Daily
Portland
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. FOX23
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. WMTW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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