Daily editionWednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
Community
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 HeraldRead more
Culture
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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.
WGMERead more
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.
FOX23Read more
Economy
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.
FOX23Read more
Environment
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.
WMTWRead more
Government
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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.
FOX23Read more
Sports
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 HeraldRead more
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.
WMTWRead 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.