Daily
Portland
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. FOX23
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. FOX23
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
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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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Band Of Horses Concert
8-10 p.m. — State Theatre — $73/ea — Experience an unforgettable night with the soaring sounds of Band Of Horses in Portland.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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