Daily editionFriday, December 12th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
Business
Charter Communications laid off 176 workers from its Portland call center and shifted work to other U.S. centers, with affected employees offered transfer benefits (or severance after 90 days) and the option to apply for open roles.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Renys announced over the summer it will close its Congress Street location at year’s end as sales never rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The store, which opened in 2011, joins other downtown vacancies that city officials are working to fill using proactive policies + incentives.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Portland Symphony Orchestra will perform its Magic of Christmas event just before the holidays, celebrating 40 years of tradition in Portland.
The show features musical acts from the main orchestra, the Magic of Christmas Chorus and the Children’s Chorus (and special guests) to capture the season's spirit.
WGMERead more
Environment
Regulators voted on Thursday to extend the shrimp fishing shutdown for three more years as warmer waters left local catches extremely low in the Gulf of Maine.
The decision reflects ongoing concerns about sustaining the region’s marine life.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Lifestyle
Celebrated chef Krista Kern is reopening her Purple House in North Yarmouth for fancy lunches starting Dec. 18.
The reservation-only venue offers intimate multi-course meals on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays with seating for just eight guests.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
A new $20 million housing project in Scarborough is planned to offer 51 accessible units (one-, two- and three-bedroom homes) equipped with smart technology for people with disabilities.
The initiative by 3i Housing of Maine seeks to boost independent living amid scarce housing and limited care options.
WMTWRead more
Sports
The Maine Mariners will host Portland Pirates Night, a special segment in a stretch of eight home games, on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Cross Insurance Arena.
They will honor the 1994 Calder Cup-winning franchise as play-by-play announcer Michael Keeley and former pirate star Kent Hulst discuss the event.
WGMERead more
ABC's Rhiannon Ally broadcast Good Morning America from Kennebunkport on Thursday morning, featuring Portland's Hearts of Pine and early-supporting fans from Dirigo Union at the Nonantum Resort.
The team sold out every home game at Fitzpatrick Stadium last season, and over 2,000 people are waiting for next season's tickets.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Polar Express Train Ride
Friday, December 26th, 2025 · 5:15 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical journey to the North Pole aboard a festive train ride this holiday season.