Daily editionMonday, March 9th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 9th of March.
Community
South Portland resident Ghomri Rostampour, a Kurdish educator and small business owner who fled Iran in the late 1990s and became a citizen in 2004, said the current war revives painful memories as she remains unable to contact family in Iran (due to limited internet).
WMTWRead more
Culture
Over 1,600 women plunged into the 37°F Atlantic on Saturday at Willard Beach in South Portland to celebrate International Women’s Day during the annual Women’s Wave event.
Organized by Two Maine Mermaids, the dip drew the largest crowd to date.
FOX23Read more
Economy
Diesel prices have climbed 22% to $4.60 a gallon since the Iran conflict began, and an oil analyst said they could hit $5 this month — driving up costs for delivery and heating oil for local residents in the Northeast.
WMTWRead more
Environment
The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program has awarded $4.6 million for ten wetland restoration projects statewide.
One project will restore Great Meadow at Acadia National Park (the park’s largest freshwater wetland) while another will remove dams on the Royal and Nezinscot rivers in Yarmouth.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Policymakers on the Legislature’s Health Coverage committee are reviewing two bills that aim to expand dental care access amid a decline in Maine’s dentists.
LD 2206 would create an associate license for foreign-trained dentists—while LD 2209 would study ways to boost specialist residency programs, with work sessions scheduled soon.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
On Sunday, the Maine Mariners won 4-3 over the Adirondack Thunder at Cross Insurance Arena as Owen Gallatin scored a power play goal 4:36 into overtime for their 10th straight win + the team announced signing defenseman Tynan Ewart from Northern Michigan University.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
On Sunday, Mar. 8, Scarborough firefighters responded to an alarm at a multi-tenant building where a fire damaged a room in a cannabis facility and sprinklers contained the blaze.
Occupants safely evacuated, and support came from nearby departments + including crews from Old Orchard Beach, Biddeford, Saco and Portland.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Sunday, March 8, a fire at Hub Furniture Company caused Central Maine Power to cut power for over 3,600 east end residents in Portland as firefighters used CO2 extinguishers to subdue the blaze + power was restored later while the business remains unpowered.
Portland Press HeraldRead 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.