Daily
Portland
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Make-A-Wish Maine raised $132,000 on Wednesday at CBS13, beating its $130,000 goal. The funds will help grant wishes to critically ill children statewide (volunteers made the event possible). FOX23
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Portland adults are exploring new musical talents and forming bands to share joy and connect with peers. Music classes at the Maine Academy of Modern Music and 317 Main Community Music Center give lifelong learners a stage to celebrate creative expression + community spirit. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Maine Restaurant Week, established in 2009 to boost eateries, will run March 1 to 12 across nearly 40 venues offering three-course deals for $38, $48 or $58. The event opens with Spirit Quest, a self-guided cocktail and bites tour in Old Port and Arts District that benefits nonprofit Preble Street. Portland Press Herald
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Maine Department of Marine Resources will close its elver fishery lottery Friday, Feb. 20 at 4:30 p.m., offering 20 Maine residents a chance to win licenses for a season starting noon March 22 and ending noon June 7 - applicants must be at least 15. WMTW
- ➤ Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows Mainers spent an average of $444.75 per month on groceries in 2024 (a 57 per cent increase since 2014) for off-premises purchases, excluding restaurant meals. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ In 2025, several Maine school endowments grew strongly, with UNE investments rising over 30% and UMaine's increasing more than 19% (compared to a national average of 8.4%). Financial leaders expect these gains to boost scholarships, capital projects, and campus stability. Portland Press Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Maine Forest Service rangers responded to two winter wildfires burning in the duff along remote lakes in Maine, saying improperly extinguished fires by ice fishermen+snowmobilers caused them. They urged safe outdoor practices in a Facebook post updated Feb. 18. WMTW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Portland International Jetport agreed to pay South Portland $125,000 to settle a dispute over clearing trees along I-295 last year as part of its runway expansion. The settlement requires replanting at least 75 trees and directing funds to the city’s tree mitigation program. FOX23
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Last weekend, more than 1,000 anglers joined the Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby hosted by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club. The event, held on Feb. 14-15 on the lake's frozen shores, offered prizes (including a $5,000 grand prize) while officials urged participants to check ice safety. Portland Press Herald
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Tuvergen Band - Mongolian Folk Fusion
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.
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Kindness Crafts
2-4 p.m. — South Portland Public Library: Main Library — Pre-registration required — Unleash your creativity in a monthly crafting series for adults.
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ASME/NNE Networking Event
5-8 p.m. — 300 Fore St Garage — Free entry — Connect with local mechanical engineers during E-Week festivities in Portland.
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CAFAM Lunar New Year Celebration
10 AM – 3 PM — Westbrook Performing Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate the Year of the Horse with vibrant music, dance performances, and cultural activities.
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PSMJ Project Management Bootcamp
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.
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Corey B Live Show
9:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of comedy with radio personality and TikTok star Corey B.
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Amelia Day with Heather Lynn
7:30-11:00 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of music inspired by love with heartfelt performances including 'Moon and Back'.
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Artistic Perspective Discussion on LIKE FLIES A RAGE
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.
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Irish Heritage Night at the Maine Mariners
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.
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Curtain Call Discussion on LIKE FLIES, A RAGE PLAY
4:15 p.m. — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion about the production with performers and delve into character development and themes raised by the play.
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