Daily editionThursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
Community
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 HeraldRead more
Business
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.
WGMERead more
Culture
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
Education
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.
WMTWRead more
Government
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 HeraldRead more
Health
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.
FOX23Read more
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.
WGMERead more
Lifestyle
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.
FOX23Read more
Sports
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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 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.