Daily editionSaturday, February 7th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 7th of February.
Community
Midcoast Humane invites local residents to become foster parents for six-week-old puppies to support animal rescue.
The program provides a chance for community members to offer temporary care for pets in need.
FOX23Read more
Culture
The Maine Historical Society in Portland houses one of 26 original copies of the Declaration of Independence, printed hours after ratification, and will soon tour all 16 counties for the Revolutionary Maine: America at 250 celebration.
It has also scheduled year-long exhibits for Mainers to reflect on these historic words.
WMTWRead more
Economy
Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife proposed adding an extra week of moose hunting around Moosehead Lake during the last week of September and the second week of October, a move that could disrupt peak tourism and hurt local businesses.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Chefs from Maine colleges competed in Auburn on Thursday at Central Maine Community College in a Battle of the Chefs.
Five teams prepared dishes with Maine-sourced plant ingredients — kelp, mushrooms, and grains — and the winning dish will be served at college campuses statewide.
FOX23Read more
Gov. Mills proposed a statewide ban on cellphones in classrooms during her State of the State speech, citing research that shows phone removal boosts test scores, behavior, and attendance — in Portland, districts that already banned phones have seen improvements.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
The Maine CDC confirmed the first measles case since 2019 on Thursday in an adult from Penobscot County who traveled to a state with cases and was infectious from Jan. 28 to Feb. 5; facilities in Bangor and Etna have alerted anyone potentially exposed.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Mainers celebrated National Wear Red Day on Friday with the launch of the Woman of Impact Campaign — a nine-week competition where five Maine women competed to raise funds and awareness for heart health.
The effort follows findings that over 40% of women have cardiovascular disease.
WMTWRead more
Maine's first measles case since 2019 was confirmed by Maine CDC after an adult tested positive following travel from a state with known outbreaks.
Health officials warn that anyone who visited Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Bangor Tuesday morning (or Hill View Mini Barns in Etna on Jan. 28 or 29) should watch for symptoms.
WGMERead more
Lifestyle
Wildlife photographer Karl Ramsdell is wind skating on Sebago Lake today as cool winds and icy conditions set the stage for skate sailing.
He uses a sail and his body to glide on the ice, capturing winter outdoor adventure for local enthusiasts.
WGMERead more
Sports
Maine Mariners signed former UNE forward Ryan Kuzmich on Friday.
The 25-year-old played for the Nor’easters from 2021 to 2025 and made his ECHL debut with Rapid City Rush after playing 33 games for the Knoxville Ice Bears this season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Gould Academy (Bethel) alumni Nathan Pare, Brianna Schnorrbusch, and Hanna Percy are competing in snowboard events at the Winter Olympics in Italy today.
WGMERead more
Three Maine natives and other athletes will compete at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Bethel native Frank Del Duca — a bobsled pilot and Army sergeant — will serve as one of two flag bearers for Team USA at Milan's San Siro Stadium.
WMTWRead more
Dr. Ally Howe from Portland serves as the team physician for the U.S. women’s ice hockey team (providing a local connection) at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina; the team defeated the Czech Republic on Thursday and will face Finland today in the morning.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
Lost & Found Vintage Market
Sunday, February 8th, 2026 · 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Thompson's Point — $10-$6 prior to 2 p.m., free afterwards — Explore Maine's largest vintage pop up market with over 100 vendors and unique DIY activities.
Writer as Flaneur: Braided Essay Workshop
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Mechanics' Hall — $275 Members/$475 Nonmembers — Explore the art of the braided essay while embracing the wandering spirit of the flaneur.
Valentine's Day Dinner at Earth
Thursday, February 12th, 2026 · 4-6 p.m. — Earth at Hidden Pond — $115++ per person — Experience a romantic prix fixe menu with seasonal ingredients in a charming setting.
Jeff Dunham Live in Portland
Friday, February 13th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket purchase required — Experience the hilarious antics of world-renowned comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham.
Groovin' Your Heart Out: Valentine's Dance Night
Saturday, February 14th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Woodfords Club — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of live R&B music and learn Rhumba on Valentine's Night!
Turkish Lamp Mosaic Workshop
Sunday, February 15th, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Best Western Merry Manor Inn — Book Now on Eventbrite — Explore the art of Turkish mosaic lamps while enjoying Turkish tea and treats.
Sunny Jain's Wild Wild East
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — Ticketed event — Experience a raucous and electrifying performance by Sunny Jain of Red Baraat fame.
Tuvergen Band - Mongolian Folk Fusion
Friday, February 20th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Street Arts — Check the box for an evening of Mongolian folk fusion sounds with Tuvergen Band blending traditional tunes and modern rhythms.
Kindness Crafts
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 · 2-4 p.m. — South Portland Public Library: Main Library — Pre-registration required — Unleash your creativity in a monthly crafting series for adults.
ASME/NNE Networking Event
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — 300 Fore St Garage — Free entry — Connect with local mechanical engineers during E-Week festivities in Portland.