Daily editionSaturday, November 15th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 15th of November.
Community
Community groups and churches across Maine will serve free Thanksgiving meals and distribute food boxes as rising food prices and reduced benefits strain local families — events will be held in towns like Freeport, Gardiner, and Gorham between November 23 and 28 with options for dine-in, take-out, or delivery.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Veterans facing legal problems and unable to afford a lawyer are urged to contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance, which uses a federal grant to handle their cases across Maine — the organization has offices in Portland, Lewiston and Augusta.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A 40-foot red spruce is coming from a Boyd Street lot to Monument Square on Wednesday morning—city crews and Shaw Brothers Construction will move the tree for a new housing project while preparations are underway for a holiday tree-lighting event on November 28.
City officials say the tree, long a neighborhood landmark, will brighten the season as redevelopment continues.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Drivers should check tire pressure, battery health, and pack an emergency kit with a shovel, blanket, and jumper cables as winter nears—AAA reports nearly 46% of weather-related crashes occur in colder months.
Regular maintenance and keeping a full tank of gas can help avoid road problems in icy conditions.
WMTWRead more
Maine experts advise homeowners to brush away snow and ice to keep heat pump units clear and to check drainage lines so water flows freely.
They also stress the need to clean or replace filters and schedule an annual professional tune-up—steps that help maintain top system efficiency.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
On Friday, Maine DHHS said it followed Gov. Mills' directive to deliver November's full SNAP benefits to all eligible households from Monday through Friday, and recipients began using the funds early in the week—while the department continued processing applications during the shutdown to support nearly 170,000 residents.
WMTWRead more
Scarborough Fire Department will add 10 new full-time firefighters through a rigorous four-week training program, and—after graduating in early December—the department will launch a third ambulance at Black Point Fire Station in January to reduce response times amid rising call volumes.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Overdose deaths in Maine have dropped for the third straight year after peaking at 723 in 2022, with the first nine months of this year showing 23% fewer deaths than last year and 37% fewer than in 2023.
State officials credit wider access to naloxone — which has saved over 12,000 lives in six years — and increased treatment beds for the decline in fatal overdoses.
FOX23Read more
Greely Middle School in Cumberland reported an outbreak of whooping cough with three confirmed cases — this meets Maine CDC's outbreak criteria — and officials advised sick students to remain home until they complete treatment.
Maine CDC data noted that whooping cough numbers are lower this year compared to last year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Office of Cannabis Policy expanded its recall of Yani adult use vape cartridges after tests detected unsafe Chlorfenapyr levels in Apples & Bananas, Cherry Tartufo, and Lemon Cherry Pie strains sold at 26 retail stores in Auburn, Kittery, Portland, and Thomaston — consumers who purchased these products were advised to return them or dispose of them and to contact a healthcare provider if they experienced adverse reactions.
WGMERead more
The Maine Office of Cannabis Policy announced an expanded recall of Yani vape cartridges after tests showed unsafe levels of Chlorfenapyr+ the recall adds products labeled Apples & Bananas, Cherry Tartufo, and Lemon Cherry Pie from retailers in Auburn, Kittery, Portland, and Thomaston, and consumers are advised to return or dispose of the products properly.
FOX23Read more
Sports
Portland High defeated Bangor 30 to 22 in the Class A North final Friday night at Fitzpatrick Stadium with Cordell Jones scoring three second-half touchdowns.
The Bulldogs will face the South final winner next week in a state title game—marking their fourth straight appearance.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
UMaine football faces URI at Alfond Stadium Saturday at 1 p.m.—a win will tie the Black Bears for first in the conference and set up a title chance with a win at UNH next week.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Tom Rush Concert
Thursday, December 4th, 2025 · 8-11 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary sounds of Tom Rush, a pioneer of American folk music.