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🌱 Patch AM: How Brighton Avenue could soon look very different for drivers and cyclists

And check out SAFe® 5.1 (LPM) 2Days Classroom Training in Portland, ME on the Portland Patch calendar

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Good morning Portland! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Brighton Avenue could soon look very different for drivers and cyclists
  • Why WalletHub just crowned Portland New England’s most wholesome city
  • How Portland High students turned art class into real community impact

Also on today's calendar: Fridays: Trivia in the Brewhouse! and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Not as cold with snow, 1-2", with a high of 37 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Wednesday: A little snow, up to 1", temps: high: 31, low: 22.
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 32 and low of 8 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. City of Portland receives $2.12 million grant to support Brighton Avenue safety projects (wmtw.com) — Portland has secured a $2.12 million federal grant to test major safety upgrades along a one-mile stretch of Brighton Avenue, including new bike lanes, lighting, and a center turn lane. The six‑month demonstration will feed into the city’s Vision Zero push to eliminate serious crashes, with full design work starting in 2026 and installation targeted for mid‑2027.
   

2. New Report Ranks Portland, Maine as One of America's Most Wholesome Cities (wcyy.com) — Portland just ranked among the least “sinful” cities in America, placing 177th out of 182 in WalletHub’s new study and earning the title of New England’s most wholesome city. The report scores communities on seven “deadly sins” categories, and Portland scored especially well on measures tied to lust and other vices, giving locals bragging rights for a relatively virtuous lifestyle.
   

3. Portland art students raise hundreds for local charity (wmtw.com) — Portland High School students just turned their artwork into $806 for local nonprofit Maine Needs, surpassing their original $500 goal. Through paintings, sculptures, and even pigeon-themed ceramics inspired by urban Portland, teens explored community and empathy while supporting families who need basics like diapers, winter boots, and cleaning supplies.
   

4. Barbara Bush Children's Hospital transforms into gingerbread house workshop (newscentermaine.com) — At Portland’s Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, professional chefs turned a common room into a gingerbread house workshop, giving young patients and their families a joyful break from treatment. The long‑running December tradition returned for the first time since the pandemic, bringing sweets, creativity, and a welcome sense of normalcy to kids spending the holidays in the hospital.
   

📸 Around Portland

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Portland

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • There are still some absolutely beautiful Maine grown trees for sale at Millcreek park in South Portland.
    The Rotary Club gives 100% of the proceeds back to support the community. If you can't afford a tree, we can help you bring some Christmas joy,… (Nextdoor West End)
  • We're picking up a rescue pup right after the new year and I'm looking for a medium-sized crate to use for a few months.
    Anyone have one they would lend or sell? Thank you! (Nextdoor East Bayside)
  • First Atlantic Health Care posted a job opening for Activities Assistant in Portland. Apply here.
  • AEG posted a job opening for Ticket Seller|Part-time| Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

Ok Portland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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