Daily editionMonday, November 24th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 24th of November.
Community
Portland school community and local soccer groups are reacting after immigration officials detained a family that includes two high school students from Deering and Casco Bay High Schools at the Canadian border on Nov. 12.
The family was transferred to a detention center in Texas + their appeal against removal was denied after a failed asylum bid.
WGANRead more
AAA warns that over 80 million people will travel during Thanksgiving week—drivers may face longer waits, aggressive driving and heavier traffic.
Officials advise travelers to prepare their vehicles and follow safety rules.
WGMERead more
A Maine-based group that delivers wreaths to fallen veterans is asking for help because it is 25,000 headstones short for the 82 cemeteries it serves — organizers noted that volunteers from Arlington will soon travel, and National Wreaths Across America Day is set for December 13.
The group aims to honor veterans and teach children the value of freedom.
WGMERead more
Business
Several southern Maine stores are open on Thanksgiving to help residents get last-minute food and gift items.
Portland’s Fresh Approach offers premade meals and pies—while Hilltop Superette, Waterboro Market & Cafe and others have varied hours and supplies—so shoppers can find what they need without delay.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
An award-winning documentary about Portland wastewater workers premiered on Nov 23rd at the Portland Museum of Art—showing how they manage aging systems and challenges like PFAS to keep the city’s water clean.
The film earned strong praise from the audience for its honest look at the everyday work behind public health.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Dr. John Daggett opened his direct primary care practice in Yarmouth in January, where for $125 a month patients get unlimited access via texts, telehealth, calls, emails and in-person visits.
He has seen an increase in uninsured patients planning to drop traditional coverage amid rising health costs — a trend that mirrors the rapid growth of direct primary care across the nation.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Ron Harper Jr. scored 26 points and set a franchise record with 43 assists as Maine rallied from a 23-point deficit to win 129-119 over the Blue Coats on Sunday in Portland — Kameron Warrens scored a career-high 22 points and Kendall Brown added 18 points with nine assists to secure Maine's fourth straight win.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Maine Mariners snapped a four-game losing streak Sunday at Cross Insurance Arena with a 5-1 win over the Norfolk Admirals as Luke Cavallin made a season-high 40 saves.
Owen Gallatin scored his first professional goal while Lynden McCallum, Jacob Hudson, Tristan Thompson and Brooklyn Kalmikov added goals — Marko Reifenberger scored for Norfolk.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Coach Sam Johnson led his Blue Blazes to a 40—20 state championship win over Cony on Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Once a player for Westbrook, he pushed the team to dream big and work hard to win their first title.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
The Wood Brothers Live Concert
Friday, December 12th, 2025 · 7:30-9:00 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of The Wood Brothers blending folk and roots music.