Daily editionSaturday, February 14th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 14th of February.
Community
Seven-year-old Eli LaMartina donated his $11 piggy bank savings to Maine Needs on Saturday morning at the Congress Street center, inspiring over 400 locals to match his gift and raise more than $7,000 for families in need — Maine Needs uses the funds to provide essentials.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The 25th annual Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby will take place this weekend at over 20 ponds and lakes in Cumberland County, drawing hundreds of anglers who fish for prizes and support local charities (donated fish benefit food pantries).
Officials advise anglers to avoid pressure ridges on the ice.
WMTWRead more
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir launched aboard SpaceX Crew-12 Friday from Cape Canaveral and is set to dock at the International Space Station today at 3:15 p.m. with Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev, who will conduct science demonstrations for future exploration missions (live NASA coverage begins at 1:15 p.m.).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A crew including Maine-native Jessica Meir launched from Cape Canaveral on Friday and will arrive at the ISS today to fill vacancies caused by a medical evacuation.
The team (US, French, Russian) will test new medical systems and emergency protocols for future moon and Mars missions.
WGMERead more
Business
Rosemont Market and Bakery and other local retailers are rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel because pennies have become scarce after production stopped last November; local banks and the city of Auburn have adopted similar policies to help about 15 to 20 percent of cash customers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Local families face high day care costs, with rates surpassing $10,000 (annual cost) even when part-time care charges full fees despite closures.
Advocates urge increased support and higher wages for early childhood educators, noting that quality investments yield strong returns.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
UMaine is weighing whether to remove former Senator George Mitchell's name from its honorary placements after his name appeared in the Epstein files.
The change may affect the George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions and the Peace Scholarship Program on campus (Orono).
WGMERead more
The Center for Wildlife visited CBS13 (and Fox23 studios) yesterday to share key facts about Nyx, a northern saw-whet owl, for local viewers.
FOX23Read more
Environment
The EPA ended its 2009 rule that said greenhouse gases harm public health, a change that may let factories in other states send more pollution into Maine.
Gov. Mills warned the rollback might make breathing harder for the 162,000 residents with asthma.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Varsity Maine now provides live updates from the state high school basketball tournament, showcasing daily winter postseason action from local gyms and real-time scores for teams.
The coverage connects fans with unfolding game details.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Paper Art Collage Workshop
Sunday, March 1st, 2026 · 3-5 p.m. — Root Wild Kombucha — $10 entry — Create unique paper art collages while supporting local charities in a friendly atmosphere.
PSMJ Project Management Bootcamp
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 · Daytime — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland, ME — Pricing details available upon request — Enhance your project delivery skills and boost client satisfaction in this intensive two-day workshop.
Corey B Live Show
Friday, March 6th, 2026 · 9:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of comedy with radio personality and TikTok star Corey B.
Pine State Home and Garden Show
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 · 10 AM – 5 PM — Thompson's Point — Free entry — Discover ideas for home improvement and gardening at this engaging showcase with expert demonstrations.
Artistic Perspective Discussion on LIKE FLIES A RAGE
Sunday, March 8th, 2026 · 4:15 p.m. — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage in a deep dive into creative themes and questions with special guests at this public discussion.