Daily editionWednesday, July 9th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of July.
Community
West End neighbors joined with the city and Portland Trails to install temporary traffic calming measures—including painted crosswalks, curb extensions and bollards—at several intersections to slow speeding after a rise in pedestrian deaths.
The group, led by president Kip DeSerres and board member Gregory Farino, will continue seasonal projects until the city makes more permanent changes.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
The iconic P-2 Neptune has been restored at Brunswick Landing and will be celebrated with a public ceremony on Friday, July 25, at 11 a.m.—local volunteers, veterans, and museum staff worked together on the restoration to honor its long service.
The plane once served in the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold War periods at the former Brunswick naval base.
WMTWRead more
Education
Luke's Lobster is starting a mentoring program called Lift All Boats that gives South Portland High School students hands-on lobstering experience on the boat Sea Smoke for 10 weeks this summer—learners earn money and gain real skills in the marine economy.
The program received a $25,000 grant from M&T Bank's Amplify Fund—helping more students enter a field they might not otherwise explore.
WMTWRead more
Environment
A report by Environment Maine Research and Policy Center found that 78% of Maine's beaches had a pathogen risk in 2024 and 51 beaches were unsafe for swimming on at least one day.
The report added that over 745 million gallons of sewage and stormwater flowed into local waterways in 2023—officials now call for major investments in water infrastructure.
WGMERead more
Government
Temporary traffic measures — including speed bumps, road posts and signs — were installed on Route 1 in Saco after recent pedestrian deaths to slow reckless drivers.
Further changes will appear soon in Portland and South Portland and will remain until Nov. 15 while officials decide on making them permanent.
FOX23Read more
Gov. Janet Mills signed new energy laws that change Maine’s net energy billing program by adding monthly fees for systems over 1 megawatt—fees expected to save ratepayers $1.2 billion over 16 years.
The laws also set a goal for 100% clean electricity by 2040 and create a new Department of Energy Resources to launch later this year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Northern Light Health said negotiations with Anthem have stalled as their contract will expire at the end of September—patient costs at their hospitals will not change until January 1st, 2026.
WGMERead more
Sports
At Waterville Country Club in Oakland, the 106th Men’s Amateur Golf Championship saw a record 431 players try for 132 spots, and three players will lead into round two.
The event continues to draw a large field as players vie for a place in the next round.
WMTWRead more
Former Thornton Academy player Ellie Agreste, who helped lead the team to the 2009 Western Maine Class A final, has been named the new girls soccer coach on Tuesday—she also teaches health and physical education at Biddeford Middle School and previously coached at Sanford High.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
The Cedars Leadership Symposium with Howard Fillit, MD
Thursday, July 17th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Atrium At the Cedars — Free entry — Explore innovative insights on aging from a leading expert in Alzheimer's research.
Old Port Seafood Lovers Walking Lunch Tour
Friday, July 18th, 2025 · 3-5:30 p.m. — 489 Congress St, Portland, ME — Price includes food and drinks — Discover Maine's seafood delights while walking along the waterfront and enjoying local flavors.
Outdoor Painting Class in Cape Elizabeth
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — 1000 Shore Rd — Cost varies — Paint outdoor landscapes while soaking in the natural beauty of Maine with guidance from a local instructor.