Daily editionThursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
Community
CBS13/FOX23 ended its Joy of Sharing campaign on Wednesday, Dec. 17 in Portland by collecting new, unwrapped toys for Maine children in need.
The Salvation Army distributed gifts to 300 families and continued accepting donations for kids 10 and older to brighten Christmas.
FOX23Read more
Portland Nordic is renting snowmaking equipment for Payson Park to boost winter fun when snowfall is scarce.
The six-week pilot has the city cover utilities while the nonprofit funds equipment and labor (volunteers trained on the gear) and crews prepare the snow ahead of warmer weather.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A new 35-foot bridge over the Nonesuch River was installed on Dec. 11 as part of the Close the Gap project (adding 1.6 miles to the Eastern Trail) in Scarborough, and a larger railroad bridge is scheduled for construction in April 2026.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
LB. Kitchen opened a second LB.
Mini-Mart in the West End yesterday at 235 Vaughan St., offering grab-and-go breakfast, lunch, beverages and supplements (wine included). The store expands its modern convenience concept after a successful start in Westbrook.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Cuties, an Old Port bar at (46 Market St.) was named on Punch’s list of 11 top 2025 cocktails for its Salad Bar Martini, the only New England-based bar featured, noted for its clarified tomato water and Italian tomato gin.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Graduate student workers at UMaine ratified their first union contract on Wednesday with improvements to pay, healthcare benefits & workplace protections.
The agreement will take effect once the UMaine System Board of Trustees ratifies it.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Parents are upset about a persistent cockroach and bed bug problem at Hartford-Sumner Elementary School (district communication has been poor) as Modern Pest will apply liquid treatment on Saturday, Dec. 20 to stop the infestation.
WMTWRead more
Environment
Falmouth and Yarmouth will pilot a home energy coaching program in spring 2026 to train residents to help homeowners with energy-saving upgrades.
The pilot, funded by a $175,000 grant, offers each coach a $3,000 stipend+ and guides neighbors on heat pumps, insulation, and weatherization.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
State game wardens advise residents to test ice before fishing or snowmobiling as early-season freeze may hide weak spots.
Officials recommend packing emergency kits and checking local ice conditions + safety alerts.
FOX23Read 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.