Daily editionTuesday, February 24th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 24th of February.
Community
Erin Merrill remembers outdoorsman and lobbyist George Smith who died five years ago.
His work helped shape Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund — a state conservation program established in 1996 — and his clear advice continues to guide local efforts to protect natural resources.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
The Montreal-based skating troupe Le Patin Libre will perform outdoors at Thompson’s Point Rink in Portland on Friday at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Presented by Portland Ovations, each 35-minute show costs $25 with an optional $20 dance party after the later performance (tickets available through Porttix.com).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
U.S. Census data shows over 48% of Maine renters spent more than 30% of their income on housing from 2020-24, with high rent burdens in Cumberland & York counties.
The figures highlight a growing struggle with housing affordability and the need for more cost-effective units.
WGMERead more
Environment
A strong nor'easter on Monday, Feb. 23, brought ocean buoys recording waves up to 17 feet and raised the high tide from 8 feet to 10 feet (just below minor flood stage).
Residents gathered near York and Wells along the coast to watch the rough surf amid gusty, cold winds.
WMTWRead more
Lifestyle
Maine tourist radio host Blake Hayes and his husband remain inside their Puerto Vallarta hotel after violence erupted on Sunday following a cartel leader’s killing.
They plan to fly home on Thursday once local restrictions ease.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
In Class A boys basketball, Camden Hills from the North (20-1) and Portland from the South (16-6) will play a state championship game at 7:45 p.m. Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena after Portland beat Cheverus 48-30.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine high school boys hockey playoffs begin today at the Cross Insurance Arena (Portland) with 24 teams competing for state titles.
Top seed Thornton Academy is aiming for its second straight Class A championship amid strong competition from teams like Messalonskee.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
During vacation week tournaments, thousands filled arenas at Portland Expo, Augusta Civic Center (where Mt. Abram Roadrunners competed in the Class D South girls basketball final on Saturday) and Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Goalie Connor Hellebuyck led Team USA to an Olympic gold medal Sunday in Milan with a 41-save performance in a 2-1 overtime win over Canada; Augusta native Joe Clark — his longtime mentor — has guided him for 15 years.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Scuffed Realtor: Live with Nick Rochefort and Alex Schultz
Thursday, March 19th, 2026 · 7 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $35+ — Experience hilarious live reviews of viewer-submitted houses and unsolicited life advice from your favorite realtor duo.
Scottish Fish Concert
Friday, March 20th, 2026 · 8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $30 — Experience a lively blend of original and traditional Scottish and Cape Breton music.