Daily editionThursday, March 26th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of March.
Community
More than 100 students and volunteers packed 50,000 meal kits inside the Maine Masonic Temple on Wednesday (Mar. 25) as part of the Meals for Maine initiative to fight food insecurity.
The University of New England and the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation led the community effort.
FOX23Read more
The Maine Marathon will be held on Oct. 4 with its Portland course near Back Cove as four nonprofits (Camp No Limits, Day One, Nanna's House and Pine Tree Society) share $65,700 from race proceeds.
More runners boost funds as nearly $9 million has been raised since 1997.
WMTWRead more
On Wednesday, more than 100 students and community volunteers packed 50,000 meal kits at the Maine Masonic Temple in Portland as part of a Meals for Maine partnership with the University of New England and the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation to address food insecurity.
WGMERead more
Business
Aldi opens its first Maine store today at Pine Tree Shopping Center on Brighton Ave, with a ribbon-cutting at 8:45 a.m., a coffee station (7 to 11 a.m.) and giveaways for the first 200 customers; the store will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
WGMERead more
Culture
Documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney, now based in New Harbor, is making a film about Elon Musk's rise as a political advisor & influential business figure.
Known for his work on corruption and pop culture, he plans to release the Musk film later this year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
The school board voted Tuesday to study options for reorganizing three middle schools after enrollment and facility use dropped; the superintendent must present recommendations by October, leaving open both consolidation and grade reorganization as paths forward.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
The Green Home + Energy Show will take place Saturday, Mar. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Point Community Center in South Portland.
Attendees will test drive EVs, join workshops, and explore a Maine makers market.
FOX23Read more
Health
Dog owners are urged to protect their pets as the Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic in Warren reported Tuesday a rise in canine parvovirus (CPV) cases in the Midcoast and Augusta areas, with staff noting possible contamination at Quarry Hill Dog Park in Portland.
WMTWRead more
MaineHealth is guiding a national effort to deliver street medicine for homeless individuals with HIV.
Six leaders, including Dr. Alex S. Keuroghlian (the principal investigator), will serve on an advisory council to shape care strategies through July 2029.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Curtain Call Discussion – OUR TOWN
Sunday, April 12th, 2026 · 4:30 PM — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage in a thoughtful conversation about the production with its performers and dive into insights on rehearsal and character development.
Bess Jacques & The Strays Concert
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Tickets available — Experience an eclectic mix of jazz, Americana, and faux-tango-pop with Bess Jacques & The Strays.