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Daily editionMonday, December 29th, 2025

Good morning, Portland.

The Daily Portland Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 29th of December.

Community

  1. Portland's warming shelter on Riverside St. remains closed tonight (staffing shortages forced a closure last night when temperatures fell to single digits, triggering the winter warming plan), leaving residents without a safe place to stay.

    A call to the shelter produced no additional information.

    WMTWRead more

  2. A fire on Friday night destroyed a boat repair shop (total loss) on the waterfront, and the Maine Coast Fisherman's Association launched fundraising to help affected businesses including Nanqu Kayaks, Maritime Antiques, and Sea Bags.

    WGMERead more

  3. A new 35-foot steel bridge is in place on the Eastern Trail in Scarborough to connect it with South Portland; officials say it offers a safer off-road route for walkers and bikers (the overall project will be completed in 2027).

    WGMERead more

  4. Cumberland’s Celebration of Lights displays over one million bulbs along a one-mile route at the Cumberland Fairgrounds until Jan. 3.

    Families can enjoy winter treats (like hot cocoa) and scenic lights from the comfort of their cars.

    WGMERead more

  5. Cumberland's Celebration of Lights continues at the Fairgrounds until Jan. 3, 2026, offering a drive-through display of over one million bulbs, festive characters, and treats (hot cocoa and fried dough) for families to enjoy.

    FOX23Read more

Culture

  1. A new guide details 17 free or low-cost experiences for residents, from art museums offering free admission on certain days to film screenings and outdoor activities priced at $10 or less.

    It highlights local spots including college galleries and historic sites across the region.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Environment

  1. Impact Weather begins after midnight with an icy mix that may cause hazardous Monday commutes.

    A Winter Weather Advisory from 10PM today through 7PM warns of freezing rain on roads, cars & power lines in interior Maine while coastal areas see mostly rain.

    WMTWRead more

Government

  1. Maine regulators rejected CMP's five-year $1.5 billion rate hike proposal, signaling a move toward modern grid improvements that will help keep costs down.

    Utilities like Versant will soon draft new proposals using performance-based tools and proven solutions seen in other states (promoting more reliable power for families).

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

  2. Maine began issuing pine tree license plates to replace the longtime chickadee design; the old plates will retire this spring as City Clerk Maura Clarke finalized the new policy in May.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

  3. Starting Jan. 1, Maine will add a 5.5% sales tax on streaming subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus, adding about $1 to some plans.

    Cigarette prices will rise by $1.50 per pack on Jan. 5 and cannabis tax will increase on Jan. 1 + aim to boost state revenue.

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Sports

  1. Gorham's Liana Edwards was named Varsity Maine Player of the Year for leading her team to a third straight state championship after switching to a full-time setter role (her efforts helped the Rams win 12 of their final 13 games, including a 3-1 win over Thornton Academy).

    Portland Press HeraldRead more

Portland Events

Submit an event

  1. 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.

    View event

  2. 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.

    View event

  3. 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.

    View event

  4. 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.

    View event

  5. 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.

    View event

  6. 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.

    View event

  7. 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.

    View event

  8. 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.

    View event

  9. Burns Night Celebration

    Sunday, January 25th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant — Ticketed event — Celebrate Scotland's beloved poet with traditional food, live music, and cask beer.

    View event

  10. Wild Pink Live with Dead Gowns and Tremelo Fields

    Monday, January 26th, 2026 · 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.

    View event