Daily editionFriday, November 14th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 14th of November.
Community
Portland business and nonprofit leaders gathered Thursday night at Ocean Gateway for the first annual Day of Giving—an event that brought together more than 250 local organizations.
Governor Mills presented grants to eight nonprofits including Big Brother, Big Sisters, Girl Scouts and Good Shepherd Food Bank to support their community work.
WGMERead more
Iron Legion is set to host its Operation Change Deadlifting Competition at Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge Street, Saturday — the event aims to raise $100K to fund up to 10 wishes for local families through Make-A-Wish Maine.
FOX23Read more
The Travis Mills Foundation raised $175,000 on Oct. 11 at the Portland International Jetport with its sixth annual plane pull to support recalibrated veterans and their families.
Thirty-one teams of 20 to 25 people competed after each team raised at least $2,500—Northeast Air led the fundraising while Ryan's Rope-a-Dopes, RBC Wealth Management and Plane Pullers recorded the fastest pulls.
WMTWRead more
Business
McCain Foods announced Wednesday that it will buy Maine’s family-owned Penobscot McCrum—founded in Mars Hill in 1886—and will bring 130 Washburn facility employees into a long-term potato supply agreement while the farming operation stays independent.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Alice Brooks from Portland worked as the cinematographer on both Wicked films — she spent over a year in England with her family while using creative camera techniques to highlight different visual styles.
Wicked: For Good will open in theaters on Nov 21.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
A report from the Joint Economic Committee — Minority estimated that inflation cost the average Maine family an extra $543 since February, which is below the national extra cost of $706.
The report also showed that the national debt increased by $60,140.63 per second.
WMTWRead more
Environment
Maine’s community solar program has grown quickly over 10 years as solar energy increased from 17 megawatts in 2015 to 1,641 megawatts today.
Some subscribers report saving about 15% on their bills though a few have paid for extra credits, and Gov. Janet Mills signed new legislation today to guide solar companies and manage costs—Henry Barrett of Nexamp said a stable policy is needed for long-term planning.
WMTWRead more
After a week of steady rain, Maine’s drought conditions improved—an 11% reduction in extreme drought was reported, although well water problems persist.
Town rain gauges recorded one to three inches of rain, which helped recharge soil moisture and improve stream flows.
WMTWRead more
Government
After a 43-day shutdown, the government reopened but hundreds of flight delays and cancellations were reported on Thursday morning at major airport hubs.
At Portland Jetport, only one flight headed to New York’s LaGuardia was cancelled so far — passengers may face more disruptions as the day goes on.
WGMERead more
Portland International Jetport has seen a third of its 414 scheduled flights delayed or canceled after the FAA’s updated emergency order froze flight reductions until further notice—most flights connect with 15 affected airports.
Jetport officials said travelers must check their flight status—airlines are offering date changes or refunds for canceled flights.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Westbrook High School will host a historic playoff game tonight as its 8-1 Blue Blazes face an 8-1 Kennebunk team in the B South Regional Championship game — a matchup seen as a milestone for the school — that will decide who advances to the state championship.
WGMERead more
Accidents
A sinkhole developed on Gray Road—Route 202 near the rotary with Route 302 in Windham on Thursday morning; police, firefighters and public works crews limited traffic to one lane and began repairs.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
2025 The Polar Express Train Ride
Sunday, November 30th, 2025 · 2:45 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Non-refundable tickets available — Experience a magical ride to the North Pole with hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday cheer.