Daily editionSaturday, January 24th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 24th of January.
Community
Virginia Oliver, known as the Lobster Lady, fished off the Maine coast for more than 90 years before she died at 105 on Wednesday.
Born in 1920 and starting at age 10, she became a local legend — featured in books and a documentary.
WMTWRead more
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland is seeking loving homes for two adorable pups, Wilson and Willow (available for adoption) at its local center.
FOX23Read more
Economy
Airlines serving the Portland International Jetport have offered waivers that remove change fees as a heavy winter storm is forecast to drop snow from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening + Delta, American, Breeze Airways and Southwest have set options for rebooking weekend flights so passengers should check with their carriers for updates.
WMTWRead more
Education
Dr. Tom Meuser, founder of UNE’s Center for Excellence in Aging and Health, spoke at Raymond Valley Community Church to explain the Maine Mature Drivers Project, which helps older Mainers plan for driving retirement.
The program has held 35 presentations statewide to guide seniors in evaluating their driving safety.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
A federal audit found that Maine made $45.6 million in improper Medicaid payments for autism services in 2023 — state officials agreed to repay up to $28.7 million and implement corrective actions after incomplete assessments and documentation were identified.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A severe winter storm will drop up to 18 inches of snow from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening, prompting extended parking bans (Cape Elizabeth bans parking from 9 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Tuesday).
Airlines at Portland International Jetport offer penalty-free schedule changes for affected travelers.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Windham defeated South Portland 70–64 on Friday night at Beal Gymnasium as Boston Krainis scored a career-high 17 points and the team improved to 13–1 with its 12th consecutive win — a boost for their playoff push.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Kouchera In Concert
Saturday, February 7th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — The Hill Arts — Cost info not provided — Experience a vibrant R&B journey from the 70s to the 2000s with high-energy performances and soulful rhythms.