Daily editionFriday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
Community
Brunswick opened the new Tedford Housing emergency shelter on Thomas Point Road on Thursday morning—expanding capacity by 60% to serve an additional 80 people each year—and replaced an older facility.
The 17,000-square-foot building now provides secure wings and more accessible spaces for adults and families facing homelessness in southern Maine.
WGMERead more
Business
Green Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, is set to boost Maine’s recreational cannabis market as shoppers in South Portland and beyond plan to stock up on edibles, vape carts, and pre-rolls in advance of the holiday weekend—sales have grown steadily since retail launched in 2020 with this day now ranking second only to 4/20.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Douglas Smith, the artist behind the 1995 'Wicked' novel, created a new cover edition timed with the film's release from his Peaks Island home—he said revisiting his work felt like a full-circle moment despite not having seen the musical or movie.
He remains proud of his contributions to the Oz world and continues to cherish the unique style of his early illustrations.
WMTWRead more
L.L. Bean’s Northern Lights celebration returns to Freeport from today through Dec. 24 at Discovery Park, where locals will gather for festive events.
The festival kicks off today with a 35ft Balsam fir lighting ceremony and a new Winter Spectacular Projection Show starting at 6 p.m. on Camp L.L. Bean (showing every half-hour from 4 to 8 p.m.), along with Santa visits, heated fire pits, live music and food trucks.
FOX23Read more
Education
Charles Rotmil, a Holocaust survivor and Maine educator, died at 93—he spent his life teaching his story to thousands of local high schoolers.
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Government
Maine’s fuel pump inspection system requires annual checks to ensure accurate dispensing but some pumps have not been inspected in years — one pump was last checked in 2011 and others lacked the silver sticker confirming their test date.
State inspectors advise drivers to report outdated or missing stickers so issues can be quickly addressed.
WGMERead more
Avangrid received the final permit from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to complete its CMP power corridor project.
Testing and commissioning are scheduled to finish by the end of this year—once done, the corridor will deliver 1,200 megawatts of hydropower from Quebec and be energized this winter.
WMTWRead more
Health
MaineHealth received a five-year, $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to join a pediatric clinical trials network that spans 17 states.
The grant will let MaineHealth’s Barbara Bush Children's Hospital enroll children in studies on health, asthma, obesity and mental health—boosting research in rural and underserved areas.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Cony’s Rams, now 10-0 with an average win margin of 41 points, will face battle-tested Westbrook Blue Blazes, who edged four close games, in Saturday’s state title game.
Both teams say their practice and teamwork will help them handle tight contests — they are set to compete fiercely for the championship.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland’s Hearts of Pine have signed twelve returning players — including leading scorer Ollie Wright and captain Mikey Lopez — for the upcoming 2026 season under coach Bobby Murphy.
The team, which set USL1 attendance records last season, will resume training in January and aims to upgrade its defense while finalizing its roster.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cony with a 10-0 record and Westbrook with a 9-1 record will play for the Class B state championship on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland—Cony has won most games by large margins while Westbrook earned its title shot with several one-score wins.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Brad Terry Jazz Performance
Sunday, December 7th, 2025 · 4:00–5:30 p.m. — Cadenza — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Experience Maine jazz legend Brad Terry alongside talented musicians in an unforgettable live performance.