Daily editionTuesday, December 9th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 9th of December.
Community
Mainers gathered on Congress Street in Portland on Sunday, Dec. 7, for the nation’s longest veterans’ parade honoring fallen veterans with wreaths.
The Wreaths Across America convoy moved through Biddeford and York on Monday and will reach Virginia for Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 13.
WGMERead more
Portland Sea Dogs will host Holiday at Hadlock on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field where free family fun includes a Santa arrival from the North Pole at 11 a.m.
FOX23Read more
Family-run Christmas tree farms in the Lakes Region see strong seasonal demand as local growers like Merry Christmas Trees in Windham supplied a tree for the governor’s residence and Watson Farm in Standish hosted wreath-making classes (signaling holiday cheer) while Balsam Ridge in Raymond also offers maple syrup.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
ABC’s Good Morning America will air live segments from Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport on Thursday, featuring Maine and the Portland Hearts of Pine soccer team.
ABC News anchor Rhiannon Ally will report from the event (filming is closed to the public).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine students at Zippel Elementary School (grades 3–5) crafted unique ornaments for the Maine tree that brightened the National Christmas Tree display in Washington, D.C. The America Celebrates exhibit is free and open to visitors with evening lighting through December.
WMTWRead more
Economy
Central Maine Power has proposed a grid upgrade in Greater Portland that will build new substations and modernize infrastructure (work is set to start in 2027 if approved), with open houses held in Yarmouth on Dec. 8, Portland on Dec. 9, Westbrook on Dec. 11, and Cumberland on Dec. 15.
FOX23Read more
Education
South Portland’s school board has a new chair, Rosemarie De Angelis, who worked in local schools for 26 years and held city roles.
She plans to steer the board with a focus on equity — addressing budget challenges and supporting all students from diverse backgrounds.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
University of New England has received a four-year, $1.6 million federal grant to expand opioid response training for future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Devon Anne Sherwood said the program will offer hands-on rotations and online courses to improve care in underserved rural areas like Aroostook and Washington counties.
WMTWRead more
Portland Public Health expanded targeted outreach for HIV+HCV+syphilis testing Monday after five people in Cumberland County who inject drugs tested positive for HIV as of Nov. 17.
In Penobscot County, 31 HIV cases have been reported over the last two years, prompting additional community action.
WMTWRead more
Lifestyle
Aomori, a Japanese restaurant by acclaimed chef Masahiko Miyake and his family, opened Monday at 52 Hanover St in West Bayside—serving casual izakaya dining with traditional specialties and planning to launch an adjacent kitchen and market by Christmas.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine-made products get a boost as podcaster Kristan Vermeulen of Makers of the USA offers gift ideas for unique holiday presents.
Her suggestions from Monday, Dec. 8 encourage local shoppers to support regional artisans.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 · 5:15 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Premium pricing — Experience a magical journey to the North Pole on a festive train ride filled with holiday cheer.
SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training
Thursday, December 25th, 2025 · 9 AM - 1 AM — Portland, ME — Early Bird $1299, Regular $1499 — Enhance your agile skills in a hands-on workshop designed for leaders and managers in portfolio management.