Daily editionThursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
Community
Pastor Carlos Nzolameso searched for missing music organizer Evaristo Kalonji after he missed work at Chipotle and found his black Ford Fusion unlocked near his home on Westbrook Street in South Portland; he later received a call that Kalonji was detained by immigration agents + he is now held at a detention center in Rhode Island.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Minibar Golf offers indoor mini golf and tasty treats to help patrons beat the winter chill.
Owner Kevin Moschella and expert Caili Elwell describe the venue’s creative mix of fun and flavor in downtown Portland.
WGMERead more
Culture
Amy Allen, raised in Windham and a product of Portland’s Waynflete School, is set to compete for the Songwriter of the Year Grammy on Sunday in Los Angeles—she won last year and helped write hits for pop stars including Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Gov. Mills proposed a statewide ban on cell phones in classrooms during her State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 28 to reduce distractions and boost learning (research shows test score improvements) as towns have already banned phones and a bill requires districts to restrict use by Aug. 1.
FOX23Read more
Health
Maine’s tobacco control report showed an improvement in tobacco taxes grading — boosted to a B — after lawmakers passed a $1.50 cigarette tax increase and updated its smokefree law, making it the only state to fully fund its program at or above CDC recommendations, the American Lung Association said.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Jeff Dunham Live in Portland
Friday, February 13th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket purchase required — Experience the hilarious antics of world-renowned comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham.
Groovin' Your Heart Out: Valentine's Dance Night
Saturday, February 14th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Woodfords Club — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of live R&B music and learn Rhumba on Valentine's Night!