Daily
Portland
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Foundation Brewing Company is celebrating 12 years in business and invites the community to join its anniversary event this Saturday in Portland. The celebration offers a chance for friends and family to enjoy local food and community spirit. WGME
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Owner Cleo Brengman of Ladyfine Collective explained in an interview with ARC Maine how local demand for permanent jewelry grew as spring and summer approached, with the Portland business offering handmade pieces built to last. WGME
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grammy-winning singer Brandi Carlile will perform her Human Tour at Cross Insurance Arena on Aug. 13, marking her first Maine show since 2023; tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday with doors opening at 9 a.m. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers approved an amended school funding formula on Thursday that may reshape how state funds support schools; the bill—sponsored by Rep. Kelly Murphy—adds a 10% poverty rate adjustment and a three-year hold harmless clause to help districts transition. It will be the first update to the formula in over 20 years. Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Janet Mills announced on Thursday, Mar. 19 (yesterday) that Maine’s Home for Good program awarded $12M to fund 92 affordable apartments in Portland, South Portland, and Bangor; the award will generate an extra $24M through tax credits and bonds while DHHS will provide on-site 24-hour supportive services. WGME
- ➤ Lawmakers have proposed an extra $15 million for the Child Care Affordability Program to help working families; the bill passed the House by 72 to 68 and is now on the appropriations table. Advocates say the measure will ease long waitlists and high costs (especially for low-income families). Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Portland will close its asylum shelter on Riverside Industrial Parkway later this spring because the last occupant leaves today; the closure will save $1.5 million and cause 35 layoffs after a drop from 160 residents last year. Future shelter plans will be discussed (pending reviews). WMTW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Maine CDC advised clinicians Wednesday to extend RSV vaccinations from March 30 to April 30 as hospitalizations climb amid a prolonged RSV season. Local pediatricians expect the extra month to give at-risk infants longer-lasting protection. Portland Press Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Soccer stars Sam Coffey, Michelle Akers, and Sara Whalen Hess will join a town hall hosted by Portland Hearts of Pine to discuss plans for a pre-professional team for 2027. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Mar. 24 at 3 p.m. & registration is available on the club website. Portland Press Herald
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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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Randy's Cheeseburger Picnic Comedy Show
7-11 p.m. — Oxbow Brewing Company — Tickets starting at $30 — Enjoy a night of laughs with Randy from Trailer Park Boys, featuring comedy, songs, and prizes.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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