Daily editionTuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
Community
On Sunday, a kitty named Beatrix became the 1,000th cat adopted at Westbrook's Meow Lounge (a nonprofit shelter partnering with state rescues), marking a milestone achieved in just two and a half years.
FOX23Read more
South Portland firefighters will host their 9th annual Checking for Charities fundraiser on March 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Troubh Ice Arena — featuring hockey and family fun to benefit STRIVE for tweens, teens and young adults with intellectual disabilities — where community members can support a local cause.
WGMERead more
Business
The Cheese Iron in Scarborough will close on May 16 after operating for 20 years as co-owners Vince Maniaci and Jill Dutton announced its end on social media (they thanked customers and staff for years of support).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Local events this weekend include Portland Ballet’s New Works show in Westbrook Friday, Norm Foster’s comedy Whit’s End in Lewiston through March 29, Benjamin Spalding’s Go Bang! exhibit in Rockland, the World Oddities Expo at Brick South in Portland, and Antonio Rocha’s maritime performance at Maine Maritime Museum.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine Maple Sunday Weekend is coming soon as dozens of sugar houses prepare to showcase maple syrup making — a tradition celebrated with historical photos from the 1950s to the '90s.
Local communities will enjoy a display of heritage and craftsmanship connecting past and present.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Scarborough Land Trust will accept final photo contest entries on Monday for its Marsh Madness event, inviting local photographers to capture Maine's trails, marshes and wildlife.
Later this week, community members will help choose the winning shots.
WGMERead more
Classical Uprising is hosting Mudfest through March 29, featuring sing-alongs, musical chairs, and a dance party bonfire at venues in Portland, Brunswick, and Freeport (tickets available online).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Gorham native Eric Saindon won his second Oscar Sunday night for his visual effects work on Avatar: Fire and Ash.
He won an Oscar in 2023 for The Way of the Water + his award marks a milestone in his film career.
FOX23Read more
Education
Portland History Docent Training Program offers an 11-week course for local volunteers to guide tours at 11 historic sites — the program charges $50 and features lectures and field trips that help participants share the city's rich heritage.
The course starts in February and draws many retirees and history enthusiasts.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
A survey of 1,112 residents shows satisfaction with services (public safety, trash pickup) but growing worry over housing costs, taxes, and traffic, and the city council will discuss the findings on Monday, March 23 to shape future policies.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine Lottery replaced its Lottery for Life game with Millionaire for Life, and two winning tickets earned $7,500 from sales at Monmouth General Store in Monmouth + Shaw’s Northgate in Portland.
Tickets cost $5 and winners may choose between annual payments or a one-time payout.
WMTWRead more
On Sunday, Maine Irish Heritage Center held its largest open house with about 750 to celebrate Irish culture, but a January ruling removed its tax exemption & may cost it $50,000 in the next fiscal year.
Other nonprofits face similar challenges as officials apply a new reading of state law.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Tuesday Bingo Night: Women’s Edition
Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Ugly Duckling Maine — Free entry — Enjoy traditional bingo with a women in music vibe hosted by Maggie Unzen.
An Evening With Geordie Greep
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 · 8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — $50/ea — Experience an evening with Geordie Greep in Portland's vibrant State Theatre.