Daily editionTuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 3rd of February.
Community
Greg Drummond (73) has become a local hero by donating seasoned firewood and his truck to neighbors in need and clearing snowy roads for emergency vehicles in Highland Plantation.
His decades-long service shows how one person can support our community during challenging times.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Youngs Furniture, a longstanding fixture — family-run since 1931 — announced it will close its showroom in Portland as the owners retire after 95 years, stressing the decision reflects gratitude for the community rather than business decline.
FOX23Read more
ALDI told Total Coverage that its first Portland store will open in March at the former Big Lots site at Pine Tree Shopping Center (Brighton Avenue).
Construction shifts delayed the initial plan set for end-2025 and early 2026, and more details will be shared soon.
WMTWRead more
Culture
This week, local venues will hold events such as a comedy tour on Thursday at Merrill Auditorium, an art reception with wine and cookies at Farnsworth Museum on Friday in Rockland, film screenings at State Theatre, and a craft market at Thompson’s Point on Sunday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Maine's Treasurer's Office holds over $399 million in unclaimed funds from bank accounts, insurance refunds and uncashed checks.
The CBS13 I-Team + state staff held a hotline Monday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as residents began reclaiming lost money during Unclaimed Property Week through Feb. 8.
FOX23Read more
Maine lawmakers plan to discuss a $9.75 million bill to fund aging services on Older Mainers Day today at the State House.
CEO Megan Walton (of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging) said the event will let older adults, caregivers, and community organizations share their needs as Maine tackles rising workforce shortages and costs.
WMTWRead more
Maine State Treasurer’s Office holds over $399 million in unclaimed funds from bank accounts, insurance refunds, and uncashed checks.
The CBS13 I-Team partnered with the office on National Unclaimed Property Day Monday (5–6:30 p.m.) to help Mainers claim money, and Unclaimed Property Week runs through Feb. 8.
WGMERead more
Health
Thousands of Mainers face a premium increase of 30 to 100% as Congress declines to renew ACA subsidies, forcing many into high-deductible plans or no coverage while Bob KohlLiberty urges a shift to Medicare for All or Maine AllCare’s universal health care plan.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
Blazes Burgers in Westbrook celebrated Tater Tot Day on Feb. 2 when Alex Stone shared creative recipes that gave Groundhog Day a tasty twist using beloved fried potatoes.
FOX23Read more
Sports
After a third-place finish at Dongbeiya, Maine snowboarder Nathan Pare secured a spot on Team USA and will compete in snowboard cross at the Winter Olympics in Italy; his race begins Feb. 12 at Livigno Snow Park and he looks to follow in the footsteps of local legend Seth Wescott.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Midwinter Classic 10-mile race in Cape Elizabeth was postponed due to forecasted high tides, extreme winds, and potential flooding.
Runners have been automatically moved to the new date on March 1 to ensure safety during the event.
WGMERead more
A Monte Carlo simulation has shown that 72 Maine high school boys basketball teams still have a chance for the playoffs in the final week of the season.
The data-driven analysis gives local coaches and fans a clear look at each team’s path across North, South and regional divisions.
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.