Daily editionWednesday, March 4th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of March.
Community
The Boys and Girls Club in Portland partnered with Hannaford to open a food pantry that will serve nearly 1,500 children and families with food access outside club hours.
Renovated using donated materials + labor valued at over $30,000, the pantry supports a community effort to fight hunger.
WGMERead more
The sixth annual Women's Wave will take place on Saturday, Mar. 7 at Willard Beach in South Portland where Two Maine Mermaids expect 3,000 participants to gather for a cold dip at 12:30 p.m. to celebrate women's strength.
WGMERead more
The 6th annual Women’s Wave returns to Willard Beach in South Portland on Saturday as organizers expect 3,000 women to gather at noon before dipping into the cold ocean at 12:30 p.m.
FOX23Read more
Business
The state's first Aldi will open on Thursday, March 26 at the former Big Lots location in Pine Tree Shopping Center on Brighton Ave. The new store (open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily) marks the chain's entry into Maine.
WGMERead more
Culture
A local review tested four bakeries for authentic croissants in Portland.
Belleville rated highest for its crispy + flaky texture while Standard Baking, Bread and Friends and Zu Bakery scored lower on flavor, revealing the challenge of capturing an ideal buttery taste.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Gas prices in Maine rose Tuesday as AAA reported the state average reached $2.99 — Lewiston-Auburn saw a 10-cent jump, Portland averaged $3.00, and Bangor was at $2.95.
Crude oil prices climbed 5.7 percent, pushing gas costs higher.
WMTWRead more
Gas prices rose by 11 cents overnight Tuesday as oil prices spiked 5.6% to $82.10 per barrel amid the war in Iran, according to AAA (the auto industry group).
Portland drivers might pay more at the pump while stock markets dropped earlier Tuesday.
WMTWRead more
Environment
Portland had its coldest meteorological winter in 12 years (Dec-Feb brought 52.3 inches of snow—2.5 inches above average—and average temperatures of 24.5°, 21.2°, and 22.3°).
The season ranks 23rd coldest in local records.
FOX23Read more
Sports
On Monday night, Portland Hearts of Pine quickly sold nearly 2,000 tickets as they reached a season-long sellout with prices between $25 and $65 (with a few $150 Highroller seats remaining).
The team will offer standing-room tickets starting March 16 for its 20-home game schedule.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Eight Maine high school hockey players are semifinalists for the Travis Roy Award with two each from Thornton Academy, Cheverus/Yarmouth, and Falmouth.
The finalists will be announced Sunday while seven players take part in today’s Class A hockey semifinals at Cross Insurance Arena (games moved due to snow forecast).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Corey B Live Show
Friday, March 6th, 2026 · 9:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of comedy with radio personality and TikTok star Corey B.
Pine State Home and Garden Show
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 · 10 AM – 5 PM — Thompson's Point — Free entry — Discover ideas for home improvement and gardening at this engaging showcase with expert demonstrations.
Artistic Perspective Discussion on LIKE FLIES A RAGE
Sunday, March 8th, 2026 · 4:15 p.m. — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage in a deep dive into creative themes and questions with special guests at this public discussion.
Irish Heritage Night at the Maine Mariners
Friday, March 13th, 2026 · 7:15–8:15 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket proceeds support the Maine Irish Heritage Center — Celebrate Irish culture while enjoying a thrilling hockey game.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 · 1-4 p.m. — Maine Irish Heritage Center — Free entry — Celebrate Irish culture with live music, food, and family-friendly fun at this annual event.
Scuffed Realtor: Live with Nick Rochefort and Alex Schultz
Thursday, March 19th, 2026 · 7 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $35+ — Experience hilarious live reviews of viewer-submitted houses and unsolicited life advice from your favorite realtor duo.
Scottish Fish Concert
Friday, March 20th, 2026 · 8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $30 — Experience a lively blend of original and traditional Scottish and Cape Breton music.
Maine Mariners vs Worcester Railers
Saturday, March 21st, 2026 · 6-7 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Admission varies — Grab your furry friend and enjoy an exciting hockey night with the Maine Mariners.
Song Circle
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Good Medicine Collective — All ages welcome — Experience the healing power of community singing in a family-friendly setting.
Peking Acrobats Performance
Thursday, March 26th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets from $25 — Experience a mesmerizing display of acrobatics and artistry from the famed Peking Acrobats.