Daily editionThursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
Community
Maine pups Lobster Roll and Auggie will lead teams Fluff and Ruff for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland in the 22nd annual Puppy Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. in Westbrook (this televised event promotes animal adoption).
FOX23Read more
Business
Salvatore’s Hoagie Shop launches today at 448 Forest Ave, taking over the former Pizza Joint space.
Owners Kara Picone and Owen Price plan to serve Philadelphia-style sandwiches, pizzas, and desserts from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Sharif Elmusa shares his transposed poem ('Scent of My Son') with Deep Water, a Maine poetry project by the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance.
The poem, based on an Egyptian report, draws clear links between state violence abroad and challenges felt at home.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Local performer Theo LeBlanc returned home yesterday with his Flip Fabrique troupe to launch its circus show Blizzard at Merrill Auditorium + his family and fans watched playful acrobatics and snowy scenes that recalled childhood fun.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Forty-eight years ago, from Sunday, Feb. 5, 1978 to Tuesday, Feb. 7, a nor’easter hit the Northeast with heavy snow, fierce winds, and coastal flooding that forced evacuations along Maine’s southern coast & Portland got 8 inches while areas south recorded over 2 feet, setting a high tide record.
WGMERead more
Environment
Portland saw light flurries this morning and will experience on-and-off light snow on Saturday, with models forecasting 2-3 inches for Southern Maine by Sunday morning.
Meteorologist Victoria Wisniewski warns that a trough will bring windy conditions and sub-zero wind chills Sunday.
WMTWRead more
Government
Social media posts falsely claim lawnmower registration will soon cost $30, but the Secretary of State's Office said today that no such fee or law exists; local residents are urged to rely on official announcements + accurate sources.
WGMERead more
Health
In 2025, Portland distributed 1,057,062 needles and collected 86% of them thanks to a syringe buyback program that paid 10 cents per syringe (up to $20 per client) and helped reduce needle litter across the city.
Public health officials noted the program’s strong impact compared to 2024's 66% collection rate.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
MyMaine magazine released its third edition today, celebrating the state's modern lifestyle.
Publisher Karen Middleton and editor Maggie Knowles explained the magazine's mission and content at a local launch.
WGMERead more
Sports
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg scored 36 points & became the youngest player to score 30+ in three straight games when he played his favorite team, the Celtics on Tuesday, adding 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks in the 110-100 loss.
His record-setting night follows a string of high-scoring games.
WMTWRead more
Accidents
A home on Reed Road in Durham was destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning on Feb. 4 as firefighters worked more than eight hours to bring the blaze under control and displaced one resident; officials reported no injuries.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Tuvergen Band - Mongolian Folk Fusion
Friday, February 20th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Street Arts — Check the box for an evening of Mongolian folk fusion sounds with Tuvergen Band blending traditional tunes and modern rhythms.