Daily editionTuesday, March 10th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 10th of March.
Community
Dry Dock in Portland is featuring a three-course special for Maine Restaurant Week.
Diners can enjoy the offer today as part of the ongoing culinary event.
WGMERead more
Culture
A new music venue, Live at Madrid’s, will open Friday on Fore Street near the eastern waterfront with a capacity of about 800 — it will feature its first show by local band Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The second annual Shalom & Shamrocks dinner united Irish and Jewish communities at the Maine Irish Heritage Center on Sunday; guests danced to live klezmer music and enjoyed a buffet (including Irish soda bread, corned beef, and creative desserts) celebrating both traditions.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Music Teachers Association is hosting the Piano Monster Festival—a single-stage event with nearly 100 pianists at Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham on Saturday, March 14.
The day includes an all-day rehearsal and a 5 p.m. concert with three conductors, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the national organization.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Local restaurants & bars in southern and central Maine host weekly karaoke nights with events starting from 6 p.m. at Blackstones in Portland and various times at venues in Westbrook, Biddeford and Yarmouth.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Portland's superintendent of schools will present his nearly $180 million budget proposal Tuesday night with an $8 million increase.
If approved by the council and voters, the plan will raise school taxes by 7.3% (adding about $261 to a median-priced home) and go to a June 9 vote.
FOX23Read more
Environment
University of Maine researchers use satellite data on the Damariscotta River to help oyster farmers select the best sites for aquaculture.
Their computer model study uses water temperature and chlorophyll data (sensor readings) to predict when oysters will be ready for market.
WMTWRead more
Government
City Council will vote on April 13 on a $500,000 supplemental funding request to complete Congress Square Park's $3.3 million overhaul; divided councilors argue that further delays risk private donations and may lead to higher future costs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Child advocates say proposed rule changes by DHHS may reduce Medicaid services for kids with disabilities, while the department says the updates will fix outdated references (comments close Friday).
A decision on the changes is expected by the end of April.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sweetser helps Maine mental health practitioners overcome hurdles in launching private practices by offering an affiliate network with client referrals, billing, and credentialing services + clinical consultation.
Jan Dubois said the program lets therapists focus on patient care while Sweetser handles the administrative work.
WMTWRead more
With spring's longer days and warmer weather, Portland residents are encouraged to start moving — even a 10-minute walk boosts heart health and improves brain function, according to Dr. Benjamin Huffard of Northern Light Health.
WMTWRead more
Real Estate
The Maine Association of Realtors reported Maine home prices increased 3.9% to $405,000 in 2025.
National data shows the median age for first-time homebuyers reached 40 (excluding some state programs), while a 2023 housing program in Maine averaged 34.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Massabesic High junior Evan Boulard won the 132-pound co-ed championship at the New England high school wrestling tournament held on Sunday in Providence (RI).
The Mustangs girls claimed the team title, marking the first male co-ed win by a Maine wrestler since 2018.
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.