Good morning, Portland.

Maine parents facing financial hardship have turned to the Press Herald Toy Fund to provide toys and books that bring a bit of holiday joy to their children.

Donations from newspaper readers support families in counties including York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Androscoggin, and Knox as they manage setbacks like rising rent and food costs.

Portland woman Cheyenne Donovan crashed her electric scooter near Cumberland Avenue and Franklin Street last week and suffered a broken nose, stitches, and knee issues while she now seeks to thank the police officer, a coworker, and nurses who helped her—her helmet saved her life and she will return to work Tuesday.

Small business owners in Maine will face a steep rise in ACA premiums next year if Congress does not extend tax credits by Dec.

31. Mary Link of Windham—who runs a home improvement company with her husband—warned that her monthly bill will jump from $954 to over $2,100, forcing a tough choice between staying in business and keeping health coverage.

Faculty at Maine’s community colleges thank support staff for working longer hours after a new software rollout made tasks three to five times longer.

The staff have used creative workarounds — from hand entering data to delivering aid checks— to help students and keep classes running across seven campuses.

Maine is expected to see several inches of snow on Tuesday night that may cause slippery roads and delays during the evening commute—meteorologists noted that the storm track remains uncertain and snowfall amounts could change.

Proposed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge may threaten the Arctic tern habitat that brings young birds to Maine — the plan could also worsen warming in the Gulf, putting the state’s ecotourism at risk.

Mainers are urged to vote against H.J. Res. 131 to protect local wildlife and coastal businesses.

A proposed federal funding cut to the Continuum of Care program may hurt more than 1,200 Mainers who need permanent supportive housing—risking a return to shelters or the streets.

Maine housing leaders and the attorney general are urging Congress to keep funding so vulnerable residents can stay secure.

Bowdoin beat Gustavus Adolphus 4 to 2 in Saturday’s hockey game as goalie Jacob Osborn made 12 saves in the first period—Bowdoin scored four goals in the second period.

USM lost its game against Wentworth Institute after taking an early two-goal lead and then falling behind as the opposing team rallied.

UMaine men’s basketball lost its season opener on Saturday afternoon when Longwood clinched a 65-61 win in Washington, D.C.—Mekhi Gray led the Black Bears with 16 points as missed 3-point attempts in the final seconds allowed Longwood’s Redd Thompson Jr. to secure the victory.

At the 31st Chrissanne Burns Memorial Tournament in Augusta on Saturday, four high school girls basketball teams were led by female head coaches who played preseason games to showcase a growing trend in Maine.

The event featured coaches such as Cony’s Alex Bessey and South Portland’s Brianne Maloney — their leadership reflects a marked increase from past years.

Adriana Smith recorded her first career triple-double with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists as UMaine won 69-46 over St. Francis at the Iona Turkey Tip-Off tournament last Saturday in New Rochelle — she also blocked four shots while teammates supported the win.

Tom Rush Concert

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

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

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

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

6-8 p.m. — Hardshore Distilling Company — Ages 21+ — Craft your own festive cork ornaments and decorative votives for the holiday season.

Joe DeRosa Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — General Admission available — Catch a night of laughs with acclaimed comedian Joe DeRosa as he performs live in Portland.

Maine Mariners vs Worcester Railers

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Check event page for ticket pricing — Celebrate Portland Pirates night with specialty jerseys and alumni appearances.

Magic of Christmas Concert

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Merrill Auditorium — Ticket info not provided — Experience the festive celebration of joy and music featuring the Portland Symphony Orchestra and special guests.

A Victorian Nutcracker

7-8:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the magic of a classic ballet in the heart of Portland.

Bess Jacques & The Strays Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Ticket info not provided — Experience an eclectic mix of jazz, Americana, and faux-tango-pop with Bess Jacques & The Strays.