Daily editionSunday, March 8th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 8th of March.
Community
Mary's Firemen for a Cure was held at Lost Valley Ski Area on March 7 as firefighters and EMTs raced a slalom course with 50 feet of hose to support the Dempsey Center.
WMTW sponsored the event featuring kids' activities, an auction, and a raffle with Patrick Dempsey.
WMTWRead more
Kimberly Sullivan, a Westbrook nurse and mom, has been collecting and donating feminine hygiene products to girls at Westbrook Middle School after witnessing a tearful incident that exposed a need for support.
She hopes the project (boosting confidence) will prompt honest conversations (about menstruation) among local families.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Over 1,500 women plunged into icy Atlantic waters at Willard Beach on Saturday to celebrate International Women’s Day, drawing participants from New England to share in a tradition of bravery and joy despite 40° temperatures (no sunshine in sight).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
AAA reported that gas prices in Maine increased 42 cents since last Saturday to $3.33 a gallon plus diesel climbed to $4.80, with county variations showing Franklin the lowest and Washington the highest.
Experts warn prices may continue rising amid ongoing conflict.
WMTWRead more
Health
Downeast OB/GYN in Bangor announced on Friday that it will close on July 2 due to staffing shortages and loss of partners (patients will be notified in writing) while doctor Christopher Rumsey joins Women’s Healthcare of Maine.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Camden Hills girls and Morse boys retained their Class B state swimming titles at Colby College’s Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center in Waterville Saturday.
Standout performances included Rowan Stewart, who won two individual races, and MDI’s Patrick Saltysiak, who excelled in butterfly and backstroke events.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Forward Jacob Perreault (23) was reassigned to the Maine Mariners from the Providence Bruins on Saturday.
He played 25 games with Maine and 14 with Providence, where he recorded three goals and two assists.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Central Maine Community College’s Mustangs won their fourth USCAA women’s basketball title with a 74-46 win over Miami-Hamilton on Saturday in Buffalo.
The top-seeded team completed a 29-1 season after taking a 24-2 lead early and posting a 30-point surge in the second quarter.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
High school hockey state finals took place Saturday at Cross Arena in Portland where Thornton Academy repeated as Class A champions with a 2-1 win over Cheverus Yarmouth and the York co-op claimed a 3-2 Class B title over Hampden Academy co-op.
WMTWRead more
USM and Bates women's basketball teams advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 after winning competitive games—Bowdoin hosted the Huskies in a close contest while Bates secured a win and will host Smith next, with USM set to face Wisconsin-La Crosse.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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'.
Maine Track Club Longfellow 3K
Sunday, March 29th, 2026 · 12:00 PM – 3:59 AM — Congress St. Portland, ME — Registration details available — Celebrate Portland's literary heritage with an engaging 3K run or virtual participation option.