Daily editionTuesday, December 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 2nd of December.
Community
Today, the Toy Fund received nearly 4,800 holiday gift applications—about 1,000 more than last year—and officials placed an emergency order for extra toys to help Maine families this Giving Tuesday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Volunteers filled a Salvation Army truck with toys at the CBS13/Fox23 studios at 81 Northport Dr. in Portland on December 1—donating gifts for Maine kids in need.
The Joy of Sharing campaign, which has helped deliver thousands of toys over the years, continued accepting drops until December 17.
WGMERead more
This week, Maine hosts six events including a tree lighting at Mill Creek Park and a holiday craft fair at East End Community School in Portland—featuring live music, crafts and family fun.
Other events include a free festival in Rockland, a film screening in Waterville, a St. Lucia’s Day procession at Mayo Street Arts and a concert by the Mallett Brothers Band at the State Theatre.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine's second 24/7 emergency warming center opened in Lewiston yesterday at 70 Horton Street to provide round-the-clock warmth—just in time for a snow storm expected tomorrow.
Kaydenz Kitchen helped develop the shelter—described by officials as offering stability and dignity for those facing homelessness.
WMTWRead more
Business
Portland’s Luncheonette in the East End, owned by first-time restaurateurs Angela Lee and Alex LeBlanc, was named one of the 15 best new restaurants in America by Eater and is the only New England spot to make the list.
The restaurant, which opened in June at 147 Cumberland Ave., serves Korean-influenced dishes made from scratch using local ingredients — business has surged following the recognition.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Auburn native Colin Leonard won his third Latin Grammy Award on Nov. 13 in Las Vegas for working on Bad Bunny’s Album of the Year, 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos.' He has worked with Bad Bunny since 2017 and earned a Grammy for Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' in February—his win boosts his reputation— as he eyes future honors.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Meteorologist Ted McInerney said that today heavy snow is expected to begin by mid-morning with gusts up to 26 mph and temperatures dropping into the 20s—Portland may see accumulations between 4 to 8 inches as the storm intensifies before easing later tonight.
WMTWRead more
Government
236 veterans received permanent housing through the VA Maine Healthcare System as part of a nationwide effort that housed 51,936 homeless veterans in fiscal year 2025—VA Maine Medical Center Director Tracye Davis said the initiative, launched in May 2025, resulted from strong community partnerships that offered veterans immediate access to housing and benefits.
WMTWRead more
The Gorham Planning Board discussed a proposed Amazon warehouse—spanning more than 159,000 square feet—at its meeting on Monday at 7 p.m. The town had previously sold nearly 94 acres along Route 25 for $4 million, beginning what may be a lengthy review process for the distribution center planned for southern Maine.
WGMERead more
A 2023 study by HR&A Advisors for the Maine State Housing Authority finds that Maine will need between 76,400 and 84,300 new housing units by 2030 to meet rising demand from smaller households and population shifts—factors like restrictive zoning, slow permitting, rising costs, and a construction worker shortage worsen the gap, and the Legislature has eased some local zoning limits to support development.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Designing Women Portland Maine Market
Saturday, December 13th, 2025 · 9 AM - 4 PM — Ocean Avenue School — Suggested $3 donation — Experience a vibrant market with local exhibitors supporting community education initiatives.
2025 THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Sunday, December 14th, 2025 · 5:15 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical roundtrip journey to the North Pole with hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday carols.
A Victorian Nutcracker
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 · 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
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 · 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.