Good morning, Portland.

A photo spread by the Press Herald and MyMaine magazine captures Portland’s Valentine’s Day Phantom tradition—showing red hearts and banners on local shops and landmarks since the mid-1970s.

The feature highlights how Kevin Farnham’s role came to light after his passing in 2023.

Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport partnered with the Penobscot Nation on a research project funded by a $10,000 grant from the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission to study indigenous land use + regenerative agriculture at Wolfe’s Neck Farm and Woods State Park.

The project will run through 2026 to document native cultural practices.

Portland International Jetport had its busiest year in 2025 with nearly 2.6 million passengers, officials said following a $21.6-million renovation in July that added jet bridges and expanded waiting areas.

Pre-pandemic traffic was surpassed in 2023; last year also saw new nonstop routes and upcoming transcontinental flights.

A new report by the Maine Forest Products Council and the University of Maine shows the forest industry contributed $8.3 billion and supported 29,000 jobs in 2024, plus employment fell 7% in paper and logging while wood product sales rose 45% amid market shifts.

UMaine leaders will soon form a task force to review renaming the Senator George J.

Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions and the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship after documents noted the former senator's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The review, including faculty, staff and student members, will report recommendations in spring.

Donor families and a heart transplant recipient gathered at City Hall this morning to mark National Donor Day on Valentine's Day and remind everyone to sign up as organ donors.

Mark Calkins, who received a new heart two years ago, shared that donations can save lives.

Bethel native Nathan Pare competed in his Olympic debut on Thursday in snowboard cross at Livigno and was disqualified—officials ruled he made contact with Spaniard Lucas Eguibar during his quarterfinal run.

Fifteen standout girls basketball players, from freshmen to seniors, have impressed throughout the season and are expected to shine in the upcoming state tournament later this month in Maine, representing schools like Mt. Ararat and Oceanside.

Lower-seeded Maine high school basketball teams are entering state tournaments with potential for upset wins.

Bonny Eagle Boys, Cony Girls and Marshwood Girls will play at venues including the Augusta Civic Center and Portland Expo this season, with standout player (Max Bouchard) boosting local hopes for success.

Winter sports enthusiasts enjoyed abundant snowfall as Maine GearShare in Brunswick filled 82 winter equipment reservations in January, while ski resorts and snowmobile trails saw increased visitors; local businesses benefited as the season boosted winter recreation throughout the region — a welcome change for the community.

The Maine high school boys basketball tournament spotlights 15 top players from teams across the state, including leaders from Camden Hills and Edward Little.

They will compete at neutral-site courts in Augusta, Bangor, and Portland and aim to drive team success during an eight-day regional event.

Gorham girls basketball earned a 58-47 win over Scarborough when Logan Doughty led a strong fourth quarter in a Class A South game in Gorham yesterday — they will face Cheverus Tuesday at Portland Expo.

Westbrook’s Blue Blazes outscored Massabesic 50-24 as Emma Boulette hit two 3-pointers in the third quarter.

Groovin' Your Heart Out: Valentine's Dance Night

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

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

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

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

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

5-8 p.m. — 300 Fore St Garage — Free entry — Connect with local mechanical engineers during E-Week festivities in Portland.

CAFAM Lunar New Year Celebration

10 AM – 3 PM — Westbrook Performing Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate the Year of the Horse with vibrant music, dance performances, and cultural activities.

PSMJ Project Management Bootcamp

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

9:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of comedy with radio personality and TikTok star Corey B.

Amelia Day with Heather Lynn

7:30-11:00 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of music inspired by love with heartfelt performances including 'Moon and Back'.