Daily editionSaturday, March 7th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 7th of March.
Community
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland said the pair Rocky and Violet arrived yesterday and are available for adoption together.
The two-year-old dogs can be shy at first but soon show playful curiosity in a new home.
FOX23Read more
Economy
Gas and diesel prices in Maine rose after the U.S. attacked Iran, with regular gas increasing by 31 cents per gallon since last Friday—pushing average fill-up costs to about $4.65.
Home heating oil also climbed slightly, and experts warn prices may continue to rise amid ongoing uncertainty.
WMTWRead more
Maine’s lobster catch declined for the fourth straight year as rising costs, inflation, and warmer waters (a trend since 2021) weighed on the industry, state fishing officials said Friday.
The haul fell to 78.8 million pounds last year (the lowest since 2008), cutting market value.
FOX23Read more
Gas prices in Maine rose after military action in Iran on Feb. 28, with a rise (eight cents overnight) tracked by AAA data on a map by the Get the Facts Data Team that updates daily; despite the increase, prices remain below the national average.
WMTWRead more
Government
On Friday, Mar. 6, more than a dozen local citizens graduated from the York County Sheriff's Office’s Citizen Police Academy in a ceremony that featured ride-alongs, training on force use and jail operations (the event also honored longtime department members and volunteers).
FOX23Read more
Portland has updated its winter warming shelter rules to include National Weather Service blizzard and ice storm warnings — a change made after criticism when the shelter stayed closed during a recent blizzard.
The shelter at 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway will open when criteria are met and staff are available.
FOX23Read more
Portland has updated its criteria for the winter warming shelter at 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway to open when National Weather Service blizzard or ice storm warnings are issued - easing the previous requirement for heavy snow and low temperatures.
The plan, active November through March, will depend on staff availability.
WGMERead more
Sports
Cooper Flagg from Newport, Maine returned from an eight-game injury on Thursday scoring 18 points (also recording 6 assists and 5 rebounds) and reached 1,000 career points in his 50th NBA game with the Dallas Mavericks in a close loss to the Orlando Magic.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Downtown Boys with Red Eft and Bait Bag
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Tickets required — Experience the lively performance of Downtown Boys and the catchy tunes of Bait Bag, including their hit 'Pockets'.