Daily editionSaturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
Community
City officials celebrated the success of the Opportunity Crew program, which provided paid work and job training at the Homeless Services Center—nearly half of the participants secured jobs and helped beautify public spaces.
The city said it will bring the program back this year.
WGMERead more
Culture
Grammy winning rapper Pitbull will perform at Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor on Aug. 31 as part of his I’m Back tour (with special guest Lil John).
Tickets will go on sale 10 a.m. Jan. 30, with presales starting 10 a.m. Jan. 29.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Popular Maine folk band Ghost of Paul Revere will reunite for shows on Sept. 4 at Live at Madrid’s on Fore Street and on Sept. 6 at Thompson’s Point — presale tickets go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 20 on the band's Instagram.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Local actor Dave Register, founder of the Portland Theater Festival, stars in Prime Video's sci-fi series Fallout as Chet — a vault dweller facing funny and tricky moments in a post-apocalyptic world.
A new episode will stream Wednesday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Pride Manufacturing in Burnham will close in April due to falling demand for its cigar tips, golf tees and Lincoln Logs, with the shutdown affecting 115 workers.
The decision forces Basic Fun to relocate production and leaves Burnham to address the revenue loss at its budget meeting.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Avangrid placed the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line into operation on Friday.
The 145 mile long corridor connects Canadian hydropower to Massachusetts and could lower rates while cutting carbon emissions despite previous legal challenges.
FOX23Read more
Education
Nominations are open for Maine’s Teacher of the Year program, inviting students, parents and educators to recommend an outstanding teacher until Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. The program seeks to honor excellence and boost support for local schools.
FOX23Read more
Gorham High School student Isaiah Whitehead won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge when Rep. Chellie Pingree awarded him for his app Calculation Salvation (an arithmetic tool for all ages).
He said he designed the app to offer a simple approach to boost math skills.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Maine passed a law that new public outdoor lighting must be dimmed starting Oct. 1, 2026, with wildlife experts cautioning that extra light confuses birds and plants + wastes energy.
The law does not cover existing lights or those on private property.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Chad Epperson will return as the Sea Dogs manager for his fifth season after Friday's announcement, leading a coaching staff that includes several holdovers from 2025 and new hires in key roles.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Holy Cross School Dance with The Jim Ciampi Band
Saturday, January 31st, 2026 · 7-11 p.m. — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cash bar and snacks available — Groove all night with live music and good vibes from The Jim Ciampi Band.