Daily editionSaturday, December 20th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
Community
Housing advocates held a vigil Friday in downtown Portland to honor 51 unhoused community members who died this year (led by Preble Street) and featured music and remarks urging system change to secure basic needs.
FOX23Read more
Annie Watts’ new Dogs of the Kennebunks calendar marks its ninth year with photos of local dogs and will donate its profits to Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue in North Yarmouth.
The $20 calendars are available at local businesses and by mail.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Holiday shoppers are discovering fun, personalized socks at The Sock Shack on Congress Street during the busy season (the shop stocks over 8,000 styles in a 700 sqft space).
Actor Alex Purcell visited recently for a Secret Santa gift and locals are enjoying the wide range of options.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Wildlife educator Jessica Woodend tours Maine in a 43-foot inflatable whale named Chunk allowing up to 20 children or 15 adults to explore its interior via an airlock (designed to mimic real whale organs).
Woodend plans to take Chunk to Michigan in 2026 as her program gains social media attention.
WMTWRead more
UMaine announced Friday that it will receive $3.5 million from the estate of late art historian Linda Zillman, with $2.1 million for the Honors College and $1.4 million for the art museum named to honor her and her husband Donald.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Senate candidate Graham Platner hosted a conversation with women leaders at the University of Southern Maine in Portland on Friday, Dec. 19, urging working people to get organized ahead of next year's Senate primary contest.
FOX23Read more
Gov. Janet Mills signed an emergency order on Thursday that temporarily lifts fuel driver hour requirements in Maine in response to supply chain issues and unseasonable cold weather despite a recent warmup — Maine State Police reminded drivers to stop if fatigued or ill.
WMTWRead more
The Westbrook School Committee appointed Flynn Ross to fill a vacant seat on Dec. 18 after she secured four of six votes.
Ross, a University of Southern Maine professor and longtime community member, will focus on school budget issues and engaging local families.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
ACA enrollment for 2026 dropped by 7% and 5,500 plans were cancelled by Dec. 15 as rising premiums made coverage unaffordable, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services said — the decline followed the expiration of enhanced tax credits.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
Earlier this month, Portland's planning board approved a 30-story tower in the Old Port that will become Maine's tallest building.
The project by East Brown Cow Management LLC will include 70+ residential units, commercial space, an 88-room hotel and a restaurant while updated zoning laws limit further high-rises downtown.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine’s median home sale price fell to $399,000 in November, 6% less than October’s record high as a government shutdown delayed mortgage loans.
Experts forecast a steadier market by 2026 (Maine Association of Realtors data), with sales dropping 12% from last November.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Script Club – Lend Me a Tenor
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — Portland Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion of 'Lend Me a Tenor' moderated by Portland Stage’s Literary Manager Todd Brian Backus.