Daily editionFriday, July 4th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 4th of July.
Community
Volunteer ambassadors are cleaning up Portland's Arts District and Monument Square as city officials work to ease problems with homeless encampments — Mayor Mark Dion said a new police substation will open soon across the street to help address issues like graffiti and waste.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Jason Singer, a former Press Herald reporter, became the first repeat Jeopardy champion in weeks by winning Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s episodes and earning $22,400 and $26,400 — breaking a streak of 13 one-time winners — while his wife Susan McMillan, who won in 2021, also joined the winners.
WMTWRead more
Environment
Most lupine plants in Maine are non-native and many botanists consider them invasive, with bigleaf lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) on the state’s advisory list; Maine’s only native lupine, the sundial lupine, once supported pollinators but is now nearly extinct in the wild, leading local experts to recommend that gardeners replace it with native varieties.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Stacia Brezinski from Maine Audubon explained that the indigo bunting is a small, common bird best seen in shrubby edge habitats like powerline cuts and field borders—its call is a paired 'tweet-tweet' and females blend with the grass when nesting.
She noted that the bird migrates at night and a feathers 101 workshop on its coloring will be held at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center on July 17.
WGMERead more
Finance
The Maine Bureau of Insurance denied Genworth Life Insurance's planned 233% rate hike for long-term care, reducing the increase to 76% spread over three years—Genworth said it will work with regulators to balance rising care costs with protecting policyholders.
The decision comes as long-term care costs remain high in our state.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
Prester & Samargia Jazz Trio Performance
Saturday, July 5th, 2025 · 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.
Wine & Raw Bar Sail
Sunday, July 6th, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — Ticketed event — Enjoy fine wine and a gourmet raw bar experience aboard a beautiful tall ship as you sail through picturesque Portland waters.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland, Maine
Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticket prices vary — Experience Portland’s scenic coast and historic sites aboard a classic fire engine with live narration.
Powerman 5000 Concert
Thursday, July 10th, 2025 · 6:30-8 p.m. — Aura — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying performance from the iconic industrial rock band Powerman 5000.
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Tour
Friday, July 11th, 2025 · 3:00-5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Includes lunch — Delight in a guided tour with local seafood delicacies and a drink.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Saturday, July 12th, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — Scenic Spot in Cape Elizabeth — Cost varies — Capture Maine’s natural beauty in a private painting class for all skill levels.
Wine Sail Through Tuscany
Sunday, July 13th, 2025 · 3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — $150 — Experience a delightful wine tasting while sailing through the scenic Casco Bay.
Funky Mondays featuring The Red Eye Flight Crew
Monday, July 14th, 2025 · 9:30-11 p.m. — Portland House Of Music and Events — Ticket info varies — Enjoy a lively performance from Funky Mondays and The Red Eye Flight Crew in a vibrant local venue.
pollinateHERS - Women Entrepreneurs Support Group
Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — coworkHERS — Free entry — Connect with fellow female entrepreneurs in a supportive environment.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Check website for pricing — Experience Portland's scenic coast and historic sites aboard a classic fire engine.