Daily
Portland
Sunday, February 1st, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 1st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGME
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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