applying for limited LIHEAP funds available after Oct. 1.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Maine School Administrative District 15 invites community input through its Portrait of a Patriot survey available online until Oct. 16 to shape its five-year strategic plan; in-person forums will be held in the fall with a draft expected by the end of 2026.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
The Maine Department of Marine Resources announced the temporary closure of shellfish harvesting in Maquiot Bay in Brunswick and the eastern side of Middle Bay in Harpswell, effective today, after detecting an algae bloom impacting marine life from NH to Penobscot Bay.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland approved a Forest Avenue redesign demonstration project to remove one lane, add protected bike lanes and improved pedestrian crossings between Woodfords Corner and Baxter Boulevard.
The test project (costing between $850K and $1.2M and beginning next summer) aims to lower speeds and enhance road safety.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Maine CDC confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated Somerset County adult after exposure at MaineGeneral Express Care in Waterville on Sept. 12+ state officials are notifying those potentially at risk as symptoms develop.
FOX23Read more
Sports
Tri for a Cure in South Portland was named Maine’s top triathlon by Triathlete magazine, based on participation and large fields of more than 1,200 women racing each year to support the Maine Cancer Foundation.
The event, founded in 2008 (by Julie Marchese and Abby Bliss), raised $2.3M in 2026.
WMTWRead more
Accidents
76-year-old tuna fisherman Frank Williams (whose 23-ft boat crashed onto rocks) was rescued off Biddeford Pool near Wood Island on Thursday night at 8 p.m. after local fishermen coordinated the response and a coast guard helicopter airlifted him to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he is now home recovering.
WGMERead more