Daily editionSaturday, December 6th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 6th of December.
Community
Thursday night, cold winds and record low temperatures led 52 people to seek refuge at the new warming shelter in Riverton, which opened in a building that also houses asylum seekers (city officials noted delays with the shuttle system caused long waits for some guests).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Today, the Press Herald Toy Fund started its annual drive to help local families buy Christmas presents for about 4,800 children amid record applications and rising costs.
The program has served community families since 1949 and now asks local donors to help during the holiday season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Drone pilot Rob Russell of 2A TAC Drone Services says Maine's cool, cloudy fall and winter weather improves thermal imaging to find missing pets and people.
The annual report shows 66 calls in summer, 45 in October and 21 in December & underscores weather's role in recovery rates.
WMTWRead more
Hannaford partnered with Youth Full Maine and Wayside Nonprofits to deliver over 1,000 meal boxes — including fresh produce, pantry staples, and Christmas trees — at Biddeford Ice Arena last Thursday.
The supermarket is investing $20,000 to expand food access for local families during the holiday season.
WGMERead more
Forty uniquely decorated trees will be displayed at Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church for the Festival of Trees from today until Dec. 14.
The event supports local charities (Westbrook Food Pantry) and offers themed displays, a model train, a creche, and family-friendly activities.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Portland entrepreneur Madeline Landry built a profitable sticker business called Maddie Moo Designs after drawing inspiration from her father (Tom Landry) in a feature that spotlighted local makers.
FOX23Read more
Madeline Landry launched Maddie Moo Designs — a profitable sticker business inspired by her father, Tom Landry — bringing creative flair to Portland.
The local entrepreneur received attention on Friday, Dec. 5 as her venture built a solid reputation among local makers.
WGMERead more
Culture
Peregrine Press and Pickwick Press join the December Print Crawl (Dec. 12 to 14) to showcase local printing techniques and art by longtime members, offering visitors a glimpse into creative community displays and workshops.
The event highlights Portland’s rich tradition in printmaking.
West End NewsRead more
Environment
Portland is partnering with GMRI on a $3 million waterfront project that adds four fishing berths, EV charging stations + a marine charging station, and educational signage to highlight 21 resilient sites as it prepares for rising seas and warming waters.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
The new CDC panel voted to stop recommending the hepatitis b vaccine for all newborns unless the mother has tested positive + her status is unknown, advising waiting until at least two months.
The Maine Medical Association condemned the move, saying the policy had protected children from severe liver infections.
WGMERead more
The OCP issued a safety recall for NorCO Outdoor cannabis flower and pre-rolls due to unsafe levels of yeast, mold, microbials and arsenic; the affected products were sold Oct. 15 to Dec. 2 at 22 Maine stores and customers should return them and contact a health care provider if symptoms occur.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Hoops 8 Season debut offered a recap of highlights from 24 high school basketball games played across the state on Friday night, featuring close wins for teams like Windham and South Portland & strong efforts from local schools that energized the season kickoff.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
2025 The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Friday, December 19th, 2025 · 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
Saturday, December 20th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Tickets available — Experience your favorite Disney characters realizing their dreams in a spectacular ice skating show.
Maker's Market
Sunday, December 21st, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Thompson's Point — Free entry — Explore local Maine artisans, enjoy mimosas, and embrace the community spirit.