Daily editionSunday, January 18th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 18th of January.
Business
The Maine company that produces Lincoln Logs, golf tees, and cigar tips is set to close later this year in Burnham, affecting 115 workers; the final Lincoln Log will roll out on April 14 (marking production's end).
WGMERead more
Environment
This winter, reports show evening grosbeaks are flocking to local feeders as a spruce budworm outbreak boosted their breeding last season while a poor seed crop has pushed them from northern forests; local experts say the shift reflects natural changes (birds adapt to scarce resources).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
German scientists found that ocean acidification weakens blacktip reef shark teeth, with tests showing increased corrosion in higher acidity projected for 2300—raising concerns about the sharks’ future as top predators.
The study was published in Frontiers in Marine Science and adds to ongoing marine conservation efforts.
WMTWRead more
Health
Medicare negotiated a lower price for Enbrel on Jan. 1, 2026, easing costs for Judy Aiken, a longtime Portland resident battling psoriatic arthritis.
The change means she no longer must delay refilling her prescription to cover expenses.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Stratcon XIII brings 18 teams to play a simulated baseball tournament with cards and dice inside the Residence Inn in Bath on Saturday as snow falls outside.
The event features 2006 season cards, themed divisions, and prizes for winners, and began in 2013 (with autographed memorabilia awarded last year).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Mariners beat the Worcester Railers 3-2 in overtime Saturday night at Cross Insurance Arena.
Max Andreev scored 3:33 into overtime to give the win—snapping a four-game losing streak and extending their points streak to six games.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine’s women’s basketball team beat New Hampshire 73 to 51 on Saturday in Durham, New Hampshire when Adrianna Smith scored 32 points and hit four three point shots while Olivia Alvarez and teammates added key scoring to secure the 11th straight win.
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.