Daily
Portland
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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). FOX23
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. WGME
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGME
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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. WGME
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
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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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Tuvergen Band - Mongolian Folk Fusion
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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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