Daily editionThursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
Community
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).
FOX23Read more
Culture
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
Economy
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.
WMTWRead more
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 HeraldRead more
Education
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 HeraldRead more
Environment
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.
WMTWRead more
Government
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.
FOX23Read more
Sports
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 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.