Daily editionMonday, March 24th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 24th of March.
Education
Educators and lawmakers are addressing Maine’s teacher shortage with a multi-pronged approach that includes continued funding for the Maine Teacher Residency program — which secured $500,000 annually and helped over 100 new teachers — and proposed measures to raise pay and ease certification rules, while some bills remain under review. The efforts aim to support recruitment and retention as the state works to improve classroom conditions.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland High School now houses the Rosenthal Museum of Natural History, a fossil collection donated by alumnus Sam Rosenthal that features over 250 items such as a prehistoric shark tooth and a triceratops horn.
The museum is available exclusively for Portland students and will have a grand opening celebration on April 30—though it is not open to the public.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
State legislators are reviewing a proposal for an extra $5 million to raise emergency shelter bed subsidies from $7 to $18 per night+ shelter providers say the current funding of $2.5 million per year has not increased since 2016 and is insufficient to meet rising demand, which may risk service continuity.
WMTWRead more
Today, the Total Maine ‘In The Arena’ panel examined proposals from emergency shelters for an extra $5 million and debated cuts to USDA food aid as state lawmakers prepare a biennial budget — panelists also discussed whether basketball standout Cooper Flagg should remain at Duke for another season or join the NBA draft. Participants noted that shelter funding has not increased since 2016 and warned that delaying support could worsen Maine’s housing crisis.
WMTWRead more
Lifestyle
Spring is here and Portland along with nearby towns will host a range of outdoor events, including the Sea Dogs six-game home stand starting April 8 and an Art in Bloom exhibit at the Portland Museum.
A reggae festival, a pottery tour, and the Whoopie Pie Festival on June 14 in Dover-Foxcroft will offer local fun—bringing the season to life.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Drew Johnson, a senior Class A hockey player from Thornton Academy, led his team to a state championship and won the Travis Roy Award + he is recognized as one of Maine's top young hockey players.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
Bingo at Elks Lodge
Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM | Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 | Cards for sale | Enjoy a fun-filled bingo day with lunch options and plenty of prizes.
Wine Down Wednesdays at C2-Congress Squared
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 · C2-Congress Squared offers midweek relaxation with half-off select wine bottles and $5 house wines in a cozy atmosphere.
Reverie Road with Alice Howe & Freebo
Thursday, March 27th, 2025 · Reverie Road, a genre-defying Celtic ensemble featuring renowned musicians, will perform alongside Americana artist Alice Howe and folk icon Freebo, offering an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary music.
Live Concert: Glacier at Oxbow Blending & Bottling
Friday, March 28th, 2025 · Glacier will perform live at Oxbow Blending & Bottling, showcasing their music in a cozy Portland venue.
Seba Molnar Live Jazz Performance
Saturday, March 29th, 2025 · Award-winning saxophonist Seba Molnar will perform an evening of jazz at Blue Portland, featuring talented musicians and a pay-what-you-can admission.
From A Woman's Perspective - A Group Exhibition Of Visual Arts
Sunday, March 30th, 2025 · 11 AM – 3 PM | Richard Boyd Art Gallery | Free entry | Explore a diverse range of award-winning visual art created by talented women artists.
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt in Portland, Maine
Monday, March 31st, 2025 · 2 PM - 12 AM | Custom House Parking Garage | Price per team | Engage in a fun puzzle-solving adventure that showcases Portland's sights.
Portland Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 · 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Bard Coffee | Ticket required | Embark on a creative scavenger hunt filled with wacky challenges and local exploration.
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 · 2 PM – 12 AM — Custom House Parking Garage — Price per team — Experience a uniquely engaging scavenger hunt combining adventure and puzzles in Portland's scenic locations.
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt in Portland
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 · 2 PM – 12 AM — Custom House Parking Garage — Cost per team — Engage in a fun, self-guided scavenger hunt that combines solving puzzles with exploring Portland.