Daily editionSaturday, April 4th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of April.
Community
At a March 26 meeting, members of Harold T. Andrews Post 17 voted to donate their historic building to Barbara Bush Children's Hospital when upkeep becomes unmanageable, a decision based on legal advice + plans for a lasting legacy.
West End NewsRead more
Culture
Portland teacher and poet Dawn Potter (a seasoned educator) was announced as Maine’s seventh poet laureate by Gov. Janet Mills at the state house in Augusta on Friday.
Potter will start her five-year term on July 1 to promote poetry statewide.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Layne's Wine Gig will host a private tasting of Oregon wines including Elk Cove Pinot Blanc and Big Fire Pinot Gris on Wednesday, Apr. 22 at 6:00 p.m. at Blue 650 Congress St. to mark the special anniversary edition Mendo Blendo.
West End NewsRead more
Economy
Today, rising fuel prices have strained Maine's agriculture and maritime sectors as diesel nears $6 a gallon and gasoline hovers near $4 (affecting the costs of transporting logs, produce, and lobster traps).
Local businesses and farmers foresee further price increases as legislative aid and fuel tax relief remain in limbo.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Portland officials are asking residents to share ideas for a three-acre and four-lot vacant site in Bayside via an online survey and public meetings on April 15 and April 29.
Feedback will be reviewed by the Housing and Economic Development Committee on May 19.
WGMERead more
Maine’s top court ruled that the Texas based maker & owner of Tito’s Handmade Vodka must pay $749K in taxes for sales in Maine between 2011 and 2017 after keeping inventory in a local warehouse made it taxable.
The ruling, after appeals since 2018, ends the long tax dispute.
FOX23Read more
Maine’s highest court ruled that Fifth Generation, the maker of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, must pay $749,000 in taxes from 2011–2017 because its Maine warehouse and sales activities meant it did business in the state + the decision follows several appeals since 2018.
WGMERead more
Sports
Former Scarborough baseball standout Joe Cronin now serves as the Red Sox major league hitting strategist.
Cronin, in his fourth year with the team, spoke with Connor Clement after the home opener win.
WMTWRead more
Mt. Ararat named former JV head coach Keith Libby as the varsity head coach last week — his first head coaching role — after Coach True’s retirement.
At 29, Libby will lead the Eagles in the upcoming season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Today, Portland Sea Dogs players face tougher competition in Double-A as they learn to handle failure in a proving ground designed to prep them for a spot with the Boston Red Sox, with manager Chad Epperson and development coaches guiding them (a key step in reaching the majors).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Sea Dogs will honor Cooper Flagg on Aug. 12 at Delta Dental Park (the first 1,000 fans to enter will receive a limited-edition bobblehead of Flagg in his Maine United uniform).
He was picked first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Women’s MTB Workshop: Bike Setup
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Allspeed Cyclery & Snow — Pre-registration required — Discover mountain bike setup essentials and enhance your ride with fellow riders.