Daily editionSunday, January 11th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 11th of January.
Community
At Seeds of Hope in Biddeford, the overnight warming center now shelters over 50 people nightly and often turns guests away as cold weather hits — Gov. Mills and MaineHousing announced $2.3 million in grants for 12 centers statewide, yet advocates say local services still face capacity shortages.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Darleen Walker runs the Caring Hearts Cheer Baskets Facebook group from her Norway home & has given 140 cheer baskets since December 2023 to help neighbors facing illness or loss.
The group now has over 700 members and needs gift cards to keep the support going.
WMTWRead more
Government
Maine's AI Task Force, formed by an executive order in Dec. 2024, released its report last October on AI's benefits in healthcare and forestry plus risks including AI aided cyber crimes.
Governor Mills said the report provides a responsible direction for AI use that may inform future legislation.
FOX23Read more
Maine senator Susan Collins and New Hampshire senator Jeanne Shaheen introduced the Better Care for PFAS Patients Act (a bill to ensure the CDC updates its PFAS guidelines) in Portland on Saturday, Jan. 10.
The measure is in the early stages of review.
WGMERead more
Health
Nurses at Maine Medical Center agreed to a three-year union contract that includes a 21 percent wage raise and enhanced safety protocols.
The contract was approved after four months of negotiations and is set to improve working conditions for hospital staff.
FOX23Read more
Sports
Adrianna Smith scored 30 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and had eight assists as the Maine Black Bears beat NJIT 86-66 on Saturday in Orono — the win improved their America East record to 3-1 and marked their second straight victory.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
TJ Biel scored 21 points as University of Maine men’s basketball won 74-70 over NJIT on Saturday in Newark — Newport native Ace Flagg added 10 points and seven rebounds as the team improved to 3-15 overall.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
On Saturday, Jan. 10, a Falmouth nursing home on Northbrook Drive evacuated 31 residents after a major water leak occurred early in the morning (with fire crews containing the leak and staff returning everyone safely to their rooms).
FOX23Read 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.