1. Addressing a raucous crowd of about 4,000 people in Bangor, Donald Trump took full aim at his Democratic opponent Wednesday, blaming Hillary Clinton for the rise of the Islamic State and a decline in American influence and prosperity. The crowd was overwhelmingly supportive, a dozen protesters managed to briefly disrupt the speech at several points. The tension between protesters and supporters was mild relative to previous Trump events around the nation. He even complimented Maine’s protesters, saying, “You have the nicest protesters.” He also praised Maine’s natural beauty and the state’s people. “If things don’t work out for me, I may just come up here and say, ‘The hell with it,’ ” Trump said, mentioning he believed there was available real estate. (PH)
2. Westbrook police say an officer on patrol in the area of Riverbank Park observed a large snake on the riverbank in the area of Speirs Street Wednesday. Police say the snake was eating a large mammal, possibly a beaver. Police say they estimate its length to be at least 10 feet. The snake has been dubbed “Wessie” or the “Presumpscot Python” by locals. Police ask the public to be mindful of the snake’s presence in the area and immediately report any sightings so they can remove the animal from the river. (WCSH)
3. Central Maine Power customers will see an increase in the delivery portion of their electricity bills beginning Friday. For a typical home customer, the delivery portion will rise by 7 percent. That will add $3.12 to an average bill of $78.47. (PH)
4. People walking through Portland’s Old Port might notice a number of paper flames in some windows. The flames are part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1866. A firecracker ignited the Fourth of July fire, which cut a path nearly a mile long while burning down more than 1,500 buildings. (WMTW)
5. Michael Phelps made history (again) last night when he became the first male swimmer to qualify for five Olympics. Phelps is headed to the Rio Games after winning the 200-meter butterfly final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials. (ESPN)
Made Hot in Maine by Shelly Rose Photography!
