Daily editionSaturday, January 31st, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of January.
Community
On Thursday, volunteers from the city’s Health and Human Services Department and local partners conducted the annual Point-in-Time count across Portland to locate homeless people sleeping in tents or cars.
The teams handed out gift cards and directed individuals to help centers (a vital step to secure needed resources).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Department of Marine Resources and Keepers of Burnt Island Light need a volunteer caretaker couple for the 2026 season.
The pair will live on the lighthouse island in Boothbay Harbor (by boat access only) to welcome visitors, share maritime history, and maintain the site.
WGMERead more
Culture
Maine’s historic Farmers’ Almanac is saved as New York—based Farmers’ Almanac LLC takes over, keeping the long-running publication’s weather forecasts, gardening tips and seasonal wisdom alive.
The change was announced this week and the almanac will soon revive its annual print edition.
WMTWRead more
Press Herald photographers will join a reception next Friday, Feb. 6, from 5-7 p.m. at the Portland Public Library Downtown Branch to showcase and discuss their favorite images of 2025 (including the top-voted photo from Press Herald readers).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland has cancelled its annual 207 Day celebration set for Feb. 7 due to growing community tensions.
City officials said they plan to revisit the event next year.
WGMERead more
Education
Eight UNE students will travel west in the coming days to work as paid NFL interns and gain hands-on experience (marketing, operations, and fan engagement) at Super Bowl LX.
The internship led by professor Aimee Vlachos also includes meetings with sports executives that serve as a career springboard.
WMTWRead more
Environment
Portland will begin a major storm drain replacement along Commercial Street between Maple and Center this summer to cut chronic flooding from astronomical tides, storm surges, and rising sea levels — a project that will separate stormwater from sewer water to reduce overflow issues at the waterfront.
West End NewsRead more
Government
LD 814 aims to expand services for the elderly by directing millions to community-based care like meal programs and in-home support — it passed both legislative chambers and is now on the appropriation table in the spring budget process.
WGMERead more
Sports
Maine native Cooper Flagg scored 49 points for the Mavericks on Thursday against the Hornets — setting a record for most points by a teenager and adding 10 rebounds.
Several Maine figures in the Hornets organization reinforced the local connection at the game.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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!
Turkish Lamp Mosaic Workshop
Sunday, February 15th, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Best Western Merry Manor Inn — Book Now on Eventbrite — Explore the art of Turkish mosaic lamps while enjoying Turkish tea and treats.
Sunny Jain's Wild Wild East
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — Ticketed event — Experience a raucous and electrifying performance by Sunny Jain of Red Baraat fame.