Daily editionFriday, February 6th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 6th of February.
Culture
Starting this month, Curtis Memorial and Patten Free Library cardholders can get free tickets to shows at Chocolate Church Arts Center.
The six-month pilot program aims to broaden access to local arts and may expand to include more libraries (such as Topsham and Portland) if successful.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine historian Herb Adams profiles Cornelia T. Crosby—known as Fly-Rod Crosby—who, beginning in 1895, wrote columns that brought national attention to the Rangeley Lakes Region and helped fund Our Lady of the Lakes church, which held its first mass in Aug. 1908 and has been renovated.
FOX23Read more
Maine Historical Society will display its 250 year old Dunlap Broadside copy of the Declaration at a Portland exhibit (Pathways to Freedom) from Mar. 13 to July 4.
The document will tour 16 counties statewide from July 17 to Oct. 31 as part of 250th anniversary events.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A Brunswick park was named after Francis and Mahitable Heuston to honor Maine’s Black heritage and their free Black community that once helped escaped slaves.
The park (230 acres) was dedicated in September 2025 near the family cemetery on Old Bath Road.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
A weak disturbance will bring a round of light snow Friday night into Saturday, with coastal areas possibly getting up to 2 inches while most parts of southern and central Maine see about an inch.
Temperatures will fall sharply Saturday afternoon and wind chills will drop below zero Saturday night into Sunday morning (an Extreme Cold Watch is in effect until Sunday afternoon).
WMTWRead more
Government
Families and immigration attorneys in Maine have struggled to track detainees after federal authorities moved them out of state amid an enforcement surge.
Efforts to locate individuals, including Marcos Gaspar-Da Silva, have been hindered by unreliable tracking while court orders sometimes stop transfers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Maine Adaptive received a $10,000 donation from West Paris Provisions to fund a four-day adaptive winter retreat at Sunday River for veterans.
The customer round-up raised the money to expand adaptive skiing, snowboarding and other outdoor activities (program is set to grow).
WMTWRead more
Real Estate
Portland's four large housing projects totaling 645 units have stalled over the past three years due to rising construction costs and the city’s inclusionary zoning — requiring affordable housing or high fees — and local developers warn delays may continue until market conditions improve.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Colby College skiers Jack Young and Maddie Hooker will make Olympic debuts in Italy this weekend.
Young will represent the United States while Hooker, who left school to train full-time, will race for Australia (adding to a contingent of Maine-tied athletes).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine native Emily Fischnaller, competing in her third Olympics and married last spring to four-time competitor Dominik Fischnaller, will race in luge at Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
The men's event starts Saturday, Feb. 7 and the women's begins at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Hearts of Pine fullback Nathan Messer will leave for Charleston Battery in the USL Championship after a standout season; the transfer activated his release clause and he said he is eager to compete at a higher level.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Kindness Crafts
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 · 2-4 p.m. — South Portland Public Library: Main Library — Pre-registration required — Unleash your creativity in a monthly crafting series for adults.