Daily editionTuesday, April 7th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 7th of April.
Community
A local nonprofit is building an $18 million arts center on Munjoy Hill.
The Hill Arts has raised $11 million but needs $7 million by year-end+ permits will expire if they fall short.
WMTWRead more
Economy
AAA reported that gas prices in Maine reached $3.96 per gallon Monday morning (up 13 cents from last week) while diesel averaged $5.88 (up 16 cents), marking a sharp rise compared to a year ago.
WMTWRead more
Maine’s average gasoline price rose nearly $1 (from $2.92 on March 2 to $3.90 on April 1) after the Iran conflict began on Feb. 28, and the national average hit $4.08 on April 2, marking a four-year high.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Two longtime Gorham residents say they have not heard the whip-poor-will for decades amid rising development, while research shows its population has declined by 69% in eastern North America since 1970 (according to Maine Natural History Observatory).
Ecologist Logan Parker says habitat loss and fewer insects threaten the bird’s survival.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Governor Janet Mills signed a law on Monday to let Mainers install small plug-in solar generators in their homes & lower utility bills amid growing energy costs.
The measure takes effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
A Maine DHHS report released Monday, Apr. 6 found that 92 percent of gun fatalities were suicides, with most of those being men.
The report shows that Maine’s suicide rate exceeds the national average and uses data collected before the state’s new gun safety law was approved.
WGMERead more
Sports
Dallas Mavericks rookie and Maine native Cooper Flagg set NBA records — scoring 51 and 45 points on Friday and Sunday respectively, and becoming the youngest player to score 50 and to notch back-to-back 45-point games, which boosts his Rookie of the Year chances ahead of the season finale.
WMTWRead more
Accidents
Ryan Jennings, a Maine coach on vacation in Florida, drowned after rescuing his children from rip currents at Juno Beach on Wednesday; his family now faces the tragic loss (neighbors are preparing to support them when they return).
FOX23Read more
Scott Thibodeau in Medford was badly injured on I-95 last month while shielding a teen driver, and he is now on a breathing tube with a fundraiser held Sunday helping cover his medical bills.
FOX23Read more
Scott Thibodeau, a Medford man who was hit on I-95 last month while shielding a teen driver in Veazie + now has his community holding a fundraiser to help cover his medical bills as he fights for his life on a breathing tube.
WGMERead 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.