Daily editionThursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
Business
Sawyer's Butcher & Delicatessen is set to open this summer in Old Port at 10 Cotton St, offering locally sourced Maine meats and a full-service deli counter with sandwich options.
The venue will operate Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Local experts and readers shared their favorite Portland spots for quality pastries and coffee.
The piece names places like Bard Coffee, Bread and Friends, and Tandem Coffee and Bakery, highlighting creative treats and warm local charm for anyone seeking a tasty bite or beverage in town.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
During Women’s History Month, Cape Elizabeth celebrates five local women — a lobbyist, postmaster, writer, bus driver, and nurse — whose achievements have shaped the community and local history.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Yarmouth artist Mitchell Rasor creates unique watercolors in the salt marsh near the Royal River using natural materials, and his film Salt Marsh, which captures his process, screens Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Portland Museum of Art+ an artist talk follows.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
MudFest launches today in Portland, Freeport and Brunswick and will run through March 29, offering 10 days of community events including MudBall, musical chairs + One Day Choir that break open the thaw with toe-tapping tunes and playful mischief.
FOX23Read more
Education
Fifty school districts have taken over preschool and pre-K special education from the state since the 2024–25 pilot, and more will transition in the fall and later school years.
Leaders say the shift has improved student readiness while schools work through staffing and transportation challenges + resource demands.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland will close its 179-bed asylum shelter (on Riverside Industrial Parkway) after usage fell from 157 residents to one, with the last occupant leaving March 20.
Decommissioning will begin soon, and 35 layoffs are expected as the contract expires on April 15.
FOX23Read more
Rep. Amy Kuhn has sponsored LD 335 — a bill to equip state funds to replace federal cuts — to protect Maine Family Planning, Planned Parenthood and related centers.
The bill will ensure that 30,000 Mainers continue receiving essential reproductive and preventive care.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
A recent survey shows that readers and experts favor Asian takeout spots in Greater Portland, with Congress Street emerging as a hub.
Top picks include longstanding Boda for Thai dishes and Empire Chinese Kitchen for traditional dim sum and modern stir-fries.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
State officials announced Wednesday that $12 million will support 92 affordable apartments in Portland, South Portland and Bangor under MaineHousing’s Home for Good program to address homelessness by offering supportive services.
The units will provide 24-hour services — including on-site social workers and rent capped at 30% of income.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Maine sports fans will enjoy March Madness today at local venues like Oddfellahs in Portland + betting kiosks are expected to add extra excitement to games.
The American Gaming Association reported wagers hit $602 million last year, with tax revenue rising to $7 million to help fund local projects.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Emo Philips Live
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 · 7 PM – 1 AM — Empire Comedy Club — Tickets required — Experience the brilliance of renowned joke-writer Emo Philips in a night of hilarity.