Daily editionFriday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
Community
Marita Doyle, a native of Phippsburg and longtime member of the local fire auxiliary, celebrated her 100th birthday with a small car parade outside the Plant Memorial Home in Bath on Wed, Jan. 21, where family, friends and neighbors gathered to honor her milestone.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Tickets for John Legend’s performance “A Night of Songs + Stories” at Merrill Auditorium on May 1 go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at porttix.com with prices ranging from $176 to $513.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
New Gloucester resident Misty Coolidge was crowned Mrs. USA at the International Ms. USA Pageant in Orlando on Jan. 4; the business owner and anti-hunger activist plans to travel nationwide and abroad to support nonprofit initiatives (including hosting her Running of the Brides 5K) and open a soup kitchen soon.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Gorham native Eric Saindon was nominated Thursday for an Oscar for his visual effects on Avatar: Fire and Ash; he previously won in 2023.
Maine-born poet Andrea Gibson is honored in the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, which competes in the feature-length category (posthumously).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Portland residents should prepare as an arctic blast arrives tonight with wind chills dropping to 20+ below zero, risking frostbite in minutes; Saturday highs near 0 and a developing storm could bring light, powdery snow Sunday night into Monday, increasing slick travel risks.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Maine athletes Sam Morse (Carrabassett Valley) and Nathan Pare (Bethel) were named to the U.S. Olympic team by U.S. Ski and Snowboard on Thursday; Morse will compete in Alpine skiing as Pare joins the Snowboard Cross team ahead of next month's Winter Games in Italy.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Mariners will host three games this weekend at Cross Insurance Arena, including Saturday's Minor League Sports Night when players will wear jerseys honoring other local minor league teams (insights shared by play-by-play announcer Michael Kelley).
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
An Evening of Middle Eastern Music and Dance
Friday, February 6th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Cadenza — Free entry — Enjoy a captivating blend of Middle Eastern music and dance performed by talented ensembles and artists.