Daily editionTuesday, January 27th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 27th of January.
Community
Taj Indian Cuisine in South Portland now offers free hot meals year-round by keeping a warming cabinet stocked during business hours (11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends); owner Sai Guntaka says it now serves over 100 meals daily.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Portland-based musicians Samuel James and Michael Kebede present Haint Blue, a show featuring Black American folk songs and stories at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. The performance aims to celebrate cultural heritage + fresh sounds.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
MOXIE Public Schools will open a tuition-free charter school near Maine Mall in the renovated Wex building at 123 Darling Ave this fall, accepting applications for grades 6, 8, and 9 with plans to add grades until 6-12; an open house is today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
A nor'easter dumped heavy snow across Maine Monday, with communities reporting 8-13.8 inches and a burst of 3-6 inches falling Monday evening before sunshine returned today while temperatures remain chilly for the rest of the month.
WGMERead more
Government
A Portland mental health clinic, Riverbird, LLC (with providers Matthew Stevens, DO and Selma Holden, MD), agreed to pay $20,000 to settle allegations of failing to report and document controlled substance transactions, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
WMTWRead more
The Department of Marine Resources will hold a lottery starting at noon on Monday for 20 elver licenses for the upcoming 2026 season.
Eligible residents may apply online or at the Augusta office until 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 — each license comes with a four-pound quota.
FOX23Read more
Lifestyle
Maine ski areas now offer winter fun beyond skiing, with tubing at Black Mountain, tobogganing at Camden Snow Bowl + free ice skating at Pineland Farms.
Locals have new ways to enjoy outdoor activities today and on upcoming winter weekends.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Lost & Found Vintage Market
Sunday, February 8th, 2026 · 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Thompson's Point — $10-$6 prior to 2 p.m., free afterwards — Explore Maine's largest vintage pop up market with over 100 vendors and unique DIY activities.
Writer as Flaneur: Braided Essay Workshop
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Mechanics' Hall — $275 Members/$475 Nonmembers — Explore the art of the braided essay while embracing the wandering spirit of the flaneur.
Valentine's Day Dinner at Earth
Thursday, February 12th, 2026 · 4-6 p.m. — Earth at Hidden Pond — $115++ per person — Experience a romantic prix fixe menu with seasonal ingredients in a charming setting.