Daily
Portland
Monday, March 16th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Aldi plans to open its first Maine store on Thursday, Mar. 26 in Portland at the former Big Lots on Brighton Avenue. The 25,000 sqft store features a unique cart system that requires a quarter to unlock and offers store-brand savings. Portland Press Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Movie fans enjoyed the 33rd annual Swifty's Oscar Bash last night at Rivalries in Falmouth with red carpet photos, food, awards, and Oscar prediction contests. Host Tim Diehl led the event that honored Hollywood icon Swifty Lazar and kept the local tradition alive. WMTW
- ➤ On Sunday, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade filled the Old Port along Commercial Street, drawing hundreds from Portland and Augusta to celebrate Irish heritage with music and festive costumes. Local attendees, including first-timers from West Gardiner, even saw dogs in top hats—adding charm to the community event. WMTW
- ➤ Maine native Eric Saindon (of Weta FX) from Gorham won his second Oscar Sunday night for visual effects on Avatar: Fire and Ash in Hollywood. A film about Maine-born poet Andrea Gibson was also nominated but did not win. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Portland Anime-Fest drew hundreds of local anime fans at the Double Tree by Hilton on Saturday, Mar. 15. The event celebrated anime culture with a lively atmosphere. WGME
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Maine advocates such as former legislator Jeremy Fischer (chair of Educare Central Maine) urge candidates to prioritize quality early child care and education, stating that safe, affordable programs build the foundation for a skilled workforce and stronger economy. Portland Press Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents near petroleum tanks in South Portland are troubled after a Maine DEP report found toxic chemical levels at 60 and 175 ppb versus normal 4.5 ppb near CITGO and South Portland Terminal LLC tanks. The DEP will begin direct testing soon + additional details will be provided as they become available. WGAN
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Dallas Mavericks ended a seven-game losing streak by beating the Cavaliers 130-120 on Sunday afternoon in Cleveland. Newport native Cooper Flagg scored 27 points and added 10 assists to help snap a 33-point loss from two nights earlier. Portland Press Herald
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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.
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Scottish Fish Concert
8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $30 — Experience a lively blend of original and traditional Scottish and Cape Breton music.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tuesday Bingo Night: Women’s Edition
7-10 p.m. — Ugly Duckling Maine — Free entry — Enjoy traditional bingo with a women in music vibe hosted by Maggie Unzen.
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An Evening With Geordie Greep
8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — $50/ea — Experience an evening with Geordie Greep in Portland's vibrant State Theatre.
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