Daily editionFriday, March 14th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 14th of March.
Education
Dr. Nirav Shah, who led Maine’s pandemic response at the CDC, will return this fall as a visiting professor at Colby College.
He will teach public health courses—helping build a new undergraduate program—after stepping down from his U.S. CDC role at the end of February.
WMTWRead more
Government
Starting in April, Maine food pantries will lose 250,000 pounds of food each month when the USDA cuts its Emergency Food Assistance Program by half and cancels the Local Food Purchase Assistance program—actions that remove essential supplies and funding from many pantries.
The Good Shepherd Food Bank, which supports 623 partner agencies, said state lawmakers are reviewing a hunger prevention bill as families face rising costs and increased food insecurity.
WMTWRead more
A federal judge denied Maine AG Aaron Frey's request to temporarily reinstate the 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases, saying the rule forces all buyers to wait even if they pass a background check—this means the law remains on hold as the case moves to appeals.
FOX23Read more
Health
Tick experts warn Mainers to prepare for more ticks this spring because last winter was not cold enough to lower their numbers.
Griffin Dill from the University of Maine said ticks thrive in warm, wet conditions and urged residents to check for ticks and use protective clothing when outdoors — a key step in preventing bites.
FOX23Read more
Real Estate
Five years after the pandemic, local work habits still favor remote and hybrid formats, which has led to a modest rise in office vacancy rates from 7% to 8.15% in suburban areas while downtown fared better (lowest vacancy rate since 2018).
Some building owners are now planning to repurpose empty spaces into housing or hotels as part of this shift in work trends.
WMTWRead more
Sports
At 18, Newport native Cooper Flagg is making his impact at Duke after winning a state title at Nokomis and shining at Montverde Academy where his team won a national championship.
He also helped win gold with USA U17, earned a top player award, and signed with New Balance (earning praise from future Hall of Famers).
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
Moments Of Concert at Portland House Of Music and Events
Saturday, March 15th, 2025 · Experience a thrilling live concert by the emerging rock band Moments Of in Portland, Maine.
Concert by Hazlett
Sunday, March 16th, 2025 · Hazlett will perform live at Portland House Of Music and Events (HOME) in Portland.
Sunrise on the Reaping Release Party at Barnes & Noble
Monday, March 17th, 2025 · The event is a celebration for the release of the fifth book in the Hunger Games series, featuring giveaways and a special edition available for pre-paid reservations.
Community Bingo Event
Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 · Join the community at the Portland Elks Lodge for a public Bingo event with games, food, and accessible facilities.
Cozy Wine Down Wednesdays at C2 - Congress Squared
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 · Experience a relaxing midweek getaway with half-off select wine bottles and $5 house wines in a warm atmosphere at C2 - Congress Squared.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists Live Concert
Thursday, March 20th, 2025 · Indie-punk artist Ted Leo and the Pharmacists celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album 'Shake The Sheets' by performing it in full at SPACE Gallery.
Live Music: Covered in Bees, Pigboat, and Cadaverette
Friday, March 21st, 2025 · An evening featuring the unique sounds of Covered in Bees, Pigboat, and Cadaverette, showcasing their eclectic blend of rock genres.
Dooryarders Concert
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 · Dooryarders will be performing live at Hi-Fidelity in Portland.
Book Signing with Jenn Bouchard
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 · Jenn Bouchard will be signing copies of her romance novel 'Considering Us' at Barnes & Noble in South Portland.
Portland Maine Career Fair at Immigrant Welcome Center
Monday, March 24th, 2025 · This career fair offers job seekers the opportunity to connect with top employers across various sectors, including Government, Sales, Education, and more.