Daily editionWednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
Community
Frederick Brothers Oil & Propane in Scarborough and 12 other fuel companies gave free fuel last Friday, Feb. 13, as part of the 11th annual Fuel Your Love campaign organized with the Maine Energy Marketers Association.
Donations saved customers $300 to $500 with six deliveries benefiting residents including two veterans.
WMTWRead more
Business
Chefs, cooks, and bartenders in Maine find that seasonal work mixes travel and passion with flexible schedules.
Workers like Karla Kopasz and Jason Williams say moving between winter gigs and summer restaurant roles gives them fresh culinary experiences and valuable time for personal interests.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Krystina Fisher of The Messy Cookie made Mardi Gras cookies on Fat Tuesday – Tuesday, Feb. 17 – celebrating the festive spirit with local treats in Maine; the treat-making was featured on WGME.
WGMERead more
Economy
Central Maine Power has proposed a $4 cut in monthly bills for affected customers starting in July pending regulator approval — the decrease comes from reduced storm costs in 2025.
The company will file a one-year rate change request in April that may result in further adjustments from May 2027.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Steve Gagne, principal at Crooked River Elementary in Casco, will use a $5,000 grant from the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club to boost literacy with new library books and a mobile book cart visiting classrooms each Friday, aiming to get kids off screens and into reading.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Oasis Free Clinics has provided free health care for 30 years to uninsured residents in (Freeport, Durham, Harpswell, Brunswick and Sagadahoc).
The nonprofit will host a 30th anniversary celebration in September with clinic tours and donor recognition.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine CDC confirmed four new unvaccinated measles cases in Penobscot County yesterday that were linked to the state's first reported case (Feb. 6), and officials said there are no new exposure risks for the public.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Varsity Maine released Monday's high school basketball tournament highlights — filmed in Augusta and Portland — showcasing the top plays from local teams.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Tuesday's game saw South Portland (Red Riots) rally from a 22-16 halftime deficit to win 43-31 at the Portland Expo by holding Westbrook to nine second-half points.
Annie Whitmore led with 19 points, earning the team a spot in the regional semifinals.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Monday, high school athletes competed in basketball quarterfinals in Augusta + indoor track championships in Lewiston and Gorham.
Buckfield, Hall-Dale, Dirigo, Winslow and Portland schools showcased skills in Class C and D events as they advanced in their competitions.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine native Sophia Laukli stepped away from the World Cup Nordic tour and will skip the 2026 Olympics to focus on her health after years of overwork.
She is recovering with help from family, teammates, and coaches (now in Norway) as she plans a return.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 · 1-4 p.m. — Maine Irish Heritage Center — Free entry — Celebrate Irish culture with live music, food, and family-friendly fun at this annual event.