Good morning, Portland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.