Daily editionSaturday, November 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of November.
Culture
Maddie Landry, a 12-year-old artist from Portland, turned her love of drawing into Maddie Moo Designs by selling stickers with creative characters — including Cherry and Cone — and donating part of her profits to local nonprofits.
She partnered with local businesses and learned small-business skills from her father.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Portland Museum of Art announced Friday that it will buy properties at 110, 120, 128 and 130 Free St. from MaineHealth to expand its campus and create 140 public parking spaces—MaineHealth will keep using the administrative building for at least two years while PMA plans renovations for new offices.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine State Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at Merrill Auditorium with six shows set from November 28—December 7.
The ballet tells the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey through the Land of Sweets.
WGMERead more
Maine State Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at Merrill Auditorium with six shows scheduled from November 28 through December 7.
The production—an annual holiday tradition—will bring festive magic to Portland.
FOX23Read more
Education
A Kennebec Journal investigation shows that national groups and local activists are causing tense school board meetings in Gardiner, Pittston, Randolph and West Gardiner — with meetings growing loud and expensive due to rising legal fees and security costs.
The report urges parents and community members to watch closely to protect local public education.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
RSU 1 officials in Bath announced they are moving forward with plans to build a new Dike-Newall Elementary School after the building was badly damaged by arson in 2022—this project tops the Maine Department of Education’s list of 95 approved school construction projects statewide.
Interested firms must submit 9 copies of their qualifications for architectural and engineering services by 3 p.m. on Dec. 12.
WMTWRead more
Environment
A new Bold Coast Wilderness Preserve was created in Downeast Maine in October to protect 2,037 acres of forests, marshes, and islands linked to 12,234 acres of public land.
The site now welcomes non-motorized activities like fishing, hunting, and hiking and shows how Northeast Wilderness Trust and Maine Coast Heritage Trust teamed up — adding 204 acres of untouched wetlands.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A picture of a juvenile great white shark was taken 15 miles off the coast of Harpswell by photographer Brian Skerry—and the image was featured in National Geographic’s Best of the World photo gallery yesterday.
The 10-foot shark appears to be the first underwater capture of its kind in Maine—and research shows more great whites may be breeding in local coastal waters.
FOX23Read more
Finance
Norway Savings Bank said it finished an investigation on Oct 27 after a data breach on August 14 may have exposed the names, addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, tax identification numbers and account details of 44,259 customers—free credit monitoring is offered to help protect those affected. No evidence of data misuse has been reported.
WGMERead more
Government
A Portland family, including two high school students, was detained by immigration officials after being returned from Canada at a New York port of entry on Nov. 12 and moved to a detention facility in Texas—Portland Public Schools and community leaders are now providing support and raising funds for legal help.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Wednesday, Scarborough residents met to discuss how new state law LD 1829 limits the town’s control over development—residents worry that fast growth will strain local infrastructure and housing affordability.
Town officials and councilors plan to coordinate with neighboring municipalities and consider measures including a development moratorium to manage further growth.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
A jury awarded a Maine mother $25M in a medical malpractice case for her daughter's death, the largest verdict in state history, but a state law cap limits her wrongful death damages to $750K—Mid Coast Medical Group has filed for a new trial.
Attorneys have until early December to respond before District Court Judge Michael Duddy makes a decision.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
MaineHousing announced on Friday that it had financed more than 300 new affordable apartments for older adults and families across eight projects in Biddeford, Belfast, Lewiston, Portland, and South Portland.
The agency also financed over 1,000 units in the past 12 months (supported by $14.3 million in tax credits) and estimated that the developments would generate nearly $117 million in economic activity.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
DIY Holiday Cork Ornaments & Mod Podge Votives
Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Hardshore Distilling Company — Ages 21+ — Craft your own festive cork ornaments and decorative votives for the holiday season.