Daily
Portland
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Nonprofit Community Plate will host its second annual Pi(e) Day potluck fundraiser on Saturday, Mar. 14 at Smith Center at Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport (featuring pie-centric dishes by local chefs including Josh Berry and Ilma Lopez) with tickets available for a suggested $31.41 donation or pay-what-you-can option to support its community programs. Portland Press Herald
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The New England Craft Brew Summit brings brewers, owners, suppliers, and service providers together for a full day of networking and learning in Portland. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the event will be held tomorrow. WGME
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local astrophotographers, including Ara Jerahian with his backyard observatory and Charlie Sawyer hosting free viewings for families, capture deep space images using state-of-the-art equipment. A state law in October will require dimmed public lighting to protect Maine's dark skies (ensuring clearer nights). Portland Press Herald
- ➤ John Bear Mitchell, a Penobscot educator from Old Town, consults on HBO’s 'IT: Welcome to Derry', set in Maine, to ensure Wabanaki culture is portrayed accurately. He has signed on for a second season (aiming to avoid harmful stereotypes) as the series highlights Indigenous voices. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two Maine students, WanTing Huo and Katarina Ousback, will represent Maine in the U.S. Senate Youth Program in Washington from March 7 to March 14. They will study the federal government and meet senior officials — setting the stage for future careers in public service. WMTW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After residents complained that the warming shelter in Riverside did not open during a recent blizzard, Portland updated its plan this week to include National Weather Service blizzard (and ice storm) warnings and to allow activation when severe weather is forecasted with less than 48 hours notice (staff availability is still a concern). Portland Press Herald
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Maine faces blood shortages after winter storms and an early flu season cancelled blood drives and reduced collections by 79 pints in February, the Red Cross said. The organization is offering a $15 Amazon gift card with free diabetes screenings to boost donations. WGME
- ➤ A recent report shows Maine spent $3 million in opioid settlement funds last year to fight the crisis. Local governments used the money mainly for harm reduction and treatment efforts that benefited younger Mainers, and officials plan to continue supporting affected communities. FOX23
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Off-Track Pizza in Portland is offering a special pie during Maine Restaurant Week, which will run until March 12. Diners can enjoy crafted menus plus drink specials from over 50 local eateries during the event. FOX23
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Portland topped the final Varsity Maine boys basketball poll after beating Camden Hills 76-60 in the Class A championship game at Cross Insurance Arena, finishing an impressive postseason that saw victories over previous No. 1 teams. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ York co-op captured the Class B South boys hockey title with a 4-2 win over Gorham/Massabesic at Cross Insurance Arena Wednesday. The team will face the winner of Messalonskee or the Hampden co-op in Saturday's state championship game. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Over 800 high school swimmers showcased their talent at recent conference championships in Cape Elizabeth and Bath, breaking state and pool records. State championships will be held at Colby College on March 6 and 7. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Cheverus remains the unanimous No. 1 team in the final Varsity Maine poll for girls basketball after starting the season atop the rankings and never losing its top spot. Hampden Academy placed second following a strong postseason showing. Portland Press Herald
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Corey B Live Show
9:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of comedy with radio personality and TikTok star Corey B.
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Amelia Day with Heather Lynn
7:30-11:00 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of music inspired by love with heartfelt performances including 'Moon and Back'.
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Artistic Perspective Discussion on LIKE FLIES A RAGE
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.
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Irish Heritage Night at the Maine Mariners
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.
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Curtain Call Discussion on LIKE FLIES, A RAGE PLAY
4:15 p.m. — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion about the production with performers and delve into character development and themes raised by the play.
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Scuffed Realtor: Live with Nick Rochefort and Alex Schultz
7 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $35+ — Experience hilarious live reviews of viewer-submitted houses and unsolicited life advice from your favorite realtor duo.
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Scottish Fish Concert
8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $30 — Experience a lively blend of original and traditional Scottish and Cape Breton music.
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The Pretty Great Spelling Bee 2026
7-10 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Free entry — Experience a whimsical battle of words with costumed competitors and local celebrity judges.
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Song Circle
6-7:30 p.m. — Good Medicine Collective — All ages welcome — Experience the healing power of community singing in a family-friendly setting.
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Peking Acrobats Performance
7-10 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets from $25 — Experience a mesmerizing display of acrobatics and artistry from the famed Peking Acrobats.
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