Daily
Portland
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Powerhouse vocalist Chelsea Berry will perform at Concert for a Cause at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 11, to raise funds for Oasis Free Clinics and the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for students and children). Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The nonprofit Women Standing Together will host a Leadership Intensive conference (at the University of Southern Maine, Abromson Community Center) on April 21 for women aiming to enhance leadership skills and expand business networks. WGME
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Retired photojournalist Kevyn Fowler captured video of a rare piebald deer in southern Maine; experts say the genetic trait (affecting less than 1% of deer) is distinct from albinism. Fowler also spotted a similar deer in Eastport last fall. WMTW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Maine lawmakers plan a $50 million bond — aimed at funding low-interest loans for logging and trucking businesses like Maine Custom Woodlands — to help them buy safe equipment and protect rural jobs. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ City officials remind downtown property owners to register for a new program aimed at reducing storefront vacancies (registration is due by April 1, with a starting fine of $500 if not waived) and supporting business revitalization; fee collection will begin May 1. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ MaineHousing released its 2025 annual report on Wednesday showing a record number of first-time homebuyer loans, 21 completed affordable housing projects, and $7.7 million in grants to prevent homelessness in Portland (with a new three-year strategic plan aiming to boost affordable housing). Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Portland officials launched an anonymous online survey to collect residents’ feedback on plans for the 3.5-acre site along Somerset Street between Trader Joe’s and Noyes Self Storage. Public meetings are scheduled for April 15 and April 29; residents’ comments will guide future marketing + development proposals. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Casco Bay Lines is considering raising peak-season round-trip fares from $14 to $17 in June to help reduce its operating deficit, with the board reviewing the proposal at a public workshop on April 8. Portland Press Herald
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland has featured Stryker, a 9-year-old mixed breed dog looking for a home that offers constant companionship; the Westbrook shelter on 217 Landing Road welcomes prospective adopters between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. except Wednesdays (call first to book a meeting). WMTW
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ An analysis finds that Portland’s restaurant workers struggle to secure affordable apartments near key dining areas. The study shows that workers earning near minimum wage have only a few units within a radius of three miles from food hubs, and farther options require increased budgets (which may mean longer commutes). Portland Press Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marshwood’s Henri Rivard secured 15 wins from 16 races this winter, capturing state titles and a New England mile crown and earning Varsity Maine Boys Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. He will defend his 800-meter title this spring and compete at the University of Rhode Island starting in fall. Portland Press Herald
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An Evening With Geordie Greep
8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — $50/ea — Experience an evening with Geordie Greep in Portland's vibrant State Theatre.
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Band Of Horses Concert
8-10 p.m. — State Theatre — $73/ea — Experience an unforgettable night with the soaring sounds of Band Of Horses in Portland.
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Randy's Cheeseburger Picnic Comedy Show
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.
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Keller Williams Concert
7-11 p.m. — State Theatre — General Admission from $55 — Enjoy a night of vibrant music featuring Keller Williams in Portland's lively atmosphere.
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Curtain Call Discussion – OUR TOWN
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.
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Bess Jacques & The Strays Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Admission details not provided — Enjoy an eclectic mix of jazz, Americana, and faux-tango-pop tunes performed live.
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Brandy Clark Concert
8-11 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets from $43 — Catch Brandy Clark live in concert at the beautiful State Theatre in Portland.
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Film Screening of 'Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong'
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.
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Portland Earth Day Celebration
11 AM – 2 PM — Deering Oaks Park — Free entry — Celebrate nature and sustainability with local music, activities, and food options.
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John Butler Concert
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.
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