Good morning, Portland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Script Club – Lend Me a Tenor

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.