Daily editionFriday, February 13th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of February.
Culture
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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 Press HeraldRead more
Economy
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.
WMTWRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
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.
WGMERead more
Sports
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
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.