Daily
Portland
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Religious groups in Portland are observing a rare convergence of Ramadan, Lent and Lunar New Year that highlights shared traditions and fosters community unity. Experts at Bowdoin College say these celebrations prompt reflection and interfaith connection throughout the month. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Twenty-one first responders from the US and Canada are training today at Wassamki Springs Campground in Scarborough at the 27th International Ice Rescue Instructor Academy, where they split 13 classroom hours with 20 hours on the ice. Participants will graduate Sunday afternoon and share their new skills with local firehouses. WMTW
- ➤ A state commission released its final report on Feb. 10 recommending a sliding-scale funding model and higher renovation fund limits for nearly 600 school buildings in Maine. The proposal, based on over a year of review, aims to cut costs and address deferred maintenance statewide. Portland Press Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A water main break forced the Portland Water District to order a boil water advisory for Peaks, Little Diamond, Great Diamond, House, and Cushing Islands until further notice. Water samples were collected Friday morning (results expected in about 24 hours). WMTW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials in Connecticut called for a federal investigation into the parent company of Redbank Village in South Portland after State Representative Chris Kessler reported the complex broke tenant protection laws with illegal rent increases and fees, and the company currently owns properties in 23 states (J.R.K. Property Holdings). FOX23
- ➤ After natural gas prices hit a record high on Jan. 27, Maine officials met on Feb. 5 to discuss speeding up permitting and grid upgrades to ease rising electricity costs in the state + experts warn that cold snaps and aging pipelines are adding to the cost pressures. Portland Press Herald
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Winter can worsen mood for those with substance use disorder due to low sunlight and isolation, according to Ali Zubrod at Sweetser’s Hope and Healing Center in Brunswick. The center’s Substance Use Intensive Outpatient Program offers flexible, three-day weekly treatment options—helping recovery while managing daily commitments. WMTW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Varsity Maine offers analysis of regional and state basketball finals as Lee Horton explains recent game trends and suggests that big leads (which have proved risky) may shape final matchups. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ York co-op beat Greely 8-2 in Friday’s boys hockey game at Family Ice Center in Falmouth. The Wildcats now have a 14-4 record heading into the Class B South playoffs while Greely is expected to be the No. 5 seed. Portland Press Herald
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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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Scuffed Realtor: Live with Nick Rochefort and Alex Schultz
7 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $35+ — Experience hilarious live reviews of viewer-submitted houses and unsolicited life advice from your favorite realtor duo.
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Scottish Fish Concert
8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $30 — Experience a lively blend of original and traditional Scottish and Cape Breton music.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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