A Historic Farewell and a City Ablaze with Light
A Day of Bitter-Sweet Transitions
Portland wakes up this Friday, February 13, 2026, to a city caught between its historic roots and its artistic future. As the late-winter chill settles over the Willamette, the mood is one of profound reflection. While the evening promises to illuminate our streets with creativity, the daytime is marked by the end of a century-old neighborhood staple and a serious moment of reckoning in the federal courts.
The End of an Era on Produce Row
Today marks the final day of service for the Sheridan Fruit Company, a cornerstone of Portland’s Central Eastside for 110 years. After over a century of providing fresh produce and specialty meats to the community, the family-owned market officially closes its doors this evening. For many Portlanders, this is more than just the loss of a grocery store; it is the disappearance of the last surviving retail and wholesale grocer from the historic Produce Row. The closure comes after years of navigating economic shifts and changing foot traffic, leaving a hole in the city’s culinary heart that will be difficult to fill.
A Key Talking Point: The Fight for Gray’s Landing
The city's attention is also turned toward the federal courthouse today. Residents of the Gray’s Landing affordable housing complex are set to testify in a high-stakes lawsuit against the federal government. The case centers on the repeated use of tear gas and chemical munitions near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. Plaintiffs, including elderly veterans and disabled residents, will describe the impact of these tactics on their health and homes. This testimony is a major flashpoint for the city, reigniting discussions about civil rights, federal oversight, and the safety of vulnerable populations in urban protest zones.
Feel-Good Story: "All The Little Things" Light Up the Night
If you are looking for a reason to smile tonight, look no further than the Portland Winter Light Festival. Today is a major highlight of the event as the primary anchor locations—Pioneer Courthouse Square, the World Trade Center Plaza, and the Electric Blocks—officially reopen for the final weekend. This year’s theme, “All The Little Things,” celebrates the power of small actions and tiny details. Keep an eye out for "The Art Bus Experience" at Director Park, a roaming music and light installation that captures the city’s whimsical spirit. Whether you are exploring the glowing sculptures downtown or visiting the new floating sauna on the Columbia River, the city is finding ways to stay warm and connected through the darkness.