Daily editionSaturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
Community
Every Friday on ARC Maine, local animal shelter Midcoast Humane hosts a pet adoption segment featuring Development Coordinator Jared Mongeau and his adoptable pet (Scout) to help find a loving home.
FOX23Read more
Business
Rattle Shake Grill will open in late March or early April at 319 Main St in Cumberland.
The retro diner (the former Rise Pizza and Pub) will serve burgers and shakes with modern flavor.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Every morning, designer Daphne Murphy uses old fabrics to make unique jackets above downtown.
Her work gained local notice when singer Lisa Bello wore one at Fenway and Patriots fans wore her designs at the Super Bowl, and she plans to open her own store soon.
WGMERead more
This weekend, Freeport hosts Flavors of Freeport Frosty Frolic — a celebration of local food, farmers and music downtown.
Margaret Hoffman from Visit Freeport and representatives from Bridgham and Cook say the event welcomes residents to enjoy a fun local outing.
WGMERead more
Education
The University of New England Online College of Professional Studies announced new 100% online courses for cannabis industry certifications in partnership with Green Flower.
Courses in cultivation, retail, compliance (and more) will begin on March 10 to train prospective workers for this growing sector.
WMTWRead more
Environment
Portland’s Citizens’ Climate Lobby highlighted a legacy CO2 crisis that has left excess carbon in our air for over 100 years.
The monthly column explains that nearly 700 companies are advancing methods, including Direct Air Capture (and low-cost soil enhancements), to remove carbon and combat warming.
West End NewsRead more
Health
A statewide survey by Consumers for Affordable Health Care found nearly half of households recently took on medical debt + one in three owe $5,000 or more due mainly to hospital care.
The survey shows many Mainers face financial strain, with difficulties paying for food, heating, and housing.
WMTWRead more
Carol Mundigler, Sweetser's human resources director, said employees should schedule private meetings to discuss mental health needs with clear solutions such as flexible hours.
She urged managers to lead by example and follow up on support plans while Sweetser offers counseling access and monthly wellness events.
WMTWRead more
CDC data showed that over 1,100 measles cases have been reported in 2026, with Maine among 28 areas experiencing outbreaks.
Health officials warned that unvaccinated people risk severe complications and urged residents to vaccinate to slow the spread.
FOX23Read more
Sports
Varsity Maine is providing live updates on high school basketball state championships as top teams vie for 10 Gold Balls.
The games started Friday and continue today + fans can follow every play.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland boys basketball team will play Camden Hills for the Class A championship at Cross Insurance Arena today at 7:45 p.m. after overcoming early-season injuries and building strong team chemistry under coach Joe Russo, with key contributions by Loic Ramazani and Cordell Jones.
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.