Daily editionTuesday, January 20th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of January.
Community
The Wharf Recovery Concert last Saturday at Aura raised $15,000 for victims of last month's Custom House Wharf fire.
Local groups, including American Idol finalist Julie Gagnon, donated their time and boosted total contributions to $183,000 — aiding community recovery.
WGMERead more
To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Me Powered Pastries hosted an MLK Kindness Camp at its Scarborough bakery where children baked treats to support Maine Needs.
Boxes with a suggested $20 donation are available for pick-up from Jan. 19 to 25.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Portland Symphony Orchestra, ChoralArt Masterworks and PSO Children’s Chorus will perform Dawnland to the Planets at Merrill Auditorium on Jan. 26.
The show features guest Jason Brown (Firefly) who will debut new work Dreamland alongside pieces by Max Richter and Gustav Holst.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Historical photos show Mainers’ long love for skating on frozen ponds and rinks over the past 30 years.
The collection links our community’s tradition with changes in how we enjoy ice time.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
The state awarded $7.5 million to 44 trail projects (covering repairs, accessibility upgrades and storm resilience) across 15 counties.
Applications opened early in 2025 with over 100 submissions, and the second round is expected to open in June.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
In Maine nursing homes, one in five long-stay residents receives antipsychotic medications, a rate that crept back to 20% in November, above the national average of 14.7%.
Administrators and health officials plan to cut usage as they face staffing and funding challenges.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A Maine psychiatrist from Maine Medical Center has seen a rise in teen patients showing psychotic symptoms, like hearing voices and paranoia, after using high-potency cannabis.
She warns that dabbing + vaping now exposes teens to THC levels up to 95%.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Frank Del Duca of Bethel was named Monday to his second Olympic bobsled team as the driver of the USA-1 sled; he finished 13th at the Beijing Games and will pilot a four-man sled with teammates Josh Williamson, Boone Niederhofer and Bryan Sosoo.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Scarborough High's Isabella Harmon set season-best marks on Monday at the University of Southern Maine indoor track facility in Gorham during the Marathon Sports Elite Meet Invitational.
She won the high jump at 5-6 and cleared 11 feet in the pole vault, leading Maine girls this season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
High school sports concluded Monday as Scarborough earned a 3 to 2 win over Lewiston in boys hockey and teams like Portland and Bonny Eagle secured narrow victories in basketball; additional contests ended with close margins.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Edward Little girls hockey co-op claimed the top spot in the Heal point standings after beating Yarmouth/Freeport 2-1 on Monday at Travis Roy Ice Arena (the team holds a 13–1 record with nine straight wins).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A youth hockey tournament by kids for kids took place in Cape Elizabeth on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. — dozens of young players were randomly assigned to teams to develop their skills and build friendships.
WMTWRead more
Maine men's hockey returns this weekend with two games at UMass-Lowell after a weekend off to boost postseason hopes; the Black Bears (12-9-2) are 26th in NPI standings and need key wins to secure an NCAA tournament bid if they do not repeat as conference champions.
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.