Portland Maine News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Maines new ticket law, effective September 24th, combats predatory ticketing practices by banning bots, speculative tickets, deceptive websites, duplicate sales, and excessive resale fees. The law doesnt cap resale prices but prevents businesses from adding excessive service fees. Venues like Maine State Music Theatre have long dealt with disappointed fans due to fake tickets or inflated prices. The Maine Attorney Generals office enforces the law with penalties up to $10,000, restitution, or shutdowns. Consumers can file complaints online or sue privately. Early feedback shows fewer bot signs, making live events fairer for everyone in Maine.

Lauren Rich, a former research engineer from Portland, Oregon, is making history as the only American on the world curling ice crew for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games. After discovering the sport during the Winter Olympics, she earned her spot by mastering the art of pebbling, which involves spraying purified water to create small bumps on the ice that allow curling stones to glide smoothly. Laurens journey began in 2018 when she signed up for a learn to curl class after being inspired by the PyeongChang Olympics. Her skills have now taken her from local clubs to the global stage, culminating in a surprise phone call from the head ice technician at World Curling, offering her a spot on the Olympics team. Lauren considers it an incredible honor to help perfect the ice for the worlds best curlers.

President Trump imposes tariffs on Iran amid escalating tensions, as protests over economic woes continue, with at least 544 killed. Irans foreign minister warns of readiness for war, while Trump hints at military action. Despite talks, both sides exchange threats, raising fears of wider conflict in the Middle East.

Team USAs figure skating squad for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina has been announced, featuring stars like Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, and Evan Bates. The roster boasts serious talent across mens singles, ice dance, pairs, and womens singles. Fans are excited about Malinins quad-jumping skills and Chock and Bates pursuit of more Olympic hardware. The team event could see medal contention, with action starting February 6th on Peacock and NBC.

Join Venice-born photographer Andrea Perotta on a journey through his hometown, revealing hidden corners and iconic landmarks. Perottas lifelong passion for photography, shaped by his upbringing, captures timeless traditions and vibrant daily life. As the city evolves, he continues to find authentic moments away from the main paths, inviting us to see Venice deeper. With the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics approaching, theres no better time to rediscover Italys magic through a locals lens.

Stuck in the Mud: A Deep Dive into Maines Clamming History - Pete Hope, a local clammer and historian, shares his firsthand experiences and extensive research in his new book. Growing up on a clam flat, Petes love for clamming led him to dig as a kid, teach history, and eventually go full-time in his eighties. The book explores the history of Maine clamming, from nineteenth-century canneries to stories from old-timers. However, the future of this tradition is threatened by a decline in clammers and invasive green crabs. Pete hopes his book will inspire new generations to keep Maines clamming heritage alive.

Maines new PFAS drinking water standards align with federal limits, with enforcement starting in 2028. One in ten Mainers and over 14,000 students are affected, as water systems may need treatments or upgrades. The state estimates $50 million for full compliance, with ongoing maintenance costs. Monitoring for GenX and PFBS is added, and over 600 private wells may fail the new limits.