Good morning, Portland.

Police arrested 61-year-old Jean Gendron (a man from South Carolina with a long criminal record) on Thursday in New Hampshire after he robbed the Chase Bank branch at Rock Row in Westbrook on Wednesday morning; records show he had been arrested before for bank robberies and arson.

St. Peter’s Church in Little Italy celebrated its 100th Italian Bazaar over Friday and Saturday—live music, games and Italian treats including pizza, gelato and cannoli were on offer.

Jim Ciampi led a seven-piece band Friday—while Dan Fontaine with the Memphis Sun Mafia Band was set to perform a Viva Las Elvis tribute on Saturday.

A July report shows Maine’s school funding formula based on property taxes leaves some districts with little or no state support—lawmakers will review detailed modeling in December to decide whether to adjust the system.

The changes aim to better balance support for communities where residents pay high taxes despite average incomes.

Jim Billings, the executive director of Maine Commission on Public Defense Services, will step down on October 10 to pursue private practice, marking him as the second director to leave in recent years.

Deputy Executive Director Eleanor Maciag said the agency has posted a job listing as it faces a budget shortfall.

The Maine Bureau of Insurance will hold an online forum on August 15 at 9 a.m. to discuss proposed rate increases of up to 32% for individual and small group health plans in 2026 — officials warned that average premiums could rise 26% and urged consumers to contact lawmakers to help slow these hikes.

Maine hospitals have waited years for Medicaid reimbursements—forcing closures like Northern Light Inland in Waterville, which closed in June, and pushing hospitals to struggle with rising costs.

Federal and state plans that will cut MaineCare funding and delay payments further add to the financial strain on providers.

Ace Flagg, a Newport native, returned home to start his first season at the University of Maine and hosted a basketball camp in Orono on Saturday where his twin brother, Cooper Flagg, an NBA draftee, also joined.

His parents said his decision brings the team closer to family (adding local strength) as the Black Bears prepare for the upcoming season.

Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 draft prospect and hometown star, returned to Maine and held the Cooper and Ace Flagg Basketball ProCamp in Orono while attending Nokomis High School’s graduation on June 6—he said being home helped him recharge and feel normal despite his celebrity life.

Bingo at Elks Lodge

10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Purchase bingo cards on-site — Enjoy a fun-filled day of bingo with lunch options and ample parking.

The Dead South Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an engaging evening with the folk-bluegrass sounds of The Dead South.

Weekly SUP Community Paddles

7:30-8:30 a.m. — Portland Paddle — Free entry — Connect with fellow paddlers for an hour of fun on the water during summer months.

The Big Bounce America

9 AM – 3 PM — Cumberland Fairgrounds — Ticket required — Experience inflatable fun for all ages in the World’s Biggest Bounce House.

Lake Street Dive Concert Pass

7-10 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Tickets from $102 — Experience the genre-defying sound of Lake Street Dive live in Portland, ME.

Wine Sail - Piedmont

6-8 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Tickets required — Experience a delightful evening of wine education and sailing on Casco Bay.

Ask A Librarian! Drop-in Question Sessions

1-3 p.m. — Freeport Community Library — Free — Get help with technology, research, and more at this community resource session.

Weekly Sea Kayak Community Paddles

7:30-8:30 a.m. — Portland Paddle — Free entry — Connect with fellow paddlers and enjoy a refreshing morning on the water.

Bess Jacques & The Strays

7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an eclectic mix of jazz, Americana, and faux-tango-pop from the talented Bess Jacques & The Strays.

Josh Ritter Concert

7-9 PM — State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful and deep songwriting of Josh Ritter at a charming live venue.