Latest issuePortland and the rail authority still disagree on the Downeaster stationRead now

Daily PortlandSubscribe — it’s free

← Past issues

Daily editionThursday, January 1st, 2026

Good morning, Portland.

The Daily Portland Team

ShareEmailFacebookX

Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.

Business

  1. Maine-based music retailer Bull Moose announced its North Windham store will close at the end of January after more than 30 years in business.

    Employees are offered transfers or severance as the chain works through its remaining inventory.

    WGMERead more

  2. Veteran restaurateurs Deb McCluskey and her son Michael opened Salty Spirits on Dec. 18 at 76 Wallingford Square in Kittery Foreside.

    The intimate venue offers a seafood-forward menu with oysters, mussels, and specialty cocktails in a 500 sqft space.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Economy

  1. High demand and truck repairs have delayed fuel deliveries for some residents in Oxford + York.

    Customers say they prepaid for fuel but face long waits, and the Maine Attorney General’s Office is working with consumers to fix the situation.

    WGMERead more

Education

  1. Regional School Unit 5 superintendent Tom Gray reminded the community that bus safety is a shared duty this new year as winter roads make stops more hazardous — drivers may need extra time and families are urged to help keep kids safe.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Government

  1. Maine astronaut Jessica Meir from Caribou will command the SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station launching no earlier than Feb. 15.

    She will join pilot Jack Hathaway and mission specialists Sophie Adenot and Andrey Fedyaev to help prepare for future trips to the moon or Mars.

    WMTWRead more

  2. Today the Portland Water District will raise residential rates by 7.4%, adding about $1.92 to a typical bill; commercial and industrial rates will rise by 8.4% and 9.6% with funds used for infrastructure upgrades—ensuring healthy water and reliable service.

    FOX23Read more

  3. A fake online release claimed MDIFW would reclassify northern pike as protected, but a department spokesperson said its invasive species policy is unchanged.

    The notice used a different logo plus tagline and has prompted several public calls.

    WGMERead more

  4. MDIFW clarified that an online release claiming to change northern pike regulation is fake—its logo and tagline do not match official versions.

    A spokesperson noted that the agency’s policy remains unchanged and residents have been calling about the mistaken release.

    FOX23Read more

  5. Effective today, Portland Water District increased water rates by about 7.4%—adding roughly $1.92 monthly to a typical $30 bill—as it raises commercial and industrial rates by 8.4% and 9.6% to help fund nearly $83 million in infrastructure upgrades.

    WGMERead more

Health

  1. Flu cases are rising across the country as the new subclade K variant causes high levels of illness, with the CDC reporting over half the states affected.

    Maine residents—especially older adults and those with chronic conditions—are urged to get a flu shot soon to help prevent severe illness.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Sports

  1. Maine's inaugural Lobster Pot Men's Ice Hockey Tournament kicks off Friday, Jan. 2 at the Family Ice Center in Falmouth with the No.7 Nor'easters facing Colby at 3:30 p.m. and the No.13 Bowdoin taking on USM at 7 p.m., with Saturday's consolation and championship games to follow.

    WGMERead more