Daily editionMonday, January 19th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 19th of January.
Culture
On the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, locals can reflect on his lasting impact as historical records show his name first appeared in a Maine newspaper on Feb. 19, 1956 (in Portland’s Sunday Telegram), inspiring a continued commitment to justice and equality in our community.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
NICU nurse Shelly Sepulveda, battling cancer for two years (after three ovarian diagnoses since 2024), received a Patriots playoff ticket and Super Bowl ticket from the Kraft Foundation.
She learned Tuesday, Jan. 13 that chemotherapy is not working and is seeking a clinical trial that gives her hope.
WMTWRead more
Sports
On Sunday, the Mariners beat the Railers 4-3 in Worcester as Robert Cronin scored one goal and had two assists.
Goalie Brad Arvanitis stopped 33 of 36 shots for his third win, and the Mariners extended their point streak to seven games.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
An elite freshman class is making a mark on high school hoops as top players including Carter Brathwaite (averaging 20.7 points) and Olivia Breen (who scored 50 points in one game) impress coaches statewide and spark renewed local excitement for the season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Thornton Academy running back Connor Ayoob won the 54th Fitzpatrick Trophy on Sunday at the Holiday Inn by the Bay after a record-setting Class A season.
He set school records with 2,102 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns & earned top honors including Varsity Maine Player of the Year.
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.