Daily editionWednesday, April 1st, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of April.
Culture
The finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards were released Tuesday, with local restaurateur Dana Street competing for Outstanding Restaurateur and chef Thomas Takashi Cooke from Izakaya Minato vying for Best Chef in the Northeast.
Winners will be honored on June 15 at the Lyric Opera + Chicago.
WMTWRead more
Tammy Mullen of Nature Creations will lead the Driftwood Tree Workshop at Mast Landing (Westbrook) on April 20; locals can turn beach finds into art during this creative session.
WGMERead more
Calais-based artist Tanya Zivkovic led a course on Ukrainian egg painting at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village last weekend, where six people learned the traditional craft.
A second class will be held Saturday, April 4 & tickets cost $85 and $80 for Friends of the Shakers members.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Tuesday saw Maine gas prices hit a four-year high, with regular at $3.86, premium at $4.89, and diesel at $5.77 according to AAA data.
Prices have increased nearly $1 per gallon for regular and premium since February + global oil shifts have contributed to the rise.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
The South Portland School Board voted on Monday to close Kaler Elementary at the end of this school year and reconfigure remaining elementary schools by consolidating grades, moving hundreds of students and staff.
This restructuring will save $3.1 million this year and $16.4 million over five years.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ordered utility companies to lower transmission rates and refund customers from Oct. 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2012 and Oct. 16, 2014 to present.
The change could save ratepayers $140 million a year while refunds may top $1.5 billion — legal challenges may delay implementation.
FOX23Read more
Lifestyle
Portland’s Woof Play Eat is an all-weather space where dogs run off-leash and owners enjoy food and drinks + the venue offers a coffee bar, doggie daycare and pizzeria and will host future classes like first-aid and puppy yoga with memberships and day passes available.
WGMERead more
Sports
Maine native Amelia Moore won the NABF Lightweight Championship over the weekend after defeating Canada's Bonnie Hunter by unanimous decision at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Mass (with a 4-0 record); her win could lead to a world title bout in women's boxing.
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.