Daily editionFriday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
Community
The Open Bench Project in Portland invites local woodworkers to join a community workshop to hone their skills.
The event began on Thursday, Jan. 15 and continues through the week, featuring hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to learn new techniques.
FOX23Read more
Business
Portland International Jetport announced that United Airlines will launch summer seasonal nonstop service on Saturdays to Los Angeles and San Francisco starting June 27, 2026 using a Boeing 737 — tickets are available today.
WMTWRead more
A report from the New England Consumer Alliance found that Hannaford charged roughly 25% higher prices for a basket of 45 items in lower-income, rural locations compared to more affluent areas across Maine.
Hannaford said store pricing depends on costs like transportation and inventory.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Trust for Local News announced three staffing changes today.
Andrew Rice (a longtime local reporter) will cover City Hall this week, Rachel Estabrook will join the investigative team on Jan. 26, and Michael Colbert becomes editor-at-large for books while the Sun Journal seeks a reporter for Lewiston.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Last December, the Maine pesticide control board approved two weedkillers and one potato insecticide with forever chemicals that federal regulators deem safe although state law bans them after 2032.
Critics and local farmers raised food safety concerns (one warned of harm to local agriculture) as board members cited legal constraints.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Cape Elizabeth may ban parking along Shore Road from Woodland Avenue + 880 Shore Road for non-residents from May 1 to Oct. 1, forcing visitors to walk up to a half mile to access Cliff House Beach if a Feb. public hearing leads to a Town Council vote.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Maine-based IDEXX Laboratories announced two new tests to detect canine cancers: a blood test added to its Cancer Dx Panel now finds mast cell tumors at no extra cost plus a new device quickly analyzes suspicious lumps, with rollout scheduled gradually through 2026.
WMTWRead more
Superfoods Inc. recalled its Live it Up-brand Super Greens powder after 45 people in nearly two dozen states (including Maine) became ill with salmonella between Aug. 22 and Dec. 30, 2025.
Twelve people were hospitalized and the FDA says consumers should discard the product.
WMTWRead more
According to CDC data, Maine recorded 399 overdose deaths between Aug. 2024 and Aug. 2025, a 25% drop from 532 deaths the previous year.
Experts suggest better addiction treatment and stricter drug regulation could have helped — ongoing research will explore the reasons further.
FOX23Read more
Sports
The Cheverus girls basketball team remained undefeated at 12-0 in Class A South — posting wins by large margins — as they played Thursday against Deering.
Coach Bill Goodman credited strong defense and rebounding for the team’s success.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Night Moves Pizza Night at Lambs
Friday, January 30th, 2026 · 4:30-8 p.m. — Lambs — Bring your own pizza — Enjoy a casual evening with delicious pizza from Night Moves in a great neighborhood bar setting.