Daily editionWednesday, March 11th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 11th of March.
Business
Pastry chef Brant Dadaleares closed his longtime Old Port bakery on Sunday after shuttering his dessert bar last month.
The business had operated for seven years in a space originally built as a bank, and Dadaleares thanked local supporters via social media.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
UMaine plans to return remains of 26 Indigenous people and 532 burial objects to the Wabanaki Nations — tribal requests may prompt returns as early as April 1.
Items were excavated from sites statewide since the 1960s.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath will host a St. Patrick's Day celebration Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. with Boxty, Fife Irish Dancers, and poet Gary Lawson offering Irish folk music + dance.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Gas prices near Portland jumped over 50 cents in one week with stations nearing $3.50 per gallon, raising concerns about potential price gouging.
The governor has not declared an abnormal market disruption, so state protections remain inactive.
FOX23Read more
Gas prices around Portland jumped by more than 51 cents in one week to nearly $3.50 — raising concerns over whether price gouging rules will apply without a governor declaration.
The governor's office has not yet commented on the matter.
WGMERead more
Education
Superintendents and school leaders met Monday in Augusta to discuss proposed changes to the school funding formula that would reduce reliance on property taxes and adjust funding for special education, transportation, and disadvantaged students (adding per-student staff support); the proposal will be reviewed at an upcoming work session.
WMTWRead more
Maine schools from PATHS in Portland to Sweetser in Saco offer students a chance to learn maple syrup-making, from tapping trees to boiling sap (a hands-on lesson in biology and local tradition).
Activities include public tastings on Maine Maple Sunday Weekend (Mar. 21-22).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
MSAD 51 Superintendent Jeff Porter presented a $57.9-million budget for Cumberland-North Yarmouth schools—a 7.63% increase—on March 5.
The board will review the budget on March 19 and vote on April 15 before it goes to a June 9 referendum (tax effects may be lower after revaluations).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Governor Janet Mills tapped a tree at the Blaine House Tuesday, starting Maine’s 43rd maple sugaring season and marking the annual celebration of the state’s maple industry.
Sugarhouses will host open houses with tours and tastings during Maine Maple Sunday Weekend (March 21–22) to support more than 800 local jobs.
FOX23Read more
Tuesday night, a Health and Human Services committee met (7:30 p.m.) to discuss future plans for the Portland Warming Shelter after criticism during last month's blizzard; officials said the shelter will open when the National Weather Service issues a blizzard or ice storm warning to guide next season's operations.
FOX23Read more
Lifestyle
Portland’s Minibar continues to serve tasty specials during Maine Restaurant Week, featuring Chef Michael Leighton’s unique three-course menu—diners can try these dishes while the event is still underway.
WGMERead more
Sports
Maine Mariners beat Adirondack Thunder 2-1 in overtime this Tuesday morning at Cross Insurance Arena when Nick Anderson tipped a winning goal 95 seconds into OT + giving Maine its 11th straight win and sole possession of second place in the North Division.
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.