Daily editionMonday, February 16th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of February.
Community
Families and ice fishers gathered at Sebago Lake during last weekend’s 25th Sebago Lake Rotary Club Ice Fishing Derby, part of Free Fishing Weekend, where extra fish meat was donated to support 12 local food pantries and prizes were awarded for top catches.
WGMERead more
Culture
PBS show Antiques Roadshow recorded its first Maine episode last summer (at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay) and airs today at 8 p.m. on MainePublic; episodes two and three will air Feb. 23 and March 23.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Ice conditions on Maine lakes are at risk as mild weather pushes temperatures to the mid-30s to low 40s by Wednesday, which can weaken ice thickness dangerously.
Authorities advise residents to measure ice frequently (especially near inlets and docks) and avoid risky spots to stay safe.
WMTWRead more
Government
Maine policymakers met last week to address rising electricity prices caused by record-high natural gas costs during a cold snap and aging grid infrastructure.
They said speeding renewable project permitting and modernizing grid load flexibility will help lower bills, even as short-term rate hikes challenge ratepayers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
On Saturday, standout high school players showed strong performances in basketball games from Portland to Bangor as Thornton Academy’s De'Shaun Alston scored 22 points (his team’s high) and Camden Hills’ Nolan Ames scored 26 to lead a 69-44 win; other games featured close scores and key plays.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Bethel native Nathan Pare showed strong performance in the snowboard cross mixed team event at Livigno Snow Park in Italy on Sunday by finishing second in his quarterfinal run (teammate Stacy Gaskill fell, preventing advancement) at the Winter Olympics.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland’s Olympian Frank Del Duca, a two-time bobsledder and Army sergeant, will compete in Cortina d’Ampezzo with brakeman Josh Williamson on Monday.
He overcame early financial struggles (selling his dream car) to join the US World Class Athlete Program and pursue his passion.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Irish Heritage Night at the Maine Mariners
Friday, March 13th, 2026 · 7:15–8:15 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket proceeds support the Maine Irish Heritage Center — Celebrate Irish culture while enjoying a thrilling hockey game.