‘We all need a respite from the stress of 2025, and indulging in good music, books and movies is a must for our psyches in 2026,’ Amy Calder writes.
Life & Culture
Arts, entertainment, food and books news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Posted inHealth, Life & Culture, Maine, News
Maine’s first baby of 2026 born at Augusta hospital
The girl was born at 12:53 a.m. Thursday to a Lisbon couple at MaineGeneral Health’s Alfond Center for Health.
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Posted inArts & Entertainment, Books, Life & Culture
A new collection of Jonathan Lethem’s stories reveals his preoccupations over time
Encounter super heroes, a talking crab, digital copies of humans and more in ‘A Different Kind of Tension.’
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture
Make your plans for the most anticipated films in 2026
From epic tales to horror to your next cult fave, the movies on the slate for this year run the gamut.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Books, Life & Culture
11 Maine librarians share the books they loved in 2025
The recommendations come from librarians in Kennebunkport, Gorham, Portland, Freeport, Lewiston and Brunswick, among others.
Posted inLife & Culture, Maine, News, Outdoors
Starting the New Year in Maine on a high point — or peak
Mainers share their tips for hiking on New Year’s Day.
Posted inFood & Dining, Life & Culture
Maine gets in on the hot pot trend, but it’s also easy to make them at home
The communal cooking tradition from Asia easily translates to a convivial cold-weather meal dinner party with friends and family.
Posted inBusiness, Food & Dining, Maine, News
Maine’s PFAS ban expands to consumer items on Jan. 1
Under the updated law, many common household items like cookware, cosmetics and children’s toys must be free of harmful forever chemicals.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Things to Do
Fill your calendar with Maine’s can’t-miss events in 2026
Here’s your guide to getting tickets to Maine’s biggest events in 2026.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Things to Do
Enjoy Maine on a budget with 17 free or cheap things to do
Don’t sleep on these bargains, including several colleges that offer free admission to their art galleries.