Daily editionWednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
Culture
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
Education
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).
WGMERead more
Environment
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 HeraldRead more
Government
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 HeraldRead more
Sports
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.
WMTWRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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 HeraldRead more
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).
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Technology Tutoring at Peaks
Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 · 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.
Throwback to the 80s New Year's Eve Party
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 · 7-11:30 p.m. — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — $25 per person — Dance the night away with Jetport FM and enjoy a dessert bar and champagne toast at midnight.
LAST CALL Comedy Showcase
Saturday, January 10th, 2026 · 9:30 PM — Empire Comedy Club — $10 — Enjoy a fast-paced showcase featuring local and visiting stand-up comics with drink specials.