Daily editionTuesday, March 31st, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 31st of March.
Culture
Aldi opened its new store at 1100 Brighton Ave today, reviving memories of local grocers whose historical photos from the 1930s and '40s show how independent markets once kept households stocked.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
This week, seven cultural events feature local performances in Portland, Falmouth, Gardiner, Lewiston, and Sanford.
Highlights include Aly and AJ’s indie rock show at State Theatre Thursday at 8 p.m. and David Sedaris’ book reading in Portland on April 8.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Residents can celebrate spring with events like the Sea Dogs' baseball start at Hadlock Field beginning April 7 + Reggae Fest, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens opening May 1, and SEAFEST on May 2, with more family-friendly festivals offering food, crafts and culture across Maine.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Maine Maritime Academy received its new "State of Maine" national security multi-mission vessel at Portland port Monday night during the transfer ceremony from the U.S. Maritime Administration.
The $330 million ship will train about 500 cadets next month and support federal humanitarian relief efforts.
WGMERead more
Government
Greater Portland Metro will launch Route 25 and Metro Connect services this summer.
The fixed bus travels from downtown Portland to Scarborough with stops at the VA Outpatient Clinic, MaineHealth campus, Scarborough Downs and Exit 42 Park + Ride while microtransit will offer on-demand rides.
WMTWRead more
Mainers can sign up for the new paid family and medical leave program that offers up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement for major life events.
Although applications opened on Monday, benefits will not start until May 1.
FOX23Read more
Work began Monday on a pavement and sidewalk project to improve ADA compliance and roadway structure between the intersections of Woodford St. with Brighton Ave. and Deering Ave. with Park Ave — drivers should expect one-way alternating traffic until its completion in July.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Jake Skillings recorded 21 goals and 27 assists to help Thornton Academy secure its second straight Class A state title; his performance earned him Varsity Maine Boys Hockey Player of the Year (he finished his career with 47 goals and 59 assists in 80 games).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Today the Maine Celtics enter the G League playoffs and will face the Greensboro Swarm at 6:30 p.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina.
They earned the No. 7 seed after winning their final three games (18-8) this season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Portland Sea Dogs will hold their home opener on Tuesday, April 7 at Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field with a new menu.
Fans will enjoy fried dough, a BBQ cheeseburger, and a buffalo chicken sub; season ticket members get a warming area with free coffee (and hot chocolate).
WMTWRead more
Hockey playoffs are heating up in Maine as the Mariners clinched a Kelly Cup spot after a weekend sweep and the Maineiacs won Game 1 at the Colisee (their next games are set for Wednesday and Thursday in Woodstock).
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Badfish Concert
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — State Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the sounds of Badfish, a tribute to Sublime, at one of Portland's top venues.
John Butler Concert
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 · 8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Last-minute ticket availability — Enjoy a lively performance from renowned artist John Butler at the iconic State Theatre.