Daily editionMonday, December 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 22nd of December.
Community
Little Ridge Farm in Lisbon Falls will share its fresh tatsoi and other vegetables on Thursday as part of a gleaning project that will deliver produce to shelters in Lewiston and seniors at Woodside Apartments in Lisbon (a statewide effort to reduce food insecurity).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Anchor ME Harbor in Windsor hosted its winter solstice event A Light in the Dark on Sunday, offering animal cuddles from chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep and goats as alternative therapy.
Founder Cara Cribb started the nonprofit after battling PTSD and offered goat yoga (and support groups) for mental well-being.
WMTWRead more
Business
Renys in downtown is closing at the end of the month after 15 years in business and has been a local favorite for quirky and affordable finds + everyday essentials.
Shoppers appreciated the store's unique surprises with every visit, making its closure a bittersweet loss for the community.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Canned cranberry sauce was invented in 1912 by Mainer Marcus Urann (whose innovation now sparks spirited debates between fans of fresh and canned) and remains a holiday table staple that ties cherished traditions to local culinary lore.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Multiple New Year’s Eve events are planned for Dec. 31 across Portland and nearby towns—ranging from indoor beach parties at the Children’s Museum to tribute concerts and dance parties at various venues.
The festivities include family-friendly activities and later-night celebrations with varying prices.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland locals have a busy week ahead—featuring a film screening of 'The Apartment' in Rockland Sunday at 2 p.m., musical shows at the Conservatory and at Space Sunday, a UMaine women’s hockey game Tuesday at Cross Insurance Arena, and a hip-hop album release show Wednesday at Bayside Bowl.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Maine’s Total Weather forecasts snow before Christmas Eve.
A clipper system will bring 3 to 5 inches to many areas (with possible travel delays) as snow falls Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
WMTWRead more
Government
The AG's office spent $10 million out of the $17.2 million it received from opioid settlements, with over half going to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for key programming.
It will fund treatment and recovery services and update spending data with the MOSS Center.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
The Maine Celtics rallied from a 16-point deficit in Orlando, Florida on Sunday as Ron Harper Jr. scored 29 and Max Shulga had a career high 27 to complete the NBA G League Winter Showcase Tournament at 1-1.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine’s women’s basketball team, led by Adrianna Smith with 21 points, beat Harvard on Sunday in Cambridge — Smith scored the game-winner at the buzzer to seal a 59-57 finish.
Portland Press HeraldRead 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.
Bess Jacques & The Strays Concert
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Tickets required — Experience a fusion of jazz, Americana, and more with Bess Jacques & The Strays.