Daily editionThursday, December 25th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of December.
Community
South Portland restaurant Taj Indian Cuisine served about 4,800 free meals last Thanksgiving and is serving 6,000 meals today (with local volunteers delivering meals to those without transport).
WMTWRead more
A pre-Christmas storm is blanketing the region with heavy snow and power outages as towns open warming shelters for residents.
In Portland, the overnight shelter at 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway will operate on Sunday and Monday nights — check local postings for shelter hours in nearby towns.
FOX23Read more
Business
Rabelais Books, known for vintage cookbooks on Washington Ave., will close its pop-up location on Jan. 4 so owner Don Lindgren can focus on his larger business operations, while Emma Cousins (from Gorham) will open Total Loss Books in the same space in January.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Portland poet Mary Tracy offers her new poem Legacy, which explores nature's endless cycle and our role in the world.
Poets can submit work to Deep Water: Maine Poems now & through the end of the year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Mr. Tuna chef-owner Jordan Rubin announced a dinner series, Tuna & Friends, that will run from January to June 2026 at his restaurant in the Old Port.
Guest chefs will make special menus with local seafood from 5 to 9 p.m. + reservations are open on OpenTable.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Nonesuch Books & More in South Portland released its weekly bestsellers list, with fiction 'Dog Show' and nonfiction 'The Gales of November' topping their sales charts.
The list includes top-selling titles in both hardcover and paperback.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Ecomaine, a nonprofit managing waste for 20 southern Maine communities, reported a 33% rise in waste and recycling in the first week of January compared to late December.
The organization detailed recycling tips for Christmas trees, lights, wrapping paper and recommended safe battery disposal (to avoid fires) for a greener post-holiday cleanup.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Maine’s health officials reported 864 flu cases and 69 hospitalizations during the week ending Dec. 20 compared to 320 cases and 27 hospitalizations the previous week, and Portland experts urged early testing and treatment for symptoms—local doctors stress prompt care to lessen severe illness.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Newport native Cooper Flagg led college basketball at Duke and was drafted No. 1 by the Mavericks, while Portland's Hearts of Pine set USL League One attendance records and Maine high schools like Westbrook and Cheverus won historic state titles.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Winter Concert Series: Sigrid Sibley & Shannon Allen
Friday, January 23rd, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village — Ticket details not provided — Experience beautiful acoustic music in support of local cultural arts.
Higher Ground - A Tribute to Stevie Wonder
Saturday, January 24th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — Portland House Of Music and Events — Ticket prices vary — Experience New England’s premier soul band pay homage to the legends of soul music.