Daily editionMonday, October 20th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 20th of October.
Community
On September 18th, 2025, 14 volunteers from the Cumberland County Food Security Council harvested over 2,000 pounds of tomatoes and peppers at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester—ensuring fresh produce reached local food pantries instead of being wasted.
Connor Wertz said gleaning helped cut farm waste and support food access for those in need.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Hot Rods and Heroes car show at Bill Dodge Auto Group in Westbrook showed about 600 cars and gave awards in 16 categories to raise money for nonprofit Veterans Forward — a radiothon was held last Thursday to support veterans further.
WGANRead more
Business
Merry Christmas Tree Farms in Windham is a family run business that has grown Christmas trees for 30 years and maintains 8 to 10 thousand trees using a nearby pond and an irrigation pump that waters a 150 to 200 foot circle despite the summer drought—the farm will open on weekends starting Black Friday as holiday demand rises.
FOX23Read more
Culture
Six live music shows will treat local fans with Halloween-themed performances in Portland, Arundel, Kittery and Bath.
The events include a Queen tribute celebrating Bohemian Rhapsody’s 50th anniversary, rock cover parties and a Scottish music night — all set for Oct. 30, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Thirteen Halloween events will take place across Maine with haunted walks, cemetery tours, trolley trick-or-treating, and movie screenings—each event offering a mix of scares and family fun.
The attractions are set from October 29 through November 2 in locations including Portland, Saco, and Kennebunkport.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Most Maine homes will see their electricity supply cost rise by about 15% in January 2026, adding roughly $8 to a typical bill.
Rising natural gas prices from more LNG exports push up costs — this increase is separate from Central Maine Power’s plan to raise distribution rates.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Maine has seen extreme drought cover 34% of the state since August and faces trouble if at least a foot of rain does not fall before the ground freezes—threatening local wells and crops.
Forecasters say some rain will come later this week, but it will only maintain current conditions until more significant rainfall arrives.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
DNC Chair Ken Martin said that Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s past Reddit posts—in which he called himself a communist and used harmful language—are not enough to disqualify him, and he welcomed Platner’s apology.
Platner apologized on Friday, and his political director resigned as he prepares to challenge Senator Susan Collins with strong backing from labor unions and Senator Bernie Sanders.
WGANRead more
Portland Events
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.
Worcester Railers vs. Maine Mariners
Friday, November 7th, 2025 · 7:15-8:45 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket required for all ages 2 and up — Catch an exciting hockey showdown in Portland!
Annual Celtic Fair 2025
Saturday, November 8th, 2025 · 9 AM – 3 PM — Maine Irish Heritage Center — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with Irish dance, festive food, and local artistry.