Daily editionThursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
Business
Visit Portland launched Winter Weekdays, a statewide promotion offering special midweek deals for restaurants, breweries, cafés, bars and hotels to boost business during Maine’s slow season.
The program runs Jan. 5-Apr. 30 and builds on last year’s Winter Wednesdays effort.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Orchard Ridge Farm reopened its store Wednesday after a fire on Friday destroyed its home.
Community members helped restore water service, and despite four firefighter injuries everyone escaped safely while the business returned to regular hours.
FOX23Read more
The owner of Mae’s and Wildflours opened Baked on Maine, a new cafe at 42 Maine St. in Brunswick on Friday, Jan. 2.
It serves breakfast, lunch and gluten-free baked goods (sister bakeries) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Monday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Dry Dock, a restaurant on Portland’s waterfront, featured general manager Matt Ginn discussing current operations in a segment aired Wednesday, Jan. 7 — the update reveals adjustments made to meet dining trends.
FOX23Read more
Christian Hayes, former chef-owner of The Garrison, launched Sparhawk Tavern at 81 Bridge St. in Yarmouth on Wednesday with a pop-up offering takeout menus that feature sandwiches and wings; the dining room and bar will open later in January as the pop-up runs through April.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Local poet Sharon Kane debuts her new poem “Haze,” which meditates on global crises and a fleeting moment of love.
The piece is featured in Deep Water: Maine Poems (in collaboration with the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance) and is available to readers now.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
In 1775, Benedict Arnold led nearly 1,000 men on a failed expedition to capture Quebec that stopped in Phippsburg and Falmouth (now Portland), where local volunteers aided the campaign before British forces attacked in Casco Bay.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
According to the Maine Department of Labor, November’s report showed the unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% while labor participation slipped to 59.6% from a year ago; nonfarm salary jobs rose (up 1,300) from October’s low amid a 4,400-job annual drop, reflecting more retirements than new workers.
WMTWRead more
Health
A Maine watchdog is checking that local stores and online retailers do not sell banned items that contain toxic PFAS, a law that took effect on Jan. 1.
Defend Our Health said most retailers are complying, and the state DEP will investigate any violations.
WGMERead 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.