Daily editionThursday, November 13th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 13th of November.
Community
Today, Taj Indian Cuisine in South Portland has set up a refrigerator in its entryway stocked with meals such as chicken curry and butter chicken, available on an honor system during operating hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Owner Sai Guntaka said he will keep the fridge filled through Christmas and serve free Thanksgiving meals—he added the restaurant already provided over 6,000 meals to people facing food insecurity amid SNAP benefit cuts.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Donald Oakes of Arundel will host a free Thanksgiving dinner at his home to honor his late son later this month, with his co-host Albert Howes preparing three turkeys for the meal (RSVP is needed on Facebook).
Guests will enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV in a room his son loved and football in the living room, and the dinner will be open and judgment free for anyone in the community.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Asian House Kitchen & Bar will open on Nov. 21 at 169 Ocean St in South Portland.
The restaurant will serve Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai dishes along with poke bowls, has a 40-seat interior updated with fresh paint, and will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Truck drivers can now use the PrePass app on I-95 in Maine to safely bypass weigh stations.
The app synchronizes truck data at stations in Kittery, Sidney and Old Town on the southbound side and in York and Pittsfield on the northbound side — it will cut delays and let police focus on higher-risk carriers.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Lily King's new novel Heart the Lover follows college student Jordan as she faces first love and heartbreak with two smart friends — a journey that moves from her youthful days to later life as a writer and mother.
The book revisits characters from her earlier work while showing how love and loss shape her choices.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sandy Hill Farm in Eliot will host Winter Wonders—an immersive walk-through light show featuring more than 2.5 million lights across 14 acres for a festive holiday experience.
FOX23Read more
Retired military officer and veterinarian Lukcia Patricia Sullivan published her poem 'Flow into Girl' that reflects on her journey as a lifelong girl who transitioned at 67 and now lives as her true self in Hampden—an intimate look at change.
The Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance welcomes new Deep Water submissions through the end of the year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
At Bowdoin College, a long-standing debate group has seen campus talks grow tense as national free speech issues rise and student voices struggle to be heard.
Campus groups and international students have expressed fear of backlash while officials work to balance open debate with safety + some students even left discussions over heated topics.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Maine's Total Weather team said long-range models agree that a low-pressure system will move into the northeast on Sunday, bringing a mix of rain, snow and windy conditions to the state—marking the first winter system of the season.
Officials will continue tracking data to update local forecasts and determine impacts.
WMTWRead more
Strong solar flares boosted geomagnetic activity — many Maine residents saw the northern lights on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reported that activity reached the second highest level.
WGMERead more
Sports
Pass holders skied at Sunday River yesterday at 9 a.m. as the resort opened its slopes and made snow with over 200 snow guns using 6,500 gallons per minute—daily lift tickets began selling today for more guests to enjoy the winter conditions.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
Intro to Argentine Tango and Practica
Friday, November 14th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — The Portland Yoga Project — First lesson free, $50 for all six classes — Discover the elegant fundamentals of Argentine Tango with expert guidance.
Kyle Eldridge & Shaun Young Live Concert
Saturday, November 15th, 2025 · 9-11 p.m. — Veterans of Foreign Wars — Free entry — Experience the lively tunes of country and western swing from Kentucky's own Kyle Eldridge and Shaun Young & The Swingin' Strikes.
2025 POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Sunday, November 16th, 2025 · 2:45 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical train ride to the North Pole inspired by the beloved classic.
Bess Jacques & The Strays Live Performance
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Check for tickets — Experience an eclectic mix of jazz, Americana, and more with lush vocal ballads and vibrant tunes.
2025 The Polar Express Train Ride
Friday, November 21st, 2025 · 4 PM — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Standard pricing — Experience a magical journey to the North Pole on a festive train ride with storytelling and treats.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 · 6:30 PM — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket required — Embark on a magical train journey to the North Pole with festive treats and storytelling.
Maine Mariners vs Norfolk Admirals
Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 · 3:00-4:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — $10 tickets — Enjoy an exciting hockey game with fun activities for all ages.
PMP Certification 4-Day Classroom Training
Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 · 9 a.m.–5 p.m. — Portland Maine — $1599 — Comprehensive PMP certification training offering real-world examples and lifetime access to recordings.
10th Annual Savage Family Turkey Trot 5K
Thursday, November 27th, 2025 · 9:00 a.m. — Bug Light Park — Registration fees apply — Celebrate the 10th annual community run/walk with family and friends this Thanksgiving morning.
Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures
Friday, November 28th, 2025 · 12:00 – 1:30 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket prices vary — Embark on a magical journey with beloved Disney characters in an ice show extravaganza.