Daily editionTuesday, November 18th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.
Community
Auburn residents skated at Norway Savings Bank Arena to raise funds for New Beginnings, an organization that helps homeless youth and recently opened an emergency warming shelter with 12 new beds—boosting support for young people in need.
FOX23Read more
Gorham animal control officer Hannah Michalevich began collecting pet food donations at the police station lobby and Little Falls Recreation Area to support the Animal Refuge League at the Westbrook shelter — she has delivered more than 350 pounds of food as of November.
WMTWRead more
Growing to Give farm in Brunswick finished its biggest fall harvest on November 14—about 18,000 pounds of fresh food was donated to local food banks to help Mainers facing rising costs and cuts in food programs.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Seven events this week in Maine include a Soweto Gospel Choir performance at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Friday at 7 p.m., a short film show in Fryeburg on Friday at 7:30 p.m., a screening with Ernest Thompson in Gardiner on Saturday at 6 p.m., a geek craft fair at University of Southern Maine in Portland on Saturday, a Taylor Swift tribute in Sanford on Saturday at 7 p.m., and a vinyl record sale at Fireside Inn in Portland on Sunday. Maine-based rock band Sparks The Rescue will mark its 20th anniversary with a concert at State Theatre on Wednesday, Nov. 26 — tickets starting at $25.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The award-winning folk trio The Wailin’ Jennys will perform a benefit concert for Lives in the Balance at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.—all proceeds will fund its programs and advocacy efforts for compassionate youth care.
FOX23Read more
Portland-based Not A Bakery was named one of Eater’s five best bakeries and is the only New England bakery on the list, with a rotating menu inspired by former Twelve pastry chef Georgia Macon’s French training and local flavors.
The food trailer — parked near Twelve restaurant and Austin Street Brewery — reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a baking mecca.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Maine business owners say rising housing costs and high wages are causing restaurant staffing shortages and forcing some eateries to cut hours or close.
A statewide coalition (Build Homes, Build Community) launched its campaign to show that affordable housing is key to supporting the local economy.
WGANRead more
After ten days of flight restrictions from November 7 to November 16, Portland International Jetport resumed normal operations Monday morning after the FAA lifted limits on 40 airports — about 700 flights were scheduled during that period with 38 canceled and 167 delayed, and United Airlines reported one flight delayed by 5.5 hours.
WMTWRead more
Government
The Maine Library Commission postponed its vote on a new library agreement on Monday after sharp public criticism of rules that would require small libraries to hire directors and extend hours — commissioners will seek a legal opinion and revisit the vote in January.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Officials are searching for 57-year-old Wiley Davi, a Peaks Island resident last seen Saturday evening, and are asking locals to avoid walking trails—searchers are focusing on wooded areas and nearby waters while multiple agencies work the case.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
High school football teams advanced to state championships after winning key games on Friday and Saturday in Auburn and Cumberland — Camden Hills, Thornton Academy, and Portland teams celebrated wins that earned them championship spots.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Jim Gaffigan - Everything is Wonderful Tour
Friday, December 5th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Grammy-nominated comedian Jim Gaffigan as he brings his unique observations on life to Portland.