Daily editionTuesday, March 25th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 25th of March.
Education
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings donated $50 million to Bowdoin College to create the Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity, the college said Monday— the largest gift in its history and one that will fund hiring 10 new faculty members.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Seventh-grader Esme Filippo from Bay School in Blue Hill won the Maine State Spelling Bee on Saturday after battling more than a dozen students in 22 rounds at Bowdoin College with the winning word 'domesticity'; she will represent Maine at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington - D.C.
FOX23Read more
Thornton Academy went into lockdown Monday morning after officials received a threatening phone call (9:00 a.m.) and police confirmed the school was safe by ending the lockdown (9:16 a.m.).
WGMERead more
Health
MaineGeneral Medical Center announced it will lay off about 100 employees next month due to delays in MaineCare payments after reimbursement cuts began on March 12th—costing the hospital $600,000 a week—further straining its finances.
WGMERead more
Sports
After an 18-point win over the Delaware Blue Coats on Fan Appreciation Day at the Portland Expo, the Maine Celtics clinched a postseason spot for the third straight season—Miles Norris scored 20 points and Phillip Wheeler added 20 as the team now leads the Eastern Conference with a 21 and 12 record and will finish their regular season against the Westchester Knicks on Wednesday, March 26.
WMTWRead more
Maine high school track stars achieved record times and many wins at state and New England meets—Andre Clark tied a record in the 55-meter dash, Samuel Gerrie and Josia Katroli won titles in their events, and Greely’s Rangers defended their state crown under coach David Dowling—showing a strong season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
South Portland's senior Arnaud Sioho was named Varsity Maine Boys Indoor Track Athlete of the Year after he overcame a Jan. 4 hamstring injury and broke records in the long and triple jumps—his comeback led him to win multiple events in indoor track.
He will join the University of Rhode Island next year and plans to set more records in his final outdoor season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
The Spongebob Musical
Friday, April 4th, 2025 · 7:30-11:30 p.m. — Lyric Music Theater — Ticket prices vary — Dive into the underwater adventures of Spongebob and friends in this delightful musical experience.