Daily editionTuesday, January 6th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.
Community
A benefit concert is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17 at Aura to raise funds for those affected by the Custom House Wharf fire.
Organized by the Don Campbell Band, tickets cost $25 (free for first responders) and attendees must be 18+.
FOX23Read more
Casco’s Rolfe Hill Forest saw a 0.7-mile downhill flow trail built last fall, and Loon Echo Land Trust received $142,000 from the Maine Trails Program to expand the network by 2.5 miles this spring (the first phase of a planned 6-mile trail system).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Natural Resources Council of Maine hosted its annual 5K and polar dip at Willard Beach on Sunday morning, where participants ran three miles and dove into the chilly ocean to support a clean energy future.
FOX23Read more
Business
GameStop in Topsham announced on Sunday that its store will close with no set date, and Pokémon Trainers will move to Midcoast Comics on Pleasant Street in March + the closure comes amid other local business shutdowns.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Dr. Alane O’Connor and Frances Perkins will be inducted into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame on Mar. 21 at the University of Maine at Augusta during Women’s History Month (reception at 1 p.m. and ceremony at 2 p.m.).
WMTWRead more
UMaine alum Timothy Simons was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the Critics’ Choice Awards for his role as Sasha on Netflix’s Nobody Wants This.
The Maine native from Readfield credits his UMaine theater training—his stepping stone to a growing career.
WGMERead more
On Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m., attend a live conversation at Hannaford Hall at USM where METLN journalists speak with the Maine Cabin Masters about saving historic properties & discussing Maine housing challenges.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A new community art exhibit at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick honors the Frank J. Wood Bridge with works from over 40 local artists (including drawings, photos, paintings, and mixed-media pieces).
The exhibit is open until Jan. 30.
FOX23Read more
Portland’s Independent Ice Co. on Wharf Street was named among Whisky Advocate’s top 150 whiskey bars in America for 2025.
The venue, launched in 2018, is the only Maine bar on the list and one of six in New England.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
On Sunday, Jan. 4, brave Mainers ran a three mile 5K and took a polar plunge at Willard Beach to back the Natural Resources Council of Maine's push for a clean energy future (many say the event is a cherished annual tradition).
WGMERead more
Government
Governor Mills praised Portland firefighters for their bravery in stopping a massive fire on Custom House Wharf on Dec. 26 and highlighted their efforts at a city council meeting Monday night + local groups have offered support and a benefit concert for affected businesses is scheduled for Jan. 17 at Aura.
WGMERead more
Maine law requires drivers to clear snow and ice from vehicles to prevent falling debris and fines up to $50 for first offenses and $150 to $250 for repeat violations; the rule applies to vehicles under 10,000 pounds (including in Portland) and is enforced statewide.
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.