Daily editionMonday, January 12th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 12th of January.
Community
Midcoast Youth Center in Bath partnered with DoorDash to deliver essentials to 30 families, providing $3,000 in credits to help with food or other needs.
The center — known for its indoor skatepark — plans to continue the effort to support more families in need.
FOX23Read more
Culture
This week brings entertainment as Broadway George Dvorsky starts a two-week run at the Good Theater from Jan. 21, comedian Adam Ray performs at Empire Comedy Club Friday and Saturday, and Sea Change Chorale hosts an MLK Day concert Sunday at First Congregational Church in South Portland.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
A pilot program led by UMaine’s Mitchell Center at Sebago Elementary and other Maine schools cut cafeteria waste by up to 25% and saved disposal costs; a toolkit (released this fall) will help schools prepare for a statewide food waste ban starting in 2030.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
In 2023, the National Council on Teacher Quality gave Maine teacher prep programs (UMaine in Orono, USM and Farmington) F ratings for reading instruction amid falling test scores.
The schools dispute the report, saying their science-based practices better prepare educators than the review suggests.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
TRIO provides mentoring, tutoring and counseling to nontraditional students at local colleges to help them balance school, work and family.
Advocates say Congress and state leaders must secure funding to preserve this vital support for Maine’s future workforce + ensure students have the tools needed to succeed.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Saint Dominic Regional High School in Auburn has received a $1 million donation to fund 40 scholarships for Catholic students of French-Canadian heritage starting this school year.
Don and Cathy Dion hope the gift spurs more community giving.
FOX23Read more
Environment
The US Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 1.8 quake just outside Ellsworth Saturday morning (three days after a 1.3 quake in Washington County) with no damage reported even though a few people felt weak shaking.
WMTWRead 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.