Daily
Portland
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
- ➤ 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). FOX23
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. WGME
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
- ➤ 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). WGME
- ➤ 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 Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
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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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