Daily editionFriday, March 27th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of March.
Community
An emergency doctor said that Portland’s 60-bed warming shelter (costing $7,700 a night) remains closed until forecasts hit 15°F or call for a major snowstorm, leaving vulnerable residents without consistent shelter.
A public-private partnership may cover the funding gap to ease pressure on hospitals during cold snaps.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Meow Lounge in Westbrook celebrated its 1,000th cat adoption after opening two and a half years ago.
The venue helps local cat lovers find forever homes (using its relaxed and welcoming space).
WGMERead more
Westbrook’s Meow Lounge celebrated its 1,000th cat adoption after opening two and a half years ago, providing a cozy spot where residents connect with adoptable cats and find new furry family members.
FOX23Read more
Business
8 Investigates compared prices for eggs, apples, rice, broccoli and chicken at Trader Joe's, Market Basket and Aldi, with Aldi (which opened its first Maine store Thursday) pricing the basket at $16.09.
The Westbrook report shows savings with bulk purchases.
WMTWRead more
Economy
The Maine Department of Energy Resources reported that heating oil prices now average $5.40 per gallon statewide on Monday (the highest rate since November 2022) amid global supply shifts.
Programs like HEAP and the Energy Crisis Intervention remain available to help impacted households.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Becky from York asked what straight line winds are in this week's Climate Chronicles — experts explain that evaporative cooling forces heavy air downward to create strong, uniform winds that push debris in one direction.
WGMERead more
Government
The Mi’kmaq Nation in Presque Isle will pay dividends to its 1,700 members in December using profits from online sports betting, with each adult receiving $300 to $500 and minors getting trust funds—supporting community finances amid rising energy costs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Southern Maine Agency on Aging expanded its adult day program to Cumberland County to help older adults with memory loss stay active and connected at home.
The Portland site (opened in October on Congress Street) supports socializing and health while easing caregiver stress.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Camden Hills senior Nolan Ames was named Varsity Maine Boys Basketball Player of the Year after leading his team to a North championship and the state final.
He and former teammate Will Duke will host a summer youth clinic as Ames prepares to join Colby College.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Brandy Clark Concert
Thursday, April 16th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets from $43 — Catch Brandy Clark live in concert at the beautiful State Theatre in Portland.