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Daily editionWednesday, March 18th, 2026

Good morning, Portland.

The Daily Portland Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.

Community

  1. Mainers braved the icy Atlantic at East End Beach during the annual Paddy’s Day Plunge Tuesday, Mar. 17, by taking a chilly dip at 5:30 a.m. to raise funds for the firefighters' children's burn foundation (Maine Medical Center noted the support).

    FOX23Read more

  2. 83-year-old crossing guard Thomas Schmaling, known for his early morning starts + friendly chats with local students, was honored by the South Portland School Board as he retired this month.

    He began his work in 2010 to save for a special cruise and became a beloved part of the community.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

  3. A survey of 1,100 residents released Monday shows many feel Portland is too expensive—75 percent report high living costs and 40 percent cite traffic issues, while a full review of the results will take place at a council workshop on Mar. 23.

    FOX23Read more

  4. A survey shows 75% of residents are dissatisfied with living costs & 40% are unhappy with traffic.

    The study, which collected 1,100 responses last year, will be discussed at a council workshop on March 23.

    WGMERead more

Culture

  1. Live at Madrid’s opened Friday, March 13 at 144 Fore St. in Portland, with Gina & The Red Eye Flight Crew energizing a packed house after Port City Music Hall’s final show six years ago.

    Co-owner Josh Schlesinger said the venue will offer free box office hours plus varied events.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

  2. Maine Chef Devin Finigan visited ARC Maine to share a recipe segment from her new cookbook A Kitchen on Goose Cove, which will be released May 19.

    The cookbook features dishes like littlenecks in smoky spicy tomato sauce with linguine.

    FOX23Read more

  3. Maine Chef Devin Finigan will release her cookbook A Kitchen on Goose Cove: Recipes from the Heart of Maine on May 19, featuring a recipe for littlenecks in smoky spicy tomato sauce with linguine.

    Finigan recently gave a cooking demo at ARC Maine (showing her hands-on style).

    WGMERead more

Education

  1. Portland, South Portland and Lewiston school districts are proposing budgets that cut 128 positions and raise taxes to cover rising healthcare and salary costs — voters will decide in June referendums.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Environment

  1. The first piping plover of the season was spotted on Higgins Beach in Scarborough, signaling spring, and officials warned visitors to be cautious as dog restrictions will affect Higgins and Ferry Beaches starting April 1 to protect the endangered bird.

    FOX23Read more

Health

  1. A bill before the Legislature may cut funds to Maine hospitals that keep care running in Portland and nearby areas, and health leaders say the cuts could worsen an already tight system + essential services are at risk.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Sports

  1. TD Beach to Beacon 10K named board president Laurie Mitchell and vice president Margaret Angell on Tuesday; the 28th race will take place on Aug. 1 in Cape Elizabeth and support Dirigo Reads.

    FOX23Read more

Portland Events

Submit an event

  1. 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.

    View event

  2. 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.

    View event

  3. 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.

    View event

  4. 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.

    View event

  5. 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.

    View event

  6. 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.

    View event

  7. 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'.

    View event

  8. 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.

    View event

  9. 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.

    View event

  10. 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.

    View event