Daily editionSaturday, March 28th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of March.
Community
Joel Andre, a Deering High soccer player, returned to Portland last week after federal officers detained him and his family for an illegal 2022 entry—his asylum case remains pending for his sister while local friends rallied support and he resumed playing at Kennedy Park.
WMTWRead more
Big Night invites local volunteers to help frogs, salamanders and newts cross roads safely when spring weather encourages their migration, with events planned in mid-April at sites like Cumberland and Chebeague (training and gear are provided by local groups).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland featured Ziva in the latest Fur-Ever Friends edition, seeking a forever home.
The shelter invites local residents to learn more about adopting her.
FOX23Read more
Maine’s longest-running charity basketball tournament, Swish-Out Childhood Cancer, will return next month for a 3-on-3 event to raise funds for children battling cancer at a local venue, sponsored by Town and Country Federal Credit Union.
WGMERead more
Business
Central Maine Power warns customers not to share personal or financial information as scammers use phone calls (or emails and door-to-door visits) to create urgency.
The company advises calling its customer service line or asking for an official badge if unsure.
WGMERead more
Education
Nina Comtois from Gray-New Gloucester was named scholar athlete of the week.
The senior softball player and high honors student plans to study sports management at UNE while pursuing creative outlets like drawing and music.
WMTWRead more
Environment
The Brunswick Hydroelectric Dam in Brunswick and Topsham is under a 5-year relicensing review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and local environmental advocates are urging changes to meet Clean Water Act standards and restore native fish passage on the Androscoggin River.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland has experienced an ongoing drought since last spring, with a nearly 4-inch rainfall deficit so far in the water year (which began Oct. 1) and forecasts predict dry conditions will persist through the end of June.
WGMERead more
Government
The Maine Legislature is considering bill LD 2125 to create a $1 million stabilization fund for children's residential care programs after Sweetser closed 16 of its 32 beds in Saco & Winterport and over 100 beds have closed statewide in recent years; lawmakers must fund it in the supplemental budget.
WMTWRead more
State officials report that the number of children in custody has fallen to 1,801 this week—below 2,000 for the first time since 2019—as they boost family support, kinship placements, and efforts to reduce caseworker vacancies to prevent abuse and neglect.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Falmouth native Chris Poole plans a last-minute America’s Cup bid and needs a $6 million loan to cover the entry fee by Tuesday.
He has verbal sponsor support of $15 million and is in negotiations to purchase an older AC75 to meet current regatta standards in Naples, Italy in 2027.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Celtics clinched a playoff berth with a win Tuesday and now prepare for postseason play beginning Tuesday or Wednesday — if Long Island loses its final game, the team may move from the eighth seed to seventh and will face one of five teams based on weekend results.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Film Screening of 'Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong'
Friday, April 17th, 2026 · 7-9:30 p.m. — South Portland High School — Free entry — Discover the challenges of maintaining aging wastewater systems in this captivating documentary with a Q&A featuring industry professionals.