Daily editionFriday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
Community
A bunny yoga event will take place on Jan. 10 at East Yard Crossfit in South Portland; doors open at noon and the session starts at 12:30 p.m. Donations of at least $10 will support the Rocky Coast Rabbit Rescue and Sanctuary caring for Maine rabbits.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Mid Maine CPL closed its Lewiston facility at 20 Forrestal St. today after over 20 years of supplying baked goods to Dunkin’ locations in Maine due to aging infrastructure and high maintenance costs.
The company offered paid leave plus a bonus and neutral references as it worked with the DOL to help affected employees.
WMTWRead more
Culture
CBS13's Dave Eid is launching Amazing America 250, a weekly series that will highlight Maine's milestones later this summer (in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday).
Tony’s Donut Shop, a local institution for 60 years, credits its lasting appeal to the iconic donut hole invented in 1847.
FOX23Read more
Restaurant critics Tim Cebula and Peggy Grodinsky are inviting locals to vote for the Best 30 eateries by submitting their top picks in seven categories before the end of January, and results will be published this spring.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
CMP now offers energy-saving tips as winter raises electric bills by $11 to $12 monthly.
Residents are advised to set thermostats to 65 and seal drafts to cut heating use by 15%; community connection events (about six in January) will offer help with bills, usage alerts, and payment plans.
WMTWRead more
Government
On Monday, Jan. 6, Portland City Council introduced a license requiring venues over 2,000 seats to pay a fee on each ticket to fund local arts; it affected Thompson’s Point, Cross Insurance Arena — it may cover the proposed Portland Music Hall, while stakeholders said ticket buyers would bear the charge.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
The Maine Celtics won Thursday night at the Portland Expo by 102-94, led by Jalen Bridges (23 points) and Amari Williams (19 points and 11 rebounds) with four others scoring in double figures.
The teams will play again Friday at the Expo.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine-built Master Lock Comanche won line honors in the Sydney Hobart Race on Dec. 28 in Hobart, Australia.
The 100-foot yacht built a decade ago at Hodgdon Yachts in East Boothbay raced 630 nautical miles in just over two days and secured its record-breaking legacy.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Six southern Maine girls ski teams are gearing up for the season.
Alpine teams from Falmouth, Yarmouth and Camden Hills and Nordic squads from Freeport, Greely and Camden Hills are building on past wins with returning stars and fresh talent to vie for top finishes.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Six ski teams from southern Maine are set to compete in 2026 as Falmouth High (the defending champion) defends its Class A title in Alpine and Fryeburg Academy and Kennebunk gear up, while Nordic teams from Yarmouth, Greely and Fryeburg aim for strong finishes this season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Southern Maine skiers making waves have been spotlighted as top athletes to watch this season.
The list features returning champions such as Falmouth’s Ian Christie & Greely’s Tait Harvey, along with promising talents from York, Kennebunk, Yarmouth & Cape Elizabeth, all set for new achievements in upcoming meets.
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.