Daily editionMonday, January 5th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 5th of January.
Community
MSSPA in Windham accepted three horses Saturday from a Vermont barn with unsanitary conditions and will take in a fourth Tuesday; the rescued horses will be quarantined, fed and given shots to help them recover — a sign of dedicated animal care.
WMTWRead more
Portland Nordic has launched a pilot program at Payson Park to create reliable snow for cross-country skiing and is raising $60,000 for equipment and maintenance.
The nonprofit invites local donations and volunteer support to help build a full kilometer of ski trails for winter recreation.
WMTWRead more
A benefit concert by the Don Campbell Band will take place Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. at AURA to raise money for victims of the December Custom House Wharf fire that damaged local fishing businesses.
Tickets are $25 and first responders get free admission.
WMTWRead more
On Saturday, Jan. 3, children (ages 5 and under) visited Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport where they fed barn animals and attended free classes like storytime and craft sessions.
Families enjoyed a hands-on experience with farm life on a brisk morning.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Yesterday at SMCC’s campus, the Natural Resources Council of Maine hosted its 18th Polar Dip and Dash, featuring a 5K at 9 a.m. and a polar plunge at 10:15 a.m. to raise $30,000 for its clean energy program, though organizers urged caution for those with health concerns (wear proper shoes).
WMTWRead more
Culture
Plans for 2026 in Maine include music tours and festivals — 12/OC opens for Dylan Scott in Bangor on March 14 and Maine Maple Sunday Weekend runs March 21-22, while comedians Nick Offerman and David Sedaris perform in Portland in April.
Additional events span summer and fall statewide.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
This week Portland hosts several events for everyone.
Enjoy S’mores Night with special guest performances Thursday at Congress Square Park and an exhibit reception at the Maine Jewish Museum, then see Everyman Theatre Company’s '39 Steps' Friday at Camden Opera House while more shows continue in the region.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Singer-songwriter Neko Case will perform Monday, Jan. 12 at 8:00 p.m. at the State Theatre (609 Congress St.) in Portland, with reserved seating tickets ranging from $45 to $75.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Smelting season has kicked off in Bowdoinham today along the Cathance River as locals engage in the popular winter tradition of fishing for silvery smelt.
The community celebrates this long-held custom each season.
WGMERead more
Economy
Household essentials in Maine showed mixed price changes in 2025 as grocery items like milk and eggs fell while ground beef and used car prices rose and energy costs such as electricity and heating oil increased statewide.
Gas prices dropped slightly while rising natural gas costs pushed utilities upward.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
The documentary "UnlessSomething Goes Terribly Wrong" follows local wastewater plant workers as they keep water clean despite limited resources.
It shows that aging facilities face challenges from increased flows and pollutants that make upgrades necessary.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Robert Cronin had a goal and two assists as the Mariners ended a six-game losing streak with a 6-2 win over Trois-Rivieres at Cross Insurance Arena Sunday.
Six Mariners recorded multi-point games and goalie Luke Cavallin earned his 10th win — marking a strong comeback.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
A three-alarm fire on Dec. 26, 2025 damaged four businesses at Custom House Wharf on Portland’s waterfront, and co-owner John Jabar said rebuilding will begin once fire investigators finish their work (the site also displays historical photos from the 1940s to the ’60s that highlight its 200-year legacy).
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.