Good morning, Portland.

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.

Dozens of schools in Maine and Texas received hoax emails suggesting that explosives were planted, and Yarmouth School Superintendent Andrew Dolloff said law enforcement confirmed the messages were replicas with outdated addresses — classes in Yarmouth were not affected on Friday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine

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

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

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

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

8-10 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $11.99 — Enjoy an evening with the empathic troubadour known for heartfelt melodies and powerful storytelling.

Madilyn Mei Live Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Portland House Of Music and Events (HOME) — Tickets available now — Experience an unforgettable evening with the rising artist Madilyn Mei.

Saint Motel Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets from $47 — Experience a lively performance by the energetic band Saint Motel in Portland.

Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers

8-11 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Get your tickets ASAP — Experience the return of a songwriting legend for two nights in Portland!

Pierre Bensusan Live Performance

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

11 AM – 11 PM — Brass & Briar Studios — Free entry — Explore spooky vendors and grab unique flash tattoos at this Halloween-themed market.