Good morning, Portland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Irish Heritage Night at the Maine Mariners

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.

Curtain Call Discussion on LIKE FLIES, A RAGE PLAY

4:15 p.m. — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion about the production with performers and delve into character development and themes raised by the play.

Scuffed Realtor: Live with Nick Rochefort and Alex Schultz

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

8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $30 — Experience a lively blend of original and traditional Scottish and Cape Breton music.

The Pretty Great Spelling Bee 2026

7-10 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Free entry — Experience a whimsical battle of words with costumed competitors and local celebrity judges.

Song Circle

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

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

8 p.m. — Lyric Music Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Anya and the mystery of her royal past.

Oxbow Live: Adults Rock!

7-8 p.m. — Oxbow Live — $15 Adults/$10 Kids — Enjoy a lively evening of music at one of Portland's favorite local spots.

Brian Plumb Live at Empire Comedy Club

6 PM - 12 AM — Empire Comedy Club — $13.38-$24.18 — Experience the hilarious storytelling of Brian Plumb, a favorite among comedy fans nationwide.