Daily
Portland
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 3rd of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
- ➤ 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. FOX23
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
- ➤ 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. WGME
- ➤ 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. WMTW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. WGME
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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.
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