Daily editionMonday, March 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 23rd of March.
Education
Local parents who rely on the Child Care Affordability Program say it is vital for keeping families afloat by providing safe, licensed care while they work.
Applications face delays due to a waitlist that began Nov. 30, 2024 (underscoring ongoing challenges in accessing child care).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Snow is falling today as a Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Warning mean inland areas will see 3-6 inches of snow and coastal regions 1-3 inches plus mountain areas could receive 6-12 inches with slick roads and mixed rain and sleet into Monday.
WMTWRead more
Government
State leaders are urged to boost funding for Land for Maine’s Future, a program that has conserved over 600,000 acres and supports outdoor recreation and local economies.
Proposals in the Legislature await more public backing after the 2021 funds were fully used for pending projects.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
Maine welcomes spring as seasonal ice cream stands, museums and seafood restaurants open across the state; the Portland Museum of Art hosts Art in Bloom (running Wednesday to Sunday) and Mount Agamenticus park will open April 15, offering residents scenic views and outdoor recreation.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
Home sellers in Maine are using staging to help homes stand out in a tight market, local experts said.
Teams in South Portland and Westbrook say attractive staging can boost sale prices + reduce time on market as the busy season begins.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Tennessee advanced to its fourth straight Sweet 16 (79-72 win over Virginia in Philadelphia on Sunday) and will face No. 2 seed Iowa State in Chicago on Friday.
Former South Portland High star JP Estrella scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds despite early foul trouble.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Celtics secured a G League playoff spot with a 121-91 win over the Cleveland Charge Sunday afternoon at the Portland Expo and will close the regular season against the Charge Tuesday night.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Luke Cavallin earned his third shutout of the season, making 31 saves, and the Maine Mariners beat the Reading Royals four nil in Portland on Sunday; they have won 15 of 17 games and need a magic number of seven to clinch the playoffs.
Portland Press HeraldRead 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.