Good morning, Portland.

A family in Ogunquit reached a compromise after fines for using metal roosters as a business sign; officials allowed two roosters on the lawn to comfort their daughter with autism.

Neighbors now foster extra roosters (a sign of community care).

Portland recorded only half an inch of rain by July 21 — nearly two inches below average for early July; if the hot, dry pattern continues, more areas may soon be reclassified as abnormally dry.

Gateway Community Services did not file an appeal before the July 17 deadline to reverse the state's suspension of Medicaid payments; the provider denies wrongdoing after state audits revealed over $1.1 million in overpayments along with nearly $663,000 in earlier periods, and the investigation continues.

At a DEP meeting in Gorham, residents urged officials to slow review of Amazon’s planned facility near the town center to better study risks to endangered birds and wetlands; the agency will decide by Sept.

21 and may delay the decision for further study + record public input.

On Monday night, Westbrook City Council approved a proposal giving Westbrook High School students free unlimited Metro rides capped at 30,000 rides at $1.13 each.

The plan needs a second reading on Aug. 3 and will start for the upcoming school year if approved.

Gateway Community Services did not file an appeal before the state's July 17 deadline to contest the suspension of Medicaid payments amid billing overpayment claims and has denied wrongdoing, while state audits uncover over 1.1M in overpayments from 2021 to 2022.

The nurses union will rally at noon on Wednesday at Western Promenade to demand MaineHealth end its Palantir contract (which the hospital says is used to challenge insurance denials and speed up care) amid concerns about data ethics.

The Red Cross said there is an emergency shortage of blood donations in Maine - Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is hosting its third annual blood drive until July 31 and donors will receive a Fandango movie ticket.

Nurses will rally at noon on Wednesday at Portland's Western Promenade to demand MaineHealth cancel its contract with Palantir after union claims the firm is linked to immigration enforcement (MaineHealth said the tool helps overturn coverage denials but does not influence clinical decisions).

Officials in Cape Elizabeth are posting mile markers with a new race logo as they prepare for the 28th TD Beach to Beacon 10K, set to run from Crescent Beach to Fort Williams Park on Aug.

1. Preparations include installations by local public works staff along Route 77.

Narrated Train Ride

3 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience a scenic 40-minute ride while learning about Maine's rich railroading history and enjoying stunning views of Casco Bay.

Narrated Train Ride Along Casco Bay

11 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience a scenic 40-minute train ride while learning about Maine's unique railroading history and enjoying breathtaking views.

Narrated Train Ride

10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Enjoy a scenic narrated train ride along beautiful Casco Bay while learning about Maine’s unique history.

Scenes: A Billy Joel Experience

7:30-10 p.m. — Erik's Church — Cost Info Not Provided — Celebrate the iconic music of Billy Joel with a lively tribute show.

Square to Square Outdoor Concert Series: Tricky Britches

6-8 p.m. — Congress Square Park — Free entry — Experience the high-energy string sounds of Tricky Britches, blending bluegrass, country, folk, and rock.

Narrated Train Ride Experience

10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Enjoy a scenic narrated train ride along Casco Bay while discovering Maine’s unique railroading history.

Wine Sail in Portland, Maine: Explore Piedmont, Italy

12-2 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $175 — Experience a delightful wine and oyster sail with scenic views and expert insights.

Wine Sail Experience in Casco Bay

3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $175 — Enjoy a scenic sail with premium wines and fresh oysters while learning about pairings and tasting notes.

Narrated Train Ride

12 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience a scenic ride along Casco Bay while learning about Maine’s rich rail history.

Narrated Train Ride

11 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $24.10 — Experience a scenic 40-minute train ride along Casco Bay with unique historical insights.