Daily editionSaturday, April 11th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of April.
Community
Portland Harbor Common is under construction following a groundbreaking ceremony held Friday along Portland Harbor.
The park will offer a green space with walking and biking trails and an event area spanning (3.5 acres), and it is set to open by the end of 2026.
FOX23Read more
Honor Flight Maine is giving veterans a free trip to visit Washington, D.C. war memorials today (including veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars) through its annual program.
FOX23Read more
Business
On Friday, Apr. 10, StubHub reached a $10M settlement with the FTC after failing to show full ticket prices at checkout (including fees) per Maine law.
Refunds will be issued to eligible consumers.
FOX23Read more
Economy
Maine gas and diesel prices fell on Friday after a temporary ceasefire in Iran eased oil costs.
AAA said regular gas averaged $4.06 and diesel $5.92 — amounts that represent a 2-cent and 1-cent drop from the day before.
WMTWRead more
Education
Maine high school graduates now have free access to community college for two years as the state budget makes the program permanent; students can choose among seven schools (including SMCC in South Portland) to save thousands on tuition.
FOX23Read more
The MSAD 51 board named the new pre-K to 1st grade school the Carolyn F. Small School to honor longtime educator and volunteer Carolyn Small; the building will open in 2027 in Cumberland.
A community vote on proposals celebrated her 35 years at MSAD 51.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine lawmakers passed a budget that requires every school board to ban cellphones and personal devices with internet access in schools by Aug. 1.
The bell to bell rule — covering the full school day — will use model guidelines from the Department of Education, with exceptions for certain programs.
FOX23Read more
Environment
As April brings warmer temperatures and gusty winds, fire risk rises locally.
Residents are advised to check daily fire danger levels, follow fire bans, and clear dry debris from their yards (a step to reduce wildfire danger).
WGMERead more
Government
On Friday, Governor Mills' campaign said she will stay in the Senate race despite trailing Graham Platner in polls and spending only a few hundred dollars on ad buys, while Platner’s campaign has spent nearly $200,000 on ads scheduled through next week — a gap she plans to overcome.
WGMERead more
Sports
Hearts of Pine's second-year soccer team will host One Knoxville SC in its home opener on Oct. 25 at Fitzpatrick Stadium, with scalped tickets available at steep prices on the secondary market.
Fans can also join the Dirigo Union ticket exchange (annual dues: $25) to swap tickets.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Celtic Woman: A New Era
Friday, April 24th, 2026 · 7:30-9:00 p.m. — State Theatre — $75-$45 reserved seating — Experience the captivating blend of Irish music and culture as Celtic Woman returns with their all-new show.
Bark in the Park
Saturday, April 25th, 2026 · 1 p.m. — Hadlock Field — Dog-friendly event — Celebrate furry friends with the Portland Sea Dogs at this fun-filled day.
Life Drawing in the Light
Sunday, April 26th, 2026 · 11:00 AM — Mechanics' Hall — Pay what you can — Enjoy a figure drawing session with live music and fresh coffee in a vibrant community setting.