Good morning, Portland.

The Press Herald Toy Fund welcomes donations today to bring holiday joy to children, a tradition running for over 70 years.

Supporters honor memories (and long-held community traditions) while online donations enter donors to win four Portland Ovations show tickets on Jan. 22.

Early Thursday morning, off-duty York K-9 Gunther rescued an elderly woman with dementia who wandered into the woods near her home.

Authorities confirm she is safe.

Central Maine Power ranked last in JD Power’s customer satisfaction study for the eighth year in a row, based on monthly cost, trust & ease of doing business.

The company did not comment on the consumer ranking.

A new study finds nearly 74% of Instacart items have varying prices, with local tests at Hannaford and Shaw’s showing costs up to 12% higher — a gap that may force shoppers to adjust their budgets.

The Department of Veterans Affairs said that no Maine VA Healthcare System employees are losing their jobs and no services are being reduced, with facilities filling open vacancies as needed—only nationally deemed unnecessary, vacant positions will be cut.

It remains unclear if any current Maine vacancies will be affected.

For tens of thousands of Mainers eligible for enhanced ACA credits, enrollment for 2026 coverage ends on Jan.

15 and coverage will begin in February. Many missed a Dec. 15 deadline amid uncertainty over federal tax credits, and CoverME says 7 of 10 qualify for savings.

Three high school boys basketball coaches resigned this season at John Bapst Memorial, Brewer, and Oceanside high schools (citing rising parental pressure and unrealistic expectations).

Local officials urged respectful dialogue between parents and educators to support a positive sports culture.

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.

Maker's Market

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Primal Soup (Phish Tribute) Live Performance

8-11:30 p.m. — Bayside Bowl — $15 adv, $25 door — Maine's premiere Phish tribute act returns for an all-ages show.