Daily
Portland
Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. WGME
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. WMTW
- ➤ 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. WGME
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGME
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
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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.
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Groovin' Your Heart Out: Valentine's Dance Night
7-10 p.m. — Woodfords Club — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of live R&B music and learn Rhumba on Valentine's Night!
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Turkish Lamp Mosaic Workshop
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.
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Sunny Jain's Wild Wild East
7-10 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — Ticketed event — Experience a raucous and electrifying performance by Sunny Jain of Red Baraat fame.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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