Daily
Portland
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Emerging painter Dean McCrillis unveils Dog Years at Cove Street Arts (71 Cove St.), where the free exhibit runs through Jan. 17. The gallery welcomes visitors Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Two Portland-born artists were chosen for the Whitney Biennial, a landmark survey of contemporary art, with the exhibit opening March 8 in New York City; Mariah Garnett (a filmmaker) and Dyer Rhoads (an artist, writer and performer) join 56 participants to showcase local talent. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ The church announced plans to build Maine’s first temple in Portland to serve over 11,000 local members, though no site or timeline is set. Local officials say the project is a historic milestone (Rich Taylor). Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Sagamore Hill Lounge in the Arts District will close after New Year’s Eve and its space will be taken over by Marquis Lounge, a cocktail bar set to open in February; the City Council approved its liquor license on Monday. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro will graduate 78 cadets on Dec. 19 after completing an 18-week residential training program that began in August (cadets represent 44 local agencies). WGME
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Maine DEP and Lake Stewards of Maine launched a scorecard for nearly 1,200 lakes to help residents track water quality, invasive plants, shoreland, and vulnerability. The tool uses color-coded ratings (blue, yellow, red, gray) to guide local citizen scientists in lake monitoring. Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting October 2026, Maine regulators will boost Low Income Assistance Program funding by nearly 50% to offer monthly electricity bill credits for low-income households eligible up to 150% of the federal poverty line; automatic enrollment is expected to add about 20,000 new participants. Portland Press Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Maine Mariners goalie Luke Cavallin was promoted on Tuesday to the Providence Bruins of the AHL, and former University of New England goalie Billy Girard replaced him after a stint in the Southern Professional Hockey League+ marking his local debut. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Portland Hearts of Pine announced their 2026 schedule after a strong first season that reached the playoffs semifinals. The team will open on March 14 on the road at Hinchliffe Stadium and host their first home game on April 11 at Fitzpatrick Stadium (tickets on sale starting in March). WMTW
- ➤ South Portland moved into first place in the Varsity Maine boys basketball poll after Sanford upset top-ranked Windham (68-60) in a preseason game at South Portland High School; Camden Hills and Scarborough also climbed as 17 teams received votes from games played before Dec. 16. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old from Newport, became the youngest NBA player to score 40 points when he tallied 42 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal for the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday; his team lost to the Utah Jazz in overtime. WMTW
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2025 The Polar Express™ Train Ride
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.
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Disney on Ice: Into the Magic
7-11 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Tickets available — Experience your favorite Disney characters realizing their dreams in a spectacular ice skating show.
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Maker's Market
10 AM – 3 PM — Thompson's Point — Free entry — Explore local Maine artisans, enjoy mimosas, and embrace the community spirit.
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THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
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.
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SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training
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.
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Polar Express Train Ride
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.
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Maine Mariners vs Trois-Rivières Lions
3:00 – 4:30 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Watch an exciting hockey matchup featuring the Maine Mariners and Trois-Rivières Lions.
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Technology Tutoring at Peaks
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Peaks Island Community Center — Free entry — Enhancing digital skills for all levels of computer users in a community setting.
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New Year's Eve Gala: The Golden Age of Hollywood
7 PM - 12:30 AM — Après — $60 single, $80 couples — Celebrate the New Year with old Hollywood glamour, dancing, and a champagne toast.
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LAST CALL Comedy Showcase
9:30 PM — Empire Comedy Club — $10 — Enjoy a fast-paced showcase featuring local and visiting stand-up comics with drink specials.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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