Daily editionThursday, December 11th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of December.
Business
Seven Subway franchises owned by MTF Subs closed on Wednesday after state officials revoked their registration certificates, leaving some employees unpaid.
The company said it is working on a temporary solution for locations in Topsham, Portland, Brunswick, Lisbon Falls, Hampden, Westbrook (and Wiscasset).
WGMERead more
Culture
Cape Porpoise honors Maine's fishing heritage every holiday season with a lobster trap tree built from donated traps and buoys.
Raven Fulford leads the community project that began in the 1980s and now draws local residents and visitors.
WGMERead more
Government
Portland’s warming shelter in Riverton opens when cold conditions are forecast to bring lows of 15 degrees or snowfall over 10 inches.
The facility at 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway operates 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. and is set to run about 50 nights this winter.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine is likely falling short of its goal to add 6,900 homes in 2025 as officials are still setting up a system to track construction and permits.
New state requirements take effect next month (focusing on larger towns) while local groups work to fill data gaps.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Enhanced ACA subsidies that tens of thousands of Mainers rely on are set to expire on New Year's Eve, a change that could raise insurance costs by at least 17% for small business owners using coverME.gov.
Lawmakers in the U.S. House have introduced a bipartisan bill to extend the COVID-19 era subsidies for two years.
WMTWRead more
Real Estate
The Portland Planning Board approved plans for a 30-story building at 45 Union Street in the Old Port.
Developer East Brown Cow Management said the project will include apartments, a hotel, a restaurant, and retail shops and will generate $3.3 million for the city’s housing fund as Maine’s tallest building.
FOX23Read 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.