Portland Maine News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Holidays with vegan guests? No problem! Swap animal products for plant-based alternatives like Tofurky roasts, vegan gravy, and olive oil mashed potatoes. Vegans often bring dishes to share, turning it into a fun potluck. Classics like sugar cookies or rice krispie treats work with egg replacers and vegan marshmallows. Vegan options are abundant in Maine, from ice cream to plant cheeses, and support local producers. Non-vegans are discovering new favorites too, making it easier than ever to mix diets seamlessly.

A mother from southern Maine, facing financial struggles after losing her job and falling behind on bills, penned an open letter to the Press Herald Toy Fund, sharing her familys story. With her hardworking plumber husband working long hours, she dreams of giving her young daughters a magical Christmas morning filled with joy and memories. The Toy Fund, supported by reader donations, provides toys and books for kids up to age sixteen, helping families like hers focus on love during the holidays. Todays donations, ranging from small to large, have reached a total of one hundred sixty-six thousand three hundred nine dollars and forty-two cents, bringing holiday stress into smiles for kids in need.

Nicki Stanfords Freckle Salvage Company in Winthrop, Maine, is a thriving vintage market where vendors rent space and keep all their sales. Stanfords monthly Vault events, held in a six-thousand square foot space, draw crowds and boost local businesses. Despite COVID challenges, Stanford adapted, launching The Vault in the basement and creating a supportive community of vendors who hold each other accountable. Now, Stanford aims to buy a bigger building to expand her impact on Main Street.

In Brunswick, Maine, a vigil was held for two Brown University students killed in a campus shooting, drawing community members and state leaders. The event turned into a call for action against gun violence, with speakers urging lawmakers to address the issue. The tragedy has left students and alumni shaken, and the community is grappling with the reality of violence in their safe spaces.

Ada Clooney, sister of George Clooney, passed away at 65 after a cancer battle. A beloved community figure in Augusta, Kentucky, Ada taught art, led a book club, and served on the Augusta Art Guild. Her brother George praised her courage and humor in facing cancer. Ada is survived by family and leaves a lasting legacy of kindness and creativity.

Community Gathers to Remember Simon Gonzalez, Calls for Safer Roads Dozens of community members, including family and friends, gathered at Sebago Lake in Standish, Maine, to honor five-year-old Simon Gonzalez, who was tragically killed by a school bus. The vigil, filled with yellow, Simons favorite color, celebrated his infectious laugh, love for running, and joy he brought to everyone. Simons uncle, Alex Moore, and grandfather, Jason Small, shared stories of his bright light and determination to keep his memory alive. The event turned into a call for change, with Small emphasizing the need for safer roads to prevent such tragedies. The community left united in grief and determination, vowing to push for safer roads and keep Simons legacy alive.