Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ UMaine professor Caroline Bicks released her book 'Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King' today after spending a year studying King’s early drafts at his Bangor home—she offers a rare look into his creative process. WGME
- ➤ Jim Nadeau presented the history of Portland Observatory to about two dozen people at the New Gloucester meetinghouse on Saturday, April 18. He explained how semaphore once guided ships and preserved the tower's legacy and will speak on mapping history at the Portland Public Library on April 29. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Barry Manilow's final concert in Portland is rescheduled for July 3 at Cross Insurance Arena after his April 19 show was postponed due to his health. Tickets (already purchased) remain valid for the new date. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Seven Maine events headline this week: a pay-what-you-can play opens Thursday in South Portland; Celtic Woman and Tig Notaro perform at the State Theatre on Friday and Saturday; James Austin Johnson’s stand-up appears in Waldoboro and Bangor; and a musical runs at Waterville Opera House. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Maine Seaweed Week opens today with a film that follows two local seaweed farmers and includes a panel discussion hosted by Jaclyn Robidoux of Maine Sea Grant. The event will let viewers see the process of seaweed farming up close. WGME
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Maine power prices have risen over 55% since 2015, with retail rates nearly 79% higher and residential rates 60% higher by 2025. Agencies say higher natural gas prices (storm recovery, old infrastructure, inflation) are driving the increase. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Falmouth schools will ban personal cell phones and laptops during the school day this 2026-27 year—this policy change follows a new Maine law set to take effect on Aug. 1 and will include school-issued iPads for classwork. Portland Press Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Maine Audubon announced Monday that Judy Camuso, commissioner of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, will serve as its first female president. She will assume the role on May 4 and bring 25 years of conservation experience to the organization. Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced from Washington, D.C. last week that Maine fishermen now qualify for USDA Farm Bill programs, offering safety nets like crop insurance, emergency loans, and tax breaks for vessel expenses (a change that could boost local fishing support). Maine fishing interests welcome the update. Portland Press Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Monday marked the 130th Boston Marathon with roughly 30,000 runners and thousands of fans cheering along the course in Kenmore Square + nearly 200 Mainers supporting the event. WMTW
- ➤ Paddlers from the Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society enjoyed a day on Souadabscook Stream in Hampden early April despite low water levels from gradual snowmelt and little rain. Trip coordinator Helen Hess confirmed that the flow was enough for a safe, fun paddle. Portland Press Herald
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Women’s MTB Workshop: Bike Setup
6-8 p.m. — Allspeed Cyclery & Snow — Pre-registration required — Discover mountain bike setup essentials and enhance your ride with fellow riders.
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Celtic Woman: A New Era
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.
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Bloodshot Bill with Holly & Her Buddys
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Veterans of Foreign Wars — $20/$15 presale — Experience an electrifying rockabilly performance by Bloodshot Bill and local sensations Holly & Her Buddys.
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Life Drawing in the Light
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.
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Art Mondays at Ugly Duckling Maine
5-7 p.m. — Ugly Duckling Maine — Free entry — Experience a cozy creative meetup filled with art, music, and good energy.
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40 Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — The Portland Yoga Project — $775 — Deepen your practice and teaching skills in an immersive Yin Yoga training experience.
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John Legend Concert
6:59 AM – 1:59 PM — Merrill Auditorium — Last-minute tickets available — Don't miss the chance to see John Legend perform live in Portland.
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Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Cost info not available — Experience the beauty of outdoor painting in a picturesque setting.
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The Laugh Track
May 6 – 31 — Portland Stage — Tickets on sale March 24th — Discover the world premiere of a play about the female writers behind I Love Lucy.
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Chase Shanahan Comedy Night
8:30 PM - 12:30 AM — Lincolns — Tickets $10 at the door — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Chase Shanahan at the Laugh Shack.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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