Daily editionThursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
Community
Portland will kick off its holiday season when a 40-foot red spruce is delivered to Monument Square on Wednesday morning — crews will cut it at 8:30 a.m. from a local property and transport it along Franklin Street and Congress Street with an expected arrival by 10 a.m.
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Portland installed a 40-foot red spruce tree (donated by the Housing Authority) from 9 Boyd Street at Monument Square for its holiday display yesterday.
The tree will be lit on November 28 and remain on display through January 1 as crews clear space for a planned three-building project.
WMTWRead more
Business
Portland’s Not A Bakery—a food trailer started by former Twelve pastry chef Georgia Macon and her team—was named one of the country’s five best bakeries for 2025 by Eater.
This award makes it the only New England bakery on the list and adds to the city’s growing reputation for great baking.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Longfellow Books in Portland released its weekly bestsellers list with top fiction featuring Heart the Lover by Lily King and leading nonfiction with Nations Apart by Colin Woodard.
The lists include both hardcover and paperback editions from several publishers — showing what local readers prefer.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland theaters are showing a range of films including an Italian dark comedy at Kinonik on Nov. 26 and Nov. 29 — a Beatles rock musical at PMA Films is set for Nov. 29, with Maine film festivals in Belfast, Waterville and at Space scheduled through Dec. 7.
A Maine streaming pick pays tribute to screen legend Sally Kirkland after her Nov. 11 passing — offering local audiences a mix of classic and region-focused movie experiences.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Versant Power bills now cost $154.39 in Bangor Hydro and $145.40 in Maine Public for 500 kilowatt-hours—up over 78% and 95% since 2015—while covering charges for making power, moving it, state policy and conservation.
The sample bills show that distribution is the largest fee and that costs vary by district.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Christopher Gilbert from Cumberland, a Greely High School graduate, discovered the smallest universal set of quantum gates that uses two qubits to reduce errors in quantum computing (he won a $25,000 scholarship from the Davidson Institute).
He is now in his first semester at MIT and plans to continue his research on quantum computing.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
An appeals court ruled that tracking lobster vessels for sustainability is legal so the government can require electronic tracking on federally-permitted boats—Conservation Law Foundation said this step is key for effective management amid climate change.
FOX23Read more
Researchers nearly completed a three-year study on PFAS in Casco Bay that began in 2023 and expanded after a Brunswick firefighting foam spill in 2024—adding six new testing sites to the original 70.
The final data, which show low PFAS levels in seafood harvest zones but confirm the chemical's widespread presence, are expected in the next few months.
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Government
Today, the Maine Public Utilities Commission unanimously rejected Central Maine Power’s five-year plan—set to raise monthly bills by $35—as state leaders and ratepayers objected, and CMP is expected to file a revised proposal.
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Central Maine Power customers will face a rise in their electric bills as the Maine Public Utilities Commission accepted a new Standard Offer rate that takes effect Jan. 1—raising rates from 10.61 to 12.72 cents per kilowatt-hour and adding about $11 to an average monthly bill.
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The Maine Department of Transportation is preparing for winter storms by deploying 850 snowfighters and 430 plow trucks to care for over 8,000 miles of roads and by using salt brine to prevent ice from forming.
Officials are working with local crews—asking drivers to slow down and give space to plows during heavy snowfall.
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Lifestyle
Nutritionist Sara Sullivan shows readers how to make parmesan herb delicata squash and kale brussels sprout salad for Thanksgiving — her recipes give clear steps for roasting the squash and tossing the kale with a zesty mustard vinaigrette.
The healthy veggie sides use simple ingredients designed to add a fresh, flavorful touch to a fall meal.
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Portland Events
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.
2025 The Polar Express Train Ride Experience
Saturday, December 6th, 2025 · 6:30 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Premium pricing available — Experience a magical journey to the North Pole with hot chocolate and holiday cheer.