Daily editionSunday, October 12th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 12th of October.
Community
Volunteers spent Saturday building an affordable home on Sunset Avenue as part of Habitat for Humanity—15 team members and WSP employees joined in the effort to use donated materials and volunteer work for quality affordable housing.
WSP's long-time commitment to neighborhood revitalization was clear in the collaborative construction project.
WGMERead more
Food pantries in Maine are serving more people as rising grocery prices and upcoming cuts to federal food benefits stretch their budgets — many struggle to cover higher costs like fuel and utilities.
Local officials say that money donations can help buy food in bulk and cover these extra expenses — volunteers are urged to check with local pantries before donating.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Earlier this spring, five investors opened Cuties, an all-day bar in the Old Port at the corner of Market and Milk streets.
The venue serves coffee, cocktails and food including a Japanese-Mexican fusion dish called Oaxaca-yaki— a mozzarella stick-hushpuppy hybrid made with Oaxaca cheese.
WMTWRead more
Education
UMaine has allowed NIL deals for over four years but only 77 of 434 athletes have any deals + that equals 18% and is lower than at larger schools.
Many athletes earn small sums at card shows and local events + some deals give cash and gift cards while new rules may soon change how deals work.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
New SNAP cuts have lowered or ended benefits for tens of thousands of Mainers amid rising costs and increased pressure on food pantries that are already serving more families with fewer meals—state officials say recipients have three months to meet stricter work rules while local food banks brace for more demand—local leaders expect food insecurity to rise.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Westbrook’s football team won 20 to 0 over Kennebunk on Saturday as Cole Tanner rushed for two touchdowns — boosting their chance for a top seed in Class B South.
Other local high school contests in field hockey and soccer produced overtime wins, shutouts and key scores as teams competed in regional matchups.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cheverus won the Class A state golf championship at Natanis Golf Course on Saturday—ending its title drought since 2005.
Mick Madden’s 73 earned him the individual title and the team won by 13 strokes over Falmouth.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
On Saturday, Robert Cronin scored a goal with 2:34 left to lift the Maine Mariners to a 3-2 win over the Worcester Railers at Harold Alfond Forum in Biddeford—helping them complete a preseason sweep by outshooting the Railers 43 to 25.
The Mariners will face Worcester again next Saturday and host the Reading Royals on Sunday afternoon.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
UMaine goalie Albin Boija turned a pregame collision into focus when he recorded his seventh career shutout on Saturday night in a 6-0 win against Holy Cross at Alfond Arena - he made 22 saves as the Swedish junior tied for second in career shutouts while leading the Black Bears to victory.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Scenic Train Ride
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 · 2 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a delightful 40-minute roundtrip train ride while soaking in the stunning views of Casco Bay.
An Evening with Patty Griffin and Rickie Lee Jones
Friday, October 17th, 2025 · 7-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of music with two iconic American artists in a rare double bill.
Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic wine sail with Mediterranean reds against the backdrop of Maine’s stunning autumn foliage.
Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine
Sunday, October 19th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $195 — Experience wine and oysters while sailing through the vibrant autumn waters of Casco Bay.
Big Thief Concert
Monday, October 20th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets starting at $174 — Experience the mesmerizing sounds of Big Thief live in Portland.
Maine Community Bank's LaunchPad Live Competition
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 · 4:30-7:30 p.m. — Innovation Hall, University of New England — Free admission — Witness Maine's best small businesses pitch for a $50,000 grant and network with local entrepreneurs.
Maine Tech Week
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 · 8 AM – 9 PM — Aura — Ticket required — Celebrate and connect with Maine's vibrant tech community through talks and hands-on sessions.
Joshua Radin Concert
Friday, October 24th, 2025 · 8-10 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $11.99 — Enjoy an evening with the empathic troubadour known for heartfelt melodies and powerful storytelling.
The Cat and the Canary
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Family-friendly event — Celebrate Halloween with spooky tunes and a fun costume parade on the iconic Kotzschmar Organ.
Saint Motel Concert
Monday, October 27th, 2025 · 7:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets from $47 — Experience a lively performance by the energetic band Saint Motel in Portland.