Daily editionSaturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
Community
Maine food pantries are getting key food donations from supermarkets and local businesses as they work to ease rising costs and budget cuts—Wayside Food Programs in Portland gathers rescued produce, meats, and baked goods for more than 60 local groups.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Mad Science of Maine is launching spooky science experiments for Halloween that will spark curiosity among local kids and families—hands-on sessions will start soon.
FOX23Read more
Government
SNAP benefits for low-income Mainers will continue through the end of the month but may end if the government shutdown continues — the US Department of Agriculture told state agencies to delay sending data for EBT cards.
FOX23Read more
Health
Officials warn Maine is on track for a record number of tickborne illnesses this year with more than half of the cases being Lyme disease; as of October 15, the Maine CDC reported 3,569 Lyme disease cases (1,255 anaplasmosis, 324 babesiosis, 26 hard tick relapsing fever cases, and 1 Powassan case). Ticks remain active in cool weather in wooded and shrubby areas.
WMTWRead more
Health insurers Anthem, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Martin’s Point will reduce Medicare Advantage plan options in Maine for 2026 amid rising costs—Aetna’s change will affect about 1,400 people and UnitedHealthcare will cut one plan for roughly 100 Mainers—leaving affected members to receive notice on how to choose a new plan or return to traditional Medicare. Maine state officials are investigating the changes.
FOX23Read more
Sports
The Maine Mariners will start their seventh season tonight in Worcester, Mass. — they will have their home opener tomorrow at 3 p.m. in Portland against the Reading Royals.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
BD NOW | 2025 Innovation Summit
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 · 5:00 PM – 11:30 AM — Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port — $209.00 plus taxes — A participant-driven experience designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate business development professionals from across the country.
Pierre Bensusan Live Performance
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting blend of world music with Pierre Bensusan's captivating guitar melodies.
All Hallow's Market and Flash Tattoo Event
Friday, October 31st, 2025 · 11 AM – 11 PM — Brass & Briar Studios — Free entry — Explore spooky vendors and grab unique flash tattoos at this Halloween-themed market.