Daily editionSunday, February 1st, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 1st of February.
Community
A Westbrook pastor said last Thursday he learned that congregant Evaristo Kalonji (with a pending asylum case) was detained by federal agents and is now held in Rhode Island as his court date was postponed until 2028.
FOX23Read more
Environment
After a deep snow storm in late January, wild turkeys carved 14-inch trails as they foraged for food and owls adjusted their hunting habits near feeders in local backyards.
Maine Audubon naturalists will lead free bird walks at 8 a.m. on Thursday at Gilsland Farm Audubon Sanctuary in Falmouth.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
A Westbrook pastor from Rehoboth Christian Church said last Thursday he learned his friend, Evaristo Kalonji, was detained by immigration agents when his car was found unattended nearby; Kalonji, who has a pending asylum case + is now held in Rhode Island, has filed an emergency habeas corpus petition.
WGMERead more
Lifestyle
Local smelt camps – including D’s Camps in Bowdoinham – report a strong start to the season as early ice fills fishing shacks with eager anglers reaching daily catch limits.
The season’s success marks a welcome turnaround after challenging years and families enjoying a deep-rooted tradition.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Yesterday, the Noble wrestling team won the Class A duals at Fryeburg Academy by a score of 61 to 17 and honored their late teammate Aiden Keefe with a memorial t-shirt, while Dirigo captured the Class B crown by beating Dexter 44 to 33, boosting their momentum for regionals.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The University of Maine women’s basketball team scored its most points against a Division I opponent since 2019, beating UMass Lowell 92-42 in an America East game Saturday in Orono.
Asta Blauenfeldt scored a career-high 26 points while Adrianna Smith nearly posted a triple-double (21 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Celtics overcame a nine-point deficit to win 108-98 in an NBA G League game on Saturday afternoon at the Expo, with six players scoring in double figures.
The team will face Westchester again at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
St. Joseph’s College held a Legacy Day on Saturday afternoon at its campus on Sebago Lake to honor former women’s basketball coach Mike McDevitt, who coached for 32 seasons and built a record of 667 to 231 — inspiring many players.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine Mariners turned their season around with six goals in the final two periods to beat Adirondack Thunder 6–3 in Glens Falls, New York on Saturday.
Jacob Hudson, Brooklyn Kalmikov and Xander Lamppa scored in the second, while Antonio Venuto, Zach Jordan and Sebastian Vidmar (empty-net) put the game away.
Portland Press HeraldRead 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.