Daily editionTuesday, April 14th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 14th of April.
Culture
Nineteen big concerts are set to take place from now through Labor Day weekend across Maine (with shows at venues in Portland, Bangor, and Sidney) offering live pop, rock and country music to warm up after a long winter.
Check your calendar for performances by artists like John Legend and Herb Alpert.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Singer-songwriter Brandy Clark will perform her 'Art of the Storyteller' show with Lori McKenna at 8 p.m. Thursday at the State Theatre (609 Congress St.) in Portland; the set will feature music, conversation, and an audience Q&A that touches on her upcoming album and film project.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Maine’s Local Catch Network, based at the University of Maine, received $480,402 in federal grant funding to expand free business and technical assistance, research and networking opportunities for seafood businesses; program applications will open in the fall (the network has supported over 70 community operators since 2011).
WMTWRead more
Education
State lawmakers passed a budget that will raise minimum teacher salaries to $45,000 in 2027–2028, $47,500 in 2028–2029, and $50,000 by 2029 in Maine.
WGMERead more
Government
Mainers must file taxes by tomorrow with online tools available as mail filing is likely too late & a six-month extension can be requested for paperwork, but tax payments are still due to avoid penalties.
Maine tax credits, including the property and sales tax fairness credits, help lower tax bills.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The 136th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, known as the Timberwolves, returned home from Saudi Arabia on Valentine's Day and held a welcome home ceremony in Waterville Saturday.
Governor Mills and Senator King attended, recognizing the soldiers' work on infrastructure + security during Operation Spartan Shield overseas.
WMTWRead more
Health
Governor Mills signed a law on Friday that adds the 988 crisis hotline to Maine's official crisis framework.
The 24/7 hotline, available via call, text & chat, will join a network of centers later this year.
WGMERead more
Southern Maine Agency on Aging has launched Phone Pals, a telephone reassurance program matching older adults with volunteers who call them one to three times weekly, and program coordinator Lona Kapler said it will help combat social isolation and improve health (vital especially for homebound residents) across the community.
WMTWRead more
Real Estate
Waterstone Properties Group presented a master plan for Rock Row phase three in Westbrook, detailing over 200 apartments and townhomes, a hotel, and 100000 sqft of retail & restaurant space behind a health campus; construction is expected to start in the spring and finish by 2028.
FOX23Read more
Sports
Newport, Maine native Cooper Flagg ended his rookie season early on Sunday when he sprained his left ankle during the Mavericks' win over the Bulls; he averaged 21 points in 70 games and stays a top Rookie of the Year contender against Kon Knueppel.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Art Mondays at Ugly Duckling Maine
Monday, April 27th, 2026 · 5-7 p.m. — Ugly Duckling Maine — Free entry — Experience a cozy creative meetup filled with art, music, and good energy.