Daily editionSaturday, December 13th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of December.
Community
A WWII veteran from Monmouth, Delmont Johnston, has been positively identified 80 years after dying in a Japanese POW camp.
His remains, kept in an American cemetery in Manila after decades of testing, will be reburied in Augusta in the spring.
WGMERead more
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland is seeking a quiet home for a bonded pair of senior dogs, Bear and Dusty (Bear is shy while Dusty warms up quickly) as they may prefer being the only pets in the household.
WGMERead more
Business
Popup Bagels held its grand opening yesterday in the Old Port at the former Nosh Tacos building on Middle Street.
The bagel chain, which began in Connecticut, celebrated with a custom blueberry schmear from Stonewall Kitchen for one day.
FOX23Read more
Culture
National Geographic advises travelers to explore Maine’s authentic charm by visiting seven towns including postcard favorites Bar Harbor and Camden, along with lesser-known spots like Brooklin, Brunswick, and Greenville.
The piece urges visitors to experience the state’s true character through small-town experiences.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Regulators voted Thursday to extend the shrimp fishing shutdown for three more years as warming waters left shrimp populations too low for sustainable harvest.
Maine fishermen, who once caught millions of pounds each winter, now must shift to other species amid the industry's decline.
FOX23Read more
Education
The Center for Wildlife visited CBS13 + Fox23 studios on Friday, Dec. 12 to teach locals about Gaia, a great horned owl.
WGMERead more
Health
Maine hospitals report a rise in cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (causing severe nausea and vomiting from heavy cannabis use) with MaineHealth emergency rooms noting cases jump from 7 in 2019 to 83 so far in 2025.
A local doctor advises patients to avoid cannabis for a month.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Maine Mariners vs Trois-Rivières Lions
Saturday, December 27th, 2025 · 3:00 – 4:30 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Watch an exciting hockey matchup featuring the Maine Mariners and Trois-Rivières Lions.