Daily editionSunday, December 21st, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 21st of December.
Community
Lucy Hanson, a 7-year-old fighting bone cancer since October, is receiving chemotherapy and will have a below the knee amputation in February 2026; her Westbrook community has rallied with hundreds of cards, gifts, and donations to support her during the holiday season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A Maine mom wrote an open letter to the Press Herald Toy Fund to share her family's holiday struggles and hopes for a joyful Christmas; the letter detailed how local donations help provide toys and books for kids in several counties.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
On the reservation, Passamaquoddy community members have joined efforts to revive their endangered language through immersive events and classes as more than 10 fluent speakers died earlier this year, and tribal officials secured nearly $3.5 million in federal grants to support these initiatives.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
On Friday, a windstorm with up to 60 mph gusts and an inch of rain left over 20,000 Mainers without power, caused falling trees and early school dismissals, and led to a car and tractor-trailer collision on the Maine Turnpike near Biddeford where one person was hospitalized.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Seasonal flu activity is rising in Maine, and state health officials urge residents to get their flu shot now.
Increased ER visits and hospitalizations show the vaccine—available for everyone 6 months and older—may help lessen illness and prevent work or school absences.
WGMERead more
Lifestyle
Local chefs and grocery stores ease holiday hosting by offering ready-to-serve Tofurky roasts and plant-based dishes (vegan gravy, mashed potatoes, and more) to help families include vegan guests while keeping traditions intact.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Colby, UNE, USM and Bowdoin will compete in the inaugural Lobster Pot Tournament at Falmouth Ice Center on Jan. 2 and Jan. 3.
Games begin on Jan. 2 at 3:30 p.m. (Colby vs. UNE) and 7 p.m. (USM vs. Bowdoin), with the title match at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 3.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Joe Voisine, a longtime youth basketball coach at the Boys (and Girls) Club, died on Dec. 8 at 48 after an illness; his former players say his lessons in teamwork and care continue to guide their paths in sports and coaching roles.
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Greely girls basketball extended their winning streak to five with a 40-38 win over York in Cumberland Saturday — Sophia Littel scored 10 of her 14 fourth-quarter points.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Gorham hockey teams won on Saturday afternoon as the girls beat Falmouth Scarborough 2–1 in overtime and the boys edged Marshwood 1–0 in the first period — showcasing strong local performances.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.