Daily
Portland
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At Holiday Maker's Market this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 9-year-old Grant Traquair will sell his signature tea towels among more than 50 handcrafted goods offered by local artisans at Cliff House Maine. FOX23
- ➤ The Press Herald Toy Fund is helping Maine parents facing rising medical expenses by covering holiday toy and book shopping for kids in selected counties (York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Androscoggin and Knox). Donations, which have reached over $31K so far, will keep the Christmas spirit alive for families in need. Portland Press Herald
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dutchman's Wood-Fired Bagels in Brunswick grew from a 2022 pop-up into a beloved local shop and was invited to take part in the New York Bagel Fest last month. Co-founder Jeremy Kratzer said the invitation marks a milestone in the shop's expanding reputation (a bright sign for the community). FOX23
- ➤ Dutchman's Wood-Fired Bagels started as a pop-up in 2022 and grew into a beloved fixture in Brunswick; the shop earned an invitation to New York Bagel Fest last month. WGME
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Maine State Ballet will perform its 50th production of the Nutcracker on Dec. 6 and 7 at Merrill Auditorium. The show marks 50 years of tradition (featuring nearly 400 performers and custom costumes) and continues a cherished local ballet legacy. WMTW
- ➤ Wreaths Across America held its annual tribute on Dec. 4 by placing wreaths on Maine graves and Arlington Cemetery; Karen Worcester (executive director) emphasized the event’s commitment to honor fallen soldiers and teach the value of freedom. WGME
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Federal research grants supporting Maine studies in geoscience diversity and ocean health were terminated, affecting projects at Bowdoin and UMaine; more than two dozen awards were cut and research now faces delays as officials work to secure new funding (including NOAA support) to resume vital studies. Portland Press Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ An Arctic cold front brought snow squalls and bitter wind chills to Portland this morning, with gusts reaching 33 mph. Bitter conditions persist today — the weekend forecast calls for light snow showers and a modest moderation in temperatures. WMTW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Maine Office of Cannabis Policy has recalled select cannabis flower and pre-rolls produced by NorCO Outdoor Cannabis due to unsafe levels of yeast, mold, microbials, and arsenic (sales span Oct. 15–Dec. 2 at 22 retail stores, including in Portland). Consumers are advised to return the products or dispose of them. FOX23
- ➤ The FDA announced on Dec. 1 that over a million bags of shredded cheese sold at Walmart, Publix, Aldi and Target may contain metal fragments and are being recalled in 31 states and Puerto Rico. Portland residents are urged to check UPC codes (using FDA guidance) to see if their product is affected. WMTW
-
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.
-
2025 The Polar Express™ Train Ride
5:15 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Premium pricing applies — Experience the magic of the holiday season with a delightful ride to the North Pole inspired by the classic story.
-
Disney on Ice: Into the Magic
7-11 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Tickets available — Experience your favorite Disney characters realizing their dreams in a spectacular ice skating show.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Portland
Welcome to the Daily Portland, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Portland, Maine community. If you like the Daily Portland, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Portland.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Portland and across Maine. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Portland
A free Portland community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyportlandnews.com/sitemap