Daily editionMonday, February 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 2nd of February.
Community
Dr. Jan Abernathie, a 96-year-old horticulturist at Wonder Gardens, has spent over five decades caring for plants and continues working today; he began his career as a child in Illinois and earned his colleagues’ respect + his passion remains unwavering.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Maine native Amy Allen won her second consecutive songwriter of the year Grammy on Sunday in Los Angeles + she thanked her family and team for her win.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
The U.S.-Ireland Alliance is removing former state Sen. George Mitchell’s name from its scholarship program after DOJ documents linked to Epstein were released Friday.
The board voted unanimously Sunday (the program is currently paused as they seek endowment funding) and will choose a new name soon.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness trained 30 doulas to support families as birthing centers closed statewide.
The training, mostly attended by Indigenous participants and partly funded by a $385,000 state grant (with reimbursement discussions slated for 2027), will integrate cultural care into Maine's maternal health services.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Local snowmobilers enjoy good winter conditions (with many trails available) but must follow safety tips.
Mark Chinnock of the Maine Snowmobile Association advises checking equipment, watching speed, and reviewing trail conditions; the group also runs school safety lessons and offers free trail-side checks.
WMTWRead more
Historic images from the Patriots' 2002 Super Bowl win at the Louisiana Superdome were captured during a celebratory parade in Monument Square + they are being showcased ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Westchester Knicks snapped a three-game losing streak on Sunday afternoon at the Portland Expo with a 16-0 third-quarter run to win 117-110 over the Maine Celtics.
Bryson Warren scored 28 and Ron Harper Jr. tallied 31 points for Maine.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Adirondack Thunder beat the Maine Mariners 6-3 on Sunday in Glens Falls, New York.
The Thunder took two of three games in the series while Tyson Fawcett scored twice and Jacob Hudson added two goals for the Mariners.
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.