Daily editionFriday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
Community
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.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
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.
FOX23Read more
Business
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.
FOX23Read more
Economy
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.
FOX23Read more
Government
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.
WMTWRead more
Health
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.
WMTWRead more
Sports
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.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Primal Soup (Phish Tribute) Live Performance
Friday, January 16th, 2026 · 8-11:30 p.m. — Bayside Bowl — $15 adv, $25 door — Maine's premiere Phish tribute act returns for an all-ages show.