1. Portland observed the Fourth of July on Monday with fireworks, music and a more somber ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of a massive fire that burned and then reshaped the city. Tens of thousands of spectators gathered on the city’s Eastern Promenade as the sun went down Monday night to watch a more than 30-minute display of fireworks light up the waters off the peninsula. The Portland Symphony Orchestra provided the soundtrack. (PH)
2. Authorities say a Maine home was damaged after a firework hit a tree and sparked a fire during a neighborhood Fourth of July display in Cumberland. The tree fire melted some siding on a nearby house before crews extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported. (WCSH)
3. Kevin Durant announced Monday that he plans to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder and join the Golden State Warriors next year–sending tidal waves across a league and instantly cementing the Warriors’ place as the team to beat next season. (ESPN)
4. Nobody can ketchup to Joey “Jaws” Chestnut! The competitive eater devoured a whopping 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes during the annual Fourth of July eating contest yesterday at Nathan’s Famous on Coney Island. (ESPN)
5. PepsiCo is going retro. The company is officially bringing back Crystal Pepsi, a clear cola drink that was hugely popular for a brief period during the early 1990s. Crystal Pepsi will be sold in 20-ounce bottles starting July 11 in Canada and Aug. 8 in the United States. (CNBC)
Made Hot in Maine by Neil’s Motors on Rt. 111 in Biddeford.
