Daily editionSaturday, January 10th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 10th of January.
Community
Wild Seed Project announced that Alice Friberg became executive director on Jan. 6, taking over the North Yarmouth nonprofit that promotes native plant restoration in Maine.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Orchard Ridge Farm reopened its market on Jan. 8 in Gorham after a fire on Jan. 2 destroyed the Gottshalk family's home while sparing the barn and market.
Neighbors helped restore water as customers enjoyed bagels and doughnuts while the family plans to rebuild the 1858 farmhouse.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
L.L.Bean named longtime veteran Greg Elder as its new president and CEO, effective in late February, with outgoing CEO Stephen Smith continuing in an advisory role until March — the decision came after a detailed internal and external search.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Maine remains eligible for over $34.4 million in federal child care funds but now must use the new Defend the Spend process (which verifies enrollment and attendance) to draw down the money, state officials confirmed.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
D's Camps in Bowdoinham begins a strong smelt fishing season on the Cathance River after challenging winters.
Owner Derek Saxon said December cold locked safe ice and brought back anglers, with weekends already booked (veterans get half off on Wednesday nights).
WMTWRead more
Real Estate
A new report (released Friday) from Maine Housing shows that the median home price is now $400,000, up from $185,000 in 2015, while buyers need 187% more income despite a 44% rise in median income.
FOX23Read more
The Maine Trust for Local News will host the Maine ADU Housing Summit and Expo on Friday, May 15 (University of Southern Maine in Portland).
The event runs 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and features a professional summit, consumer expo, and Maine Voices Live in Hannaford Hall.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Family-owned slopes in Maine offer budget-friendly deals.
Lost Valley in Auburn offers $20 lift tickets on Tuesdays from 3 to 8 p.m. through March plus Camden Snow Bowl, Spruce Mountain and South Berwick’s Powderhouse Hill also have affordable options for every skill level.
WMTWRead more
On Jan. 2, the Silver Skaters (mostly seniors) played a relaxed game at a private snow-covered pond in Freeport, keeping traditions alive despite the bone-chilling cold.
The group, which has skated together for decades, remains committed to open, friendly hockey.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Two Maine pups (from a Westbrook shelter) will play in the Puppy Bowl on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. as Auggie joins team Fluff and Lobster Roll represents team Ruff; the record-setting event features 150 dogs and will be simulcast on major networks.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
Stews & Stories Potluck Supper
Thursday, January 29th, 2026 · 5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mechanics' Hall — Pay-what-you-can, suggested $20 — Enjoy a cozy evening of shared stews and storytelling that warms both body and spirit.