Good morning, Portland.

Maine's Total Coverage reviewed 2025 community champions who rescued animals and fed neighbors in locations like Westbrook, Lewiston, Saco and Gorham; nominations for 2026 champions are open (email submissions are required).

Portland Fire Department responded to a 3rd alarm fire that broke out on Commercial Street in Old Port around 6 p.m. Friday and advised residents to avoid the area while crews handled the incident.

State regulators rejected a $1.5 billion rate hike request from Central Maine Power, meaning customers will pay $12 to $16 more per month starting in January.

Energy experts warn that stalled offshore wind projects and continued reliance on older power plants like Yarmouth’s Wyman Station will drive up electricity costs further.

Portland Public Schools lowered chronic absenteeism as East End Community School celebrated Way to Shine awards on Dec.

1 (dropping rates from 25% to 13%). The district uses weekly raffles and attendance reports to support positive habits as it aims to bring absenteeism below 15% by 2027.

Portland City Council will consider installing solar panels on public schools and buildings in 2026 to lower emissions and save on electricity costs (freeing funds for further projects).

This plan comes as the city seeks local solutions amid reduced federal climate incentives.

The Royal River Conservation Trust in Yarmouth invites families to explore 25 miles of winter trails for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling during winter break.

The trust advises visitors to dress warmly, use ice picks and ropes for safety — and to keep trails tidy by picking up after pets.

Residents on Mayfield Street have faced missed mail deliveries since early September and report that USPS lacks clear plans for consistent service—leaving them dependent on a volunteer's occasional help.

Flu cases in Maine rose as 864 cases and 69 hospitalizations were reported last week, and doctors warn of a new strain spreading globally while urging anyone with symptoms to seek testing early (antivirals work best if given within 72 hours).

Erin O’Connor scored twice and had an assist to propel Yarmouth/Freeport girls hockey to a 5-0 win over Penobscot on Friday in Yarmouth.

Maya Nasveschuk, Presley Strout, and Celia Zinman scored as goalie Lydia Costa made three key saves.

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.

Bess Jacques & The Strays Concert

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

7-8:30 p.m. — Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village — Ticket details not provided — Experience beautiful acoustic music in support of local cultural arts.

Maine Mariners vs. Trois-Rivieres Lions

6-8 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Bid on unique jerseys — Celebrate Portland's title as the Top Minor League Sports Market in the USA with a special game experience.

Burns Night Celebration

5-9 p.m. — Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant — Ticketed event — Celebrate Scotland's beloved poet with traditional food, live music, and cask beer.

Wild Pink Live with Dead Gowns and Tremelo Fields

7:30-10:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Cost info not provided — Experience the explosive rustic rock of Wild Pink alongside Portland's own Dead Gowns and Tremelo Fields.