Daily
Portland
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ During Portland’s first winter storm, the warming shelter did not open because temperatures stayed above 15 degrees and only about 2 inches of snow fell, leaving homeless residents in the cold. Police advised a group including Dean Peirce to move along as the city plans to open the shelter later—if conditions worsen. Portland Press Herald
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Dozens gathered outside Portland City Hall Monday evening to honor 75-year-old runner Diane Bell, who was hit by a car near Franklin Street and Marginal Way on November 20 and died at the hospital—officials said no charges have been filed as the investigation continues. WMTW
- ➤ A boating accident in Florida on Saturday killed three Mainers when a speed boat racing another vessel flipped at 4 p.m. in the Caloosahatchee River near a yacht club — the lone survivor is now improving after surgery. FOX23
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Camden author Chris Van Dusen created a sea otter design (35 years ago) for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and his work gained worldwide attention when Taylor Swift wore the shirt in a movie promoting her album in October. Liberty Graphics in Liberty now reissued the design and is mailing a card with his name with each shirt. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Mainer Chris Walter has received news that his documentary 'Artfully United' qualified for the Oscars — the film was shown at the Vacationland Film Festival in August and at the Boys and Girls Club. WGME
- ➤ Grace Hartigan’s exhibition—The Gift of Attention—is on view at the Portland Museum of Art until Jan 11, and the show displays paintings that blend abstract shapes with clear images to capture busy street life. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Mainer Chris Walter’s documentary 'Artfully United' now qualifies for the Oscars after it was shown at the Vacationland Film Festival and at the Boys and Girls Club — a key milestone in his filmmaking career. FOX23
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Central Maine Power said its special heat pump rate for up to 5,000 customers will end on December 31 and affect those who use heat pumps mainly to heat their homes — the pilot program was approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The company noted it still offers an electric technology rate that gives lower delivery costs year-round but has a higher service charge — a change that may impact heavy energy users. FOX23
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tuesday's snowfall began early in Portland with rates of 1 inch per hour along I-95 and resulted in 4 to 8 inches of accumulation before ending around midnight—Tuesday night skies cleared into today, which brings sunshine with mid-30s and gusty winds lowering the feel-like temperature. WMTW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Portland ended its yearlong hotel development pause after its council raised the cost for opting out of building affordable housing from $4,831 to $9,520 per room—this change may deter small developers and delay new hotel proposals for up to five years. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ The federal government released over $39 million in heating assistance funds for Maine households Tuesday. The funds, delayed by a government shutdown, include about $38.3 million for the state and $1.5 million for tribal governments—providing critical winter relief. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Governor Mills welcomed award-winning holiday decorations at the Blaine House on Monday as part of a tradition started in 2021. The Maine-grown Christmas trees came from Finest Kind Tree Farms in Dover-Foxcroft, Boiling Spring Tree Farm in Dayton, and Merry Christmas Trees in Windham — and local artisans Heidi Watson, Caleb Watson, Cloe Boyd, and Nancy Price crafted the wreaths. FOX23
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Maine’s third-largest ski mountain, Saddleback, is set to open on Friday, Dec. 5—with natural snowfall and improved snowmaking providing top-to-bottom skiing on at least eight trails—and will run lifts at 9 a.m. The resort will close temporarily Dec. 8—Dec. 11 for maintenance before reopening on Dec. 12. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Cooper Flagg from the Dallas Mavericks was named NBA Rookie of the Month in the Western Conference on Tuesday after he scored a career-high 35 points on Saturday—becoming the youngest player to reach that milestone and breaking a record once held by LeBron James. WMTW
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A Victorian Nutcracker
7-8:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the magic of a classic ballet in the heart of Portland.
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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.
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