Daily editionThursday, October 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of October.
Community
Five accessible trails opened for nature lovers with mobility challenges in our area.
Falmouth’s All Persons Trail opened this month at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center with a half-mile loop and rest stops, and trails in Kennebunk, Windham, Brunswick, and Damariscotta provided smooth, inclusive paths.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Wednesday at Monument Square, dozens gathered to rally for more warming shelters and increased bed capacity as winter cold threatened residents.
Advocates with Bring America Home Now called for reliable shelter services statewide — stressing the need to protect those facing the harsh elements.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Arwyn Sherman will launch her debut horror novel, We, the Missing, at Portland Public Library (Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.) as fellow horror writers join to spotlight Maine thrillers for Halloween.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Bates College Museum of Art hosts 'Carl Sprinchorn: Points of View' through Dec. 19.
Curated with the Ogunquit Museum, the exhibit features works on paper that reframe the artist’s Maine legacy (75 Russell St.).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Hannaford Supermarkets and the Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges announced Wednesday plans to expand fresh food access for students at seven community college campuses — the initiative started at a Southern Maine Community College event where pantry supplies were stocked to reduce food insecurity.
WMTWRead more
Government
The USDA today launched an $8 billion fuel relief program to help Maine farmers and fishermen cover high diesel prices and rising costs.
Affected groups must email fuel receipts as officials work to set final payout criteria.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Today, the federal government announced plans to release up to 315,000 barrels of heating oil from Northeast reserves to ease high prices for Mainers, with Maine senators + other officials calling the move a temporary measure before winter sets in.
WGMERead more
Bowdoin College students joined Bowdoin Votes’ Stroll to the Polls on Tuesday, Oct. 20, walking from campus to Brunswick Town Hall to vote in the competitive Senate race (enjoying free lattes and ballot assistance) while some also registered for absentee ballots.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Department of Energy will exchange up to 315,000 barrels of heating oil from the Northeast Reserve at Sunoco LP Terminal in South Portland to lower fuel costs ahead of winter.
Transfers are expected to complete by Nov. 13 (fuel retailers must exchange a minimum of 25,000 barrels).
WMTWRead more