Daily editionSaturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
Community
Mr. Tuna restaurant in downtown held a fundraiser to aid wharf fire victims after last Friday night’s blaze that damaged a lobstermen warehouse and maintenance shop.
They have raised $50,000 from selling custom t-shirts — proceeds will support local businesses in need.
WGMERead more
Mr. Tuna, a downtown restaurant, has raised $50,000 from over 300 custom t-shirt sales to aid businesses affected by a recent fire at Custom House Wharf.
The fundraiser supports local fishermen who depend on the wharf for their catch.
FOX23Read more
Mr. Tuna is selling custom t-shirts with all proceeds going to local fishermen hurt by a December fire at Custom House Wharf.
In partnership with Riptide Apparel (and the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association), orders will ship in late January.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Timothy Simons (from Readfield) was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Sasha Roklov on Netflix’s Nobody Wants This; the awards show airs Sunday night.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Portland History Collaborative will host 11 docent training classes on Thursday mornings, 9 a.m. to noon, starting Feb. 26 at the Maine Irish Heritage Center.
Participants will learn local history, art, and public speaking to volunteer at seven historic sites until May 7 for a $50 fee.
West End NewsRead more
Government
At a public workshop, city officials did not provide visual guides for a 380-foot tower approved under ReCode, leaving residents uncertain about its impact on the historic district near the museum; published drawings show planned vertical growth plus nearby demolitions that could disrupt the area’s historic character.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine child care providers remain uncertain after federal officials announced a freeze on $12.3B in funding, leaving centers such as Lewiston's Donna's Daycare and Portland's Catherine Morrill Day Nursery unsure if their payments will be delayed; state officials have not yet received new guidance from HHS.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Maine Public reported that 3,653 Lyme disease cases were recorded last year, breaking previous records and setting new highs for Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis — experts blame longer tick seasons due to warmer temperatures, especially in the Midcoast region.
WGANRead more
Covenant Health, owner of St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, filed an amended data breach notice on Wednesday with the Maine Attorney General’s Office, saying more than 280,000 Mainers are affected instead of 4,600 originally thought — the company now offers free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
WGANRead more
Lifestyle
Pitch (the handsome, smart dog) is available for adoption at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, needing an active family for walks, play, and couch cuddles.
He loves treats and is easy to train using treat bribery.
FOX23Read more
Sports
Amari Williams scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the Maine Celtics ended a three-game losing streak with a 108-100 win over Noblesville at Portland Expo Friday night.
Kendall Brown and Jalen Bridges supported the effort with 19 points each.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
On Dec. 26, more than 100 firefighters fought a severe blaze at Custom House Wharf that damaged local businesses and fishing boats, working under freezing temperatures and downed power lines (the fire’s cause is under investigation).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
LAST CALL Comedy Showcase
Saturday, January 10th, 2026 · 9:30 PM — Empire Comedy Club — $10 — Enjoy a fast-paced showcase featuring local and visiting stand-up comics with drink specials.
Primal Soup (Phish Tribute) Live Performance
Friday, January 16th, 2026 · 8-11:30 p.m. — Bayside Bowl — $15 adv, $25 door — Maine's premiere Phish tribute act returns for an all-ages show.
Script Club – Lend Me a Tenor
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — Portland Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion of 'Lend Me a Tenor' moderated by Portland Stage’s Literary Manager Todd Brian Backus.
Bess Jacques & The Strays Concert
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Tickets required — Experience a fusion of jazz, Americana, and more with Bess Jacques & The Strays.
Winter Concert Series: Sigrid Sibley & Shannon Allen
Friday, January 23rd, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village — Ticket details not provided — Experience beautiful acoustic music in support of local cultural arts.
Higher Ground - A Tribute to Stevie Wonder
Saturday, January 24th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — Portland House Of Music and Events — Ticket prices vary — Experience New England’s premier soul band pay homage to the legends of soul music.
Burns Night Celebration
Sunday, January 25th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant — Ticketed event — Celebrate Scotland's beloved poet with traditional food, live music, and cask beer.
Wild Pink Live with Dead Gowns and Tremelo Fields
Monday, January 26th, 2026 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Cost info not provided — Experience the explosive rustic rock of Wild Pink alongside Portland's own Dead Gowns and Tremelo Fields.
Community Bake at Flatbread Company Portland
Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Flatbread Company — Portion of proceeds to support MOFGA — Celebrate local food and gather educational resources while enjoying delicious flatbreads.
Contra Dance Night with Stomp Rocket
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Mechanics' Hall — $15-$20 admission — Experience a lively evening of contra dancing with live music to warm you up from the winter chill.