Daily
Portland
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGME
- ➤ 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. FOX23
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. FOX23
- ➤ 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. WGME
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. WMTW
- ➤ 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 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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