Daily editionFriday, March 6th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 6th of March.
Business
Staffers at The Holy Donut on Park Ave in Portland are seeking to unionize to address low wages + unsafe working conditions after their concerns were ignored by management, according to a press release announced Thursday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Chef Evan Hennessey (a James Beard Award semifinalist) is showcasing his signature aerated brie and shiitake mushroom madeleines with warm honey and ginger at his restaurants Stages and The Living Room in Portland.
FOX23Read more
Education
Falmouth schools have proposed a $55.68 million budget with a 6.3% increase that funds literacy, special education, tech expansion for high schoolers and a new pre-K classroom, while rising wages and health insurance costs will be partly offset by a $2.7 million increase in property taxes raising rates nearly 6%.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Mainers looking to cut energy costs can explore green home options at Freeport Energy Forum on Saturday, March 14 (9 a.m. to noon) at the Community Center.
Local experts and Maine Rep. Melanie Sachs will share details on solar panels, heat pumps, and rebate programs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Two judges ordered the release of a 20-year-old Venezuelan woman and a 34-year-old migrant held at Backyard Farms in Madison after they filed a petition to prove their detention was unlawful (detentions occurred over separate days).
FOX23Read more
Health
Health advocates and hospital officials debated a new bill that would cap hospital prices at 200% of Medicare rates during a public hearing in Augusta on Thursday.
Officials warned the measure could force cuts in services while supporters say it will help lower costs for families.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
Retired local anchors Cindy Williams and Lee Nelson now travel as models for cruise lines and upscale hotels.
After 30 years at News Center Maine, they embrace creative work from Cancun to Saco, enjoying a less stressful lifestyle (shown on Instagram).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
The Hearts of Pine signed Portuguese midfielder Diogo Barbosa on Thursday — nine days before their USL League One season opener against the New York Cosmos in Paterson, New Jersey.
The 30-year-old, joining from Gzira United F.C., has played in Europe and Australia.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sarah Talon, a Windham native, scored 16 points and clocked nearly 32 minutes on average as she helped Maine beat New Hampshire 77-58 in the America East quarterfinal at UMaine Orono on Thursday.
The senior guard is emerging as a leader as her college career nears its end.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
All-NBA star Tatum is set to return to the court today for the Celtics against the Mavericks after his Achilles injury from May 2025, and Maine native Flagg remains questionable as the Mavericks finalize his status (Flagg has a sprained left foot).
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Anastasia The Musical
Friday, March 27th, 2026 · 8 p.m. — Lyric Music Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Anya and the mystery of her royal past.