Daily editionWednesday, February 11th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 11th of February.
Community
Local tribal leaders say members are rushing for IDs after a federal immigration crackdown started Jan. 20, as Penobscot Nation and Houlton Band clerks report a jump from a few per month to several per week + out-of-state members are also seeking membership proof.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Chérie, a French-American bistro, is opening this spring at 249 Congress St. — the former site of Quanto Basta — with co-owners Melody Medina and Quinn Williams set to offer classic French dishes and local treats; the restaurant will seat 30 inside and 20 on a seasonal patio.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Two new indoor dog parks with attached bars and restaurants opened recently in Portland and South Portland to offer a play space for dogs while patrons enjoy meals.
The businesses maintain separate dining and play areas to meet state health codes by keeping food-preparation zones dog free.
WGMERead more
Culture
Portland Press Herald reporter Steve Craig will interview Gabe Hoffman-Johnson of Hearts of Pine at USM’s Hannaford Hall (Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.) to discuss his work raising the city’s cultural footprint through soccer.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Layne Witherell, 80, uses his 50 years in wine (tasting over 100,000 bottles) to mix stand-up comedy with monthly wine tastings at Blue Portland Maine on the last Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. His show brings local wine lovers a fresh taste of history and humor.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Pleasant River Lumber in Enfield uses advanced technology and nearly $80 million in investments to run a sawmill producing 130 million board feet of wood a year with 300 local workers in logging + trucking and cabinet-making.
It operates at 100 boards a minute, enough to build two houses an hour.
WMTWRead more
Government
Andrew Butcher, president of Maine Connectivity Authority, will join Maine Trust for Local News’ Stefanie Manning for an Open Door conversation on Wednesday, April 29 at the Roux Institute at Northeastern University — discussing broadband policy and digital equity for the state.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Greater Portland Metro is reviewing fare policies this spring with public meetings in Portland and Westbrook (in-person and virtual) to gather input, and changes may be implemented by July.
Officials say rising costs and slow post-pandemic ridership recovery have prompted the review to help ease impacts on frequent riders.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
The Freeport girls basketball team beat No. 9 Yarmouth 47 — 26 in a Class B South matchup Tuesday at the Portland Expo and will face No. 1 Gray-New Gloucester in Friday’s quarterfinals.
Key players Emily Groves and Mari Ambila scored 17 points each — boosting the team’s post play.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
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.