Tuesday, February 24th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 24th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGME
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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