Daily editionWednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
Business
Portland producers of cocktail bitters are expanding their craft as Handshake plans new amari flavors and a nonalcoholic digestif to meet growing interest in lower alcohol cocktails (others are also poised to offer innovative bitters for both cocktails and mocktails).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Breeze Airways will begin summer flights from Portland International Jetport in the first week of July, adding nonstop service to Akron-Canton and Cincinnati and expanding Columbus frequency (four times a week).
The carrier will offer seasonal one-stop flights to Myrtle Beach and Savannah to meet growing travel demand.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Chef Noly Lopez will highlight Cuban cuisine at Gather in Yarmouth later this month as part of Visit Portland’s Winter Weekdays campaign to boost local restaurants and hotels — offering a taste of his heritage.
FOX23Read more
Education
Maine schools responded to Monday's blizzard by shifting from traditional snow days to remote learning after three closures; Portland used a two-tiered remote system while Lewiston maintained full snow days to be made up in June — officials say each method meets community needs during adverse weather.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Monday’s nor’easter brought six hours of blizzard conditions to Portland Jetport (with gusts over 35 mph), while southern New England experienced record snowfall and power outages.
Cleanup and road removal efforts continue.
FOX23Read more
Government
Portland’s emergency warming shelter did not open Monday even in blizzard conditions because it only operates when temperatures fall to 15° or with over 10 inches of snow.
Advocates urge city officials to expand criteria — the shelter is set to open overnight Tuesday as temperatures dipped below the threshold.
WMTWRead more
In a preliminary budget, Superintendent Perry proposed $61.7M for Gorham schools starting July 1 to cover rising costs and pre-K needs, which would also raise school taxes.
Public School Committee workshops begin 7 p.m. on Mondays in March, with a final decision April 8 + Town Council vote May 12.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Direct wine shipments into Maine fell after a new law forced shippers to follow the state's bottle bill, the Maine Bureau said today.
The agency is studying the drop and reaching out to help retailers become licensed.
FOX23Read more
Sports
Award finalists Kylie Lamson from Cheverus, Maddie Provost from Lawrence and Addison Cyr from Mattanawcook Academy will showcase their skills in state championship games this weekend+Lamson leads Class A while Provost competes in Class B and Cyr plays in Class C.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
High school basketball tournaments unfolded across local arenas at Augusta Civic Center, Cross Insurance Center, and the Portland Expo over recent days.
Multiple schools competed in gritty quarterfinal matchups, with teams advancing in different classes.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Maine Mariners vs Worcester Railers
Saturday, March 21st, 2026 · 6-7 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Admission varies — Grab your furry friend and enjoy an exciting hockey night with the Maine Mariners.