Daily editionSunday, February 8th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 8th of February.
Community
This weekend, eight-year-old Riley Tardiff donated handmade Super Bowl bracelets to children at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (a watch party is scheduled for patients and families) ahead of the Patriots game.
She aims to spread kindness and team spirit.
WGMERead more
Business
Maine enters its first Patriots Super Bowl as a legal betting state today + local sportsbooks report a surge in home team bets.
Experts say the spike could boost betting revenue but lower profits if the Patriots win.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
With more snow forecast, families should choose safe sledding hills and dress in proper layers (including waterproof outerwear) as schools may close and snow days offer outdoor fun.
State officials advise checking Maine.gov for updated storm advisories before heading out.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
South Portland boys won their fifth SMAA track title on Saturday at the Costello Sports Complex in Gorham while Scarborough girls earned their first title in three years with standout performances from Isabella Harmon.
Bossay Ditanduka broke the 200-meter dash record in a meet where the boys scored 195.5 points.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Channel Eight airs the Hoops 8 Tourney special tonight to preview the high school basketball tournament with 300 teams and explain matchup storylines — finals will be held in Bangor on Friday, in Portland on Saturday, and in Augusta for later state finals.
WMTWRead more
Edward Little co-op and Yarmouth/Freeport won their girls hockey semifinal matches and will compete in the regional final on Wednesday.
The game will decide which team advances further in the tournament.
WMTWRead more
Orlando Solar Bears beat the Maine Mariners 4-3 at Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday night as Anthony Bardaro broke a 2-2 tie early in the third period and Connor Kurth scored a power-play winner; Maine’s Jacob Hudson scored two late goals but the Mariners could not complete a comeback.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Biddeford won a double overtime hockey game 5 to 4 over Gorham on Saturday at Troubh Ice Arena after McKenna Buchanan scored an overtime winner plus Cheverus advanced to the South final with a 2 to 0 win over Falmouth and Scarborough.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Four Dirigo wrestlers won individual titles Saturday to secure the Class B South championship in Waldoboro, helping the Cougars finish with 198.5 points & advancing nine athletes to the state meet at Mattanawcook Academy next Saturday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Writer as Flaneur: Braided Essay Workshop
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Mechanics' Hall — $275 Members/$475 Nonmembers — Explore the art of the braided essay while embracing the wandering spirit of the flaneur.
Valentine's Day Dinner at Earth
Thursday, February 12th, 2026 · 4-6 p.m. — Earth at Hidden Pond — $115++ per person — Experience a romantic prix fixe menu with seasonal ingredients in a charming setting.
Jeff Dunham Live in Portland
Friday, February 13th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket purchase required — Experience the hilarious antics of world-renowned comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham.
Groovin' Your Heart Out: Valentine's Dance Night
Saturday, February 14th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Woodfords Club — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of live R&B music and learn Rhumba on Valentine's Night!
Turkish Lamp Mosaic Workshop
Sunday, February 15th, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Best Western Merry Manor Inn — Book Now on Eventbrite — Explore the art of Turkish mosaic lamps while enjoying Turkish tea and treats.
Sunny Jain's Wild Wild East
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — Ticketed event — Experience a raucous and electrifying performance by Sunny Jain of Red Baraat fame.
Tuvergen Band - Mongolian Folk Fusion
Friday, February 20th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Street Arts — Check the box for an evening of Mongolian folk fusion sounds with Tuvergen Band blending traditional tunes and modern rhythms.
Kindness Crafts
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 · 2-4 p.m. — South Portland Public Library: Main Library — Pre-registration required — Unleash your creativity in a monthly crafting series for adults.
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.