Good morning, Portland.

After a heat advisory and an extreme heat watch affected parts of Maine yesterday, several communities have opened cooling centers to help residents cope with today's high temperatures that may reach heat indices up to 108.

Facilities in multiple counties — including a 24/7 center at the Lisbon Police Department — now offer cooling, charging, water, and Wi-Fi.

During the legislative session, House Rep. Marc Malon pushed for bills that ease review of adding housing units and prevent arbitrary denials in commercial areas so Maine can work to build roughly 80,000 needed homes, and Governor Mills signed one of the measures while Speaker Ryan Fecteau’s zoning reform passed unanimously—actions designed to unlock infill development and support smart growth.

A bill designed to lower Maine electricity bills is heading to Governor Janet Mills' desk for review.

The measure adjusts the state's Net Energy Billing system—reducing solar-related costs and abusive billing practices—and could save non-solar customers more than $1 billion over 16 years.

A study by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension tick lab found that ticks in the Midcoast counties carried Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis at higher rates than those in northern counties, with more than half of ticks in Lincoln testing positive for Lyme bacteria. Researchers said climate change and local behavior may be driving this trend—public health officials advise residents to take precautions against tick bites.

Hospital leaders in Maine say proposed Medicaid cuts will hurt hospital budgets and force some rural facilities to close, putting fewer services available for thousands of Mainers.

They warn that the cuts will lower revenues by hundreds of millions and risk patients’ access to care—leaving people like Lewiston resident Siiri Cressey with fewer treatment options.

Newport native Cooper Flagg is set to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Draft on Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Brooklyn.

Experts say the Duke star has a high basketball IQ and humble mindset—qualities that will help him adjust to the NBA's physical game.

Three Sea Dogs pitchers combined on Sunday to throw a no-hitter in a 10-0 win over the Akron RubberDucks at Delta Dental Park, with Starter David Sandlin pitching six innings while Christopher Troye and Jonathan Brand closed the game.

6,868 fans attended the sellout— and the team will begin a six-game road trip tonight against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

Biddeford baseball outfielder Payton Blais made a diving catch in the top of the seventh on Saturday that ranked No. 5 on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays and helped secure a 7 to 6 win for the team—delivering its first state championship in 41 years.

Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour

1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland — Ticket required — Experience Portland’s coastal beauty and historic charm aboard a classic fire engine tour.

Palace Playland Fireworks

9:45 p.m. — Palace Playland — Free show — Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display on the beach at Old Orchard Beach.

Farmer's Market

8 AM – 1 PM — Brunswick Town Mall — Free entry — Fresh local produce and artisanal goods await at this vibrant community market.

Sacred Nourishment: Connected Cooking and Eating Practices

3-8 p.m. — Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center — Workshop fee includes dinner — Experience mindful cooking and communal eating in honor of the summer solstice.

MaineR Users Group Social Hour & Lightning Talks

5:30–6:30 p.m. — Novare Res Bier Cafe — Free entry — Connect with data professionals and enjoy quickfire talks on R and data science.

An Evening with Chris Whitaker

6-8 p.m. — Books-A-Million — Book purchase required — Engage with bestselling author Chris Whitaker during a special signing and discussion about his latest novel.

Acoustic Sunset Sail on Frances

6:00–8:00 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $90 — Watch the sunset over Casco Bay while enjoying live folk, bluegrass, and soul music in an acoustic setting.

Stolen Mojo - Annual Music Cruise

7-10 p.m. — Casablanca Cruises — $40-$100 — Celebrate the 4th of July with live music and cocktails on Casco Bay.

Wine Sails in Portland, ME

7:15-9:15 p.m. — Casco Bay — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beauty of Casco Bay on a wine sailing adventure with stunning views.

Prester & Samargia Jazz Trio Performance

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Free entry — Experience a captivating blend of standards, originals, and Brazilian & Latin jazz with talented musicians.