Daily editionSaturday, March 21st, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of March.
Community
After four months in federal detention following his family's asylum claim, teen Joel Andre — released with his mother and sister after a court decision — returned to Kennedy Park Pickup Soccer on Friday.
The community who raised legal funds welcomed him warmly as he rejoined his teammates.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Midcoast Humane is seeking a home for Papa, an 80-pound senior who needs a cozy bed and a yard for leisurely walks.
Locals can visit the shelter for quiet companionship + a gentle giant friend.
FOX23Read more
Business
On Friday, Mar. 20, a Barstool Sports podcast guest praised Eventide — known for its creative seafood — as the best restaurant, giving the local oyster bar a viral boost in Portland.
FOX23Read more
Culture
207 Tappers in Biddeford welcomes visitors today during the 43rd Maine Maple Sunday Weekend when local sugar shacks offer maple treats and bottles of syrup (a nod to local tradition).
WGMERead more
The Maine Film Office announced the Film in Maine Reimbursement Program — offering grants up to $700,000 to attract film and TV productions.
Projects must spend at least $1 million filming in Maine to qualify.
WGMERead more
Education
Portland Public Schools may close Cliff Island School to save $63,000 next year by shifting its two students (6-year-old Roxanne and 5-year-old Poppy) to other island options.
Local residents worry losing the school will harm the community, and the board will review the proposal Monday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Elementary students in Brunswick chatted with astronauts aboard the International Space Station on Friday at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School (including Maine native Jessica Meir) during a video call coordinated with the Challenger Learning Center of Maine.
WMTWRead more
Government
A Maine lobsterman filed a petition in the Supreme Court to reverse a 2023 rule that requires 24/7 GPS tracking for licensed lobster boats; he says it invades his Fourth Amendment rights and jeopardizes family traditions and trade secrets on Vinalhaven (the regulation also monitors lobster populations).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Maine health officials announced that RSV antibodies will be available until the end of April as cases persist longer than usual.
Parents are advised to consult pediatricians for infant protection (since no vaccine exists for young children).
WGMERead more
Sweetser plans to renovate an 8,000 sqft Saco facility into Maine's first youth psychiatric residential treatment facility if Gov. Mills' supplemental budget passes; the project (with $2.5M raised by Sweetser and $2M from the state) still needs $3.4M to provide 16-bed 24/7 care for at-risk youth.
WMTWRead more
Lifestyle
Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland gained a viral boost after Francis Ellis mentioned it on the Barstool Sports podcast on Friday, March 20, boosting its reputation as a creative seafood spot with a fresh twist on classic dishes.
WGMERead more
Sports
Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation will host its 38th annual Ski-A-Thon tomorrow at Sunday River from 8am to 6pm.
Organizers are aiming to raise $350,000 for adaptive outdoor programs that help participants like Daisy Rausch return to sports (despite high equipment costs).
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Randy's Cheeseburger Picnic Comedy Show
Friday, April 10th, 2026 · 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.
Keller Williams Concert
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 · 7-11 p.m. — State Theatre — General Admission from $55 — Enjoy a night of vibrant music featuring Keller Williams in Portland's lively atmosphere.