Good morning, Portland.

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.

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.

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.).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wine Down Wednesdays at C2-Congress Squared

C2-Congress Squared offers midweek relaxation with half-off select wine bottles and $5 house wines in a cozy atmosphere.

Portland, Maine Madness Amazing Race & Tour

11:24 a.m. — Bard Coffee — Ticketed event — Experience a fun-filled adventure in the heart of Portland with this amazing race and tour.

Love Unfolded Fine Art Show

10 AM – 5 PM | Merrill Memorial Library | Free entry | Explore stunning local artworks paired with unique floral arrangements at this community art show.

World Oddities Expo

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Thompson's Point | Ticket prices vary | Experience a unique showcase of the bizarre and unusual at this entertaining expo.

On-Site Tour at The Cedars

9 AM - 7 PM | The Cedars | Free entry | Explore one of the top-rated senior living communities recognized for exceptional care and engaging activities.

Ask A Librarian: Drop-in Question Sessions

1-3 p.m. — Freeport Community Library — Free entry — Get assistance with technology, research topics, and community resources from knowledgeable librarians.

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE

1:00 – 3:30 PM — Merrill Auditorium — $35 – $55 — Experience an interactive musical adventure with Red and friends as they embark on a quest for the legendary Song Stone.

Stereo Dreams

7:30-11 p.m. — The Apohadion Theater — $5-$15 — Experience live performances by Think Fish Tank, Soulstice, and Byron G.

Explore: Board Games In-Person

10:15-10:30 a.m. — Freeport Community Library — Free entry — Engage in a fun-filled session of board games in an after-school program designed for community enjoyment.

Yoga for Good

8-9 a.m. — Toad&Co. — $15 donation — Practice yoga for a good cause while supporting a local non-profit.