Daily editionSunday, February 15th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 15th of February.
Community
More than 700 anglers cast their lines at the 25th Annual Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday in Cumberland County.
Participants fished on over 20 lakes (and ponds) while competing for a $5,000 prize as proceeds supported local charities and food pantries.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Bright red paper hearts covered storefronts and windows this weekend in Portland as the Valentine’s Day Bandit tradition continued.
The event started in 1976 and was led by Kevin Fahrman until his death in April 2023; his daughter said a new website (Be a Kevin) lets neighbors print the art.
WMTWRead more
Education
Maine Audubon will host free Birding Basics sessions every Tuesday night for 17 weeks, covering bird identification, feeder cleaning, and participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count + recordings will be provided for those who miss live sessions.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Jeff Evangelos, a former state representative from Friendship, died on Thursday after battling prostate cancer for nearly eight years.
He served from 2012 to 2016 and from 2018 to 2022 and was known for his work on criminal justice reform (his public service left a lasting impact).
FOX23Read more
Former Maine state rep Jeff Evangelos died Thursday at age 73 after an eight-year battle with prostate cancer (2012–2016, 2018–2022) and was remembered for his criminal justice reforms.
WGMERead more
Sports
Friday's high school basketball tournaments in Augusta, Bangor and Portland showcased standout players across several intense games.
Lawrence's Maddie Provost led her team with 26 points in a 74-45 win while stars from Gardiner, York and Ellsworth also impressed during the quarterfinals.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cody Laweryson, a Maine native (Valley High graduate), agreed on Friday to a minor-league deal with the Twins that includes an invitation to spring training.
He made his major league debut last September and pitched in five games.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine women’s basketball lost (63-42) to NJIT on Saturday in Newark, New Jersey, ending a four-game winning streak as Adriana Smith scored 24 and grabbed 15 rebounds.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland's boys basketball team upset No. 3 South Portland, winning 34-33 at the Portland Expo last Saturday, led by Benilson Lumani tallying 13 points + four blocks.
They advance to the semifinals and will face No. 2 Sanford at 7:45 p.m. Thursday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Scarborough boys basketball stunned state champs Windham 66-62 in overtime Saturday at Portland Expo.
Layton Garriepy led with 19 points as the team overcame a late setback and advanced in the Class A South quarterfinal.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Yarmouth Freeport clinched the girls hockey state title tonight in Auburn when freshman Avery Guyer scored a late overtime goal & secured a 1 to 0 win.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
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.