Daily editionThursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
Community
Fundraising for those affected by the Custom House Wharf fire continues as the investigation and cleanup proceed nearly four weeks after the incident (a recent concert raised $15,000) with the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association leading the effort.
WGMERead more
Portland’s emergency warming shelter on Riverside Industrial Parkway will open this weekend as bitter cold arrives; the shelter (60 capacity) was briefly closed last month due to staffing shortages, and the city has budgeted for 15 extra nights this season.
WMTWRead more
Nearly four weeks after a fire damaged businesses on Custom House Wharf and sank a boat, the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association is leading fundraising efforts to aid those impacted as investigations and cleanup continue.
FOX23Read more
Business
Bombay Bistro opened in Westbrook at 3 Bridge St. in the former Frog & Turtle space.
It serves modern Indian cuisine with unique dishes and a lunch buffet from 12 to 3 p.m. and operates Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Pat's Pizza announced that its Milo location will close after over 30 years (last day Jan. 31).
The chain plans to repurpose the building while its 14 other locations continue serving the community.
WMTWRead more
Culture
The semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards were announced Tuesday in Maine, including nominees from Portland + South Portland + Rockport; finalists will be revealed on March 31 and winners celebrated on June 15 at Chicago’s Lyric Opera.
WMTWRead more
Portland poet Jeanne Julian’s new poem 'Second Chances' recalls a Maine housing program that once helped asylum-seekers find refuge in off-season vacation spaces — the work links past support to today’s local spirit.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Stage hosts Ken Ludwig's 'Lend Me a Tenor' from Jan. 28 to Feb. 22 while Good Theater debuts 'Lend Me a Soprano' from Feb. 19 to Mar. 8 (both offer fast-paced humor for local theater lovers).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
RSU 19's superintendent said the DOE investigation was a surprise after receiving a letter about a Title IX complaint (alleging discrimination in a cheerleading team) and that the district, serving several local communities, will fully cooperate while balancing federal and state policies.
FOX23Read more
Government
Portland officials criticized increased federal immigration enforcement after reports of public detentions and rising fear last Wednesday.
Mayor Mark Dion and Councilor Wes Pelletier explained that local leaders are guiding residents on their rights + offering community support at City Hall.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
This weekend, local health officials warn that dangerously low wind chills will raise frostbite risk, so residents should dress in layers and watch for signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion) when spending time outdoors.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
Student Matinee – Lend Me A Tenor
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 · 10 a.m. — Portland Stage — Discounted tickets available — Experience a hilarious Tony Award-winning comedy that explores the misadventures of a theater company.