Good morning, Portland.

Firefighters responded Tuesday just before 2:45 a.m. to a house fire on Locust Street in Westbrook that displaced two families, who escaped safely as crews from seven communities worked to control the blaze.

At Windham High School on June 27, Windham Chamber Singers held a reunion concert to honor retiring director Dr. Richard Nickerson (who led the choir for nearly 40 years).

His successor, Ryan Murray, will continue his legacy while building new traditions.

Elizabeth in Portland serves complete menus from its hoodless kitchen using induction burners (and convection ovens) to avoid smoke; chefs like Duncan Biddulph adapt dishes to limited equipment in a creative push of culinary innovation.

Portland is bracing for its first heat wave as 90s and high humidity are expected today through Friday, with feel-like temperatures possibly reaching 110 (creating dangerous conditions) and a chance for thunderstorms later this week.

Local officials raised a (shark flag) at Cedar Beach after a fisherman spotted a great white shark near Harpswell on Monday around 4 p.m., and beachgoers were advised to remain cautious while water access stays open.

Maine will face up to $50 million per year in new costs to continue operating SNAP after a USDA report shows a 10.8% error rate that exceeds the federal threshold of 6%; the cost-sharing rule takes effect Oct.

1, 2027, with about 170,000 Mainers enrolled as of Oct. 2025.

Wine Sail in Casco Bay

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Sail through Casco Bay while tasting exquisite European white wines with a knowledgeable sommelier.

Maine Historical Society Celebrates America's 250th

10 AM – 2 PM — Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House — Free entry — Celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence with music and holiday-themed festivities.

Wine and Oyster Experience on Casco Bay

3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $175 — Join Sommelier Erica Archer for a sailing adventure pairing exquisite wines with fresh oysters amidst stunning views.

Black Country, New Road Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre — Discount tickets available — Experience the unique sounds of Black Country, New Road live in Portland.

A Brief History of Chasing Storms

7-8:30 p.m. — SPACE — All ages — Explore the mythologies of tornadoes with a film and Q+A featuring director Curtis Miller.

Live + Local on the Terrace with Shelly Coombs

6-9 p.m. — Harbor Bistro + Terrace — Free entry — Enjoy soulful vocals and heartfelt folk-Americana storytelling by the water.

Joe Jackson Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre — Concert tickets available — Enjoy an evening of music with the iconic Joe Jackson.

Wine Sail in Portland, Maine: Tuscany

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic wine sail with expert guidance while tasting exquisite Tuscany wines.

Introduction to Volleyball for Kids

July 14th – July 22nd — Reiche Community School — Refunds available up to 2 days before event — Let your child discover the joy of volleyball in a fun, supportive environment.

Daniel Mason: On Nature

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Halo at the Point — $15-$20 — Engage in a literary discussion with acclaimed author Daniel Mason on nature and his new book 'Country People'.