Daily
Portland
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Landowner Justin Alfond donated the former Fork Food Lab site on Parris St. for a Bayside community center where nonprofits (Project Home, Maine Association for New Americans, Palaver Strings, Food For All Services) will design and finance the center, set to cost single-digit millions and open in two years. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ The City of Portland opened its overnight warming shelter (166 Riverside Industrial Parkway) Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. Wednesday to offer residents a safe refuge from frigid wind chills. WGME
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Maine restaurants are using AI to streamline tasks like taking reservations and researching recipes. Chef Gil Plaster of The Causeway (in Spruce Head) says the tool saves hours while helping eateries cope with rising costs. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UMaine will use a $45 million federal grant announced by Senator Susan Collins to build a new health and life science complex that aims to expand education opportunities and eventually lead to a public medical school. The project comes after a study showed the construction was previously too costly. WGAN
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, viewers across Maine saw the Aurora Borealis as NOAA issued a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm alert that made many locations clear; NOAA also forecast a level 3 storm for later that night. WMTW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain said the city contacted state officials amid potential immigration enforcement concerns, noting that the Biddeford Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws and urging residents to support one another. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Reports of federal immigration enforcement spurred a brief lockout at two local schools on Tuesday morning as administrators followed strict protocols when a circulated video near Brighton Avenue raised concerns. Officials set training sessions for Jan. 28 and Feb. 24 to help staff prepare for similar events (according to district plans). Portland Press Herald
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Winter Concert Series: Sigrid Sibley & Shannon Allen
7-8:30 p.m. — Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village — Ticket details not provided — Experience beautiful acoustic music in support of local cultural arts.
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Maine Mariners vs. Trois-Rivieres Lions
6-8 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Bid on unique jerseys — Celebrate Portland's title as the Top Minor League Sports Market in the USA with a special game experience.
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Burns Night Celebration
5-9 p.m. — Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant — Ticketed event — Celebrate Scotland's beloved poet with traditional food, live music, and cask beer.
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Wild Pink Live with Dead Gowns and Tremelo Fields
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.
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Community Bake at Flatbread Company Portland
5-9 p.m. — Flatbread Company — Portion of proceeds to support MOFGA — Celebrate local food and gather educational resources while enjoying delicious flatbreads.
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Contra Dance Night with Stomp Rocket
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.
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Stews & Stories Potluck Supper
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.
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Night Moves Pizza Night at Lambs
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.
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Holy Cross School Dance with The Jim Ciampi Band
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.
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Book Launch: Emily Nemens' CLUTCH
7-8 p.m. — Mechanics' Hall — Ticketed event — Celebrate the launch of CLUTCH with author Emily Nemens and a conversation with Nick Fuller Googins.
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