Daily
Portland
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Center for Grieving Children’s annual LOVE Gala will be held on Friday, Feb. 6 at Brick South at Thompson’s Point from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will raise funds to support families coping with loss (attire is winter festive). WGME
- ➤ A fundraiser for fishermen and dock workers recovering from the Custom House Wharf fire has raised nearly $200,000 from local donations (including contributions from area shops) and will close Friday when final funds are disbursed. WGME
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Local seller Gabriel Ackman avoided a Facebook Marketplace scam when a buyer prompted a risky Zelle overpayment (he halted the transfer before losing money), reminding Portland residents to verify payments carefully. WMTW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Singer Barry Manilow will give his final Portland concert at Cross Insurance Arena on April 19. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m., and he will honor local music educators with the Music Teacher Award (nominees announced Feb. 19 will receive $5,000 cash and $5,000 for classroom instruments). Portland Press Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A 2024 study by Bigelow scientists found that kelp in cooler waters absorbed nutrients all winter while kelp on the southern coast declined due to warming temperatures — a sign of shifting marine conditions. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ About 100 climate activists, led by Bath City Councilor Jean Guzzetti, rallied at the statehouse on Tuesday to support a proposed climate superfund bill that would force big oil companies to help pay for local repairs — lawmakers will review the bill again on Wednesday. Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Oxford Casino sued the state gambling director in U.S. District Court on Friday after Gov. Mills allowed tribal online casino games, arguing the move violates equal protection (risking millions in revenue and jobs). The law will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns. Portland Press Herald
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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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An Evening of Middle Eastern Music and Dance
7-8:30 p.m. — Cadenza — Free entry — Enjoy a captivating blend of Middle Eastern music and dance performed by talented ensembles and artists.
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Kouchera In Concert
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.
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Curtain Call Discussion – LEND ME A TENOR
4:15 p.m. — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage with performers in a lively discussion about the production's creative process and themes.
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Writer as Flaneur: Braided Essay Workshop
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.
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Valentine's Day Dinner at Earth
4-6 p.m. — Earth at Hidden Pond — $115++ per person — Experience a romantic prix fixe menu with seasonal ingredients in a charming setting.
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Jeff Dunham Live in Portland
7-9 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket purchase required — Experience the hilarious antics of world-renowned comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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