Daily editionThursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
Education
Maine schools must have AEDs accessible during athletic events this fall, and boards must develop cardiac emergency response plans after an AED helped save a spectator at a November 2024 football game at Kennebunk High School (the Legislature passed the law last year).
WGMERead more
Environment
Boaters on Maine's coastal waters must guard against freezing spray, which forms when cold air, winds beyond 15 knots, and rough seas combine to add dangerous ice on vessels and shore structures.
The National Weather Service issues advisories to help crews clear ice and maintain stability.
FOX23Read more
Government
On Tuesday, Maine’s highest court ruled that a New Jersey couple cannot restrict beach access at Phippsburg, affirming that neighbors have a shared right to use the dunes and beachfront cottages.
The decision upholds a lower court ruling based on the long-standing use of the property.
FOX23Read more
Portland Mayor Mark Dion and Gulf of Maine Research Institute President Glenn Prickett announced a partnership to build climate resiliency in the city, with projects including a $4 million renovation at Wright’s Wharf + installation of electric vehicle and marine chargers for aquaculture vessels. The initiative will advance soon.
FOX23Read more
Gov. Janet Mills allowed a new law to dim outdoor lighting on public properties to become law today, and the bill, passed in June, will require lights replaced after Oct. 1 to be dimmed from 10 p.m. until sunrise (or 7 a.m.) to help protect wildlife.
WMTWRead more
Lifestyle
Owner Casey Ryder of PortFiber shares knitting tips to help residents explore a cozy new pastime during National Hobby Month this winter.
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.