Daily editionThursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
Community
During 2025, Maine credit unions raised nearly $1.5M in food and monetary donations for hunger relief, surpassing their goal and keeping all funds in Maine to assist local food pantries, schools, and statewide programs (including the Good Shepherd Food Bank and Full Plates Full Potential).
WGMERead more
Business
Allagash Brewing used over 2 million pounds of Maine-grown grain in 2025 & boosted its pledge to local farmers with partnerships from Blue Ox Malthouse and others.
This effort supports local agriculture and keeps the beer taste steady.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Gross Confection Bar on Exchange Street announced it will end its cocktail and plated dessert service on Saturday while its bakery remains open, expanding hours and offerings starting Feb. 19.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
2026 marks the 100th Black History Month and a reminder that Black history in Maine goes back centuries.
Stories from Brunswick and Malaga Island show the contributions of enslaved people and freed families (whose experiences shaped our community).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine museums and historical societies are hosting events (exhibits, lectures and a document tour) to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence will tour 16 counties starting in March while venues in Portland, Rockland and Bethel highlight local Revolutionary stories.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Comedian Jeff Dunham, one of the biggest ventriloquism acts, will perform (Friday) in Portland.
FOX23Read more
Economy
The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine announced a $1.3 million emergency grant for wild blueberry producers hurt by last year's heavy rains and heat — challenges that cost the industry millions.
Eligible producers may apply online.
WGMERead more
Government
Portland Mayor Mark Dion said councilors are planning to repurpose Bayside real estate after a stalled mixed-use project.
The city is awaiting a report from the Boulos Company to guide decisions on affordable housing + park space with public input coming soon.
WGANRead more
South Portland added four new electric vehicle chargers (pay-for-use) at Legion Square Park near the post office using grant funding from Efficiency Maine Trust, with the city covering one third of the cost.
Each charger delivers up to 11.2 kW to offer drivers 30 miles of range per hour at $0.34 per kWh.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
February is American Heart Month and a local cardiologist is urging residents to watch for five serious symptoms, including chest pain, unusual breathlessness, swelling, irregular heartbeats and dizziness; he said to call 911 immediately if symptoms occur at rest.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Cheverus co-op and Yarmouth/Freeport advanced to the girls hockey state championship final in Portland (their strong regular-season wins secured their spots).
The teams will face off soon for the state title.
WMTWRead more
Cheverus is ranked No. 1 in the Varsity Maine girls basketball poll for the fifth straight week, despite losing its first game on Feb. 3, and will be the top seed in the Class A South playoffs.
Biddeford now sits fifth after moving ahead of Oceanside.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Mainer Sam Morse finished 23rd in the men’s super-G on Wednesday at Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy.
His time of 1:27.12 trailed nearly 2 seconds behind gold medalist Franjo von Allmen.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
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.