Daily
Portland
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Longfellow Books in Portland released this week’s bestseller lists with 'If I Built a Town' by Chris Van Dusen topping the fiction list — and 'The Place of Tides' by James Rebanks leading the nonfiction list, with both hardcover and paperback titles featured. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Harvest on the Harbor will host the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year competition from October 30 to November 1 at Maine Studio Work at 170 Anderson St. in Portland, where Chef Hannah Ryder from Twelve said the event will highlight local seafood, spirits and chefs—this 21+ event offers a close look at fresh flavors. WGME
- ➤ Maine moviegoers will enjoy a variety of screenings this spooky season—classic horror, indie documentaries and local films are set to play at multiple venues through Nov. 2, including local favorites like Halloween, Creature from the Black Lagoon and Damnationland. Each event offers a unique look at the diverse film offerings scheduled for the season. Portland Press Herald
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Retailers reported that back-to-school spending rose very little while food and restaurant sales increased, leading them to expect a slow holiday season as shoppers worry about high prices and job uncertainty. Experts said that if tariffs keep pushing prices up, many people may spend less on holiday gifts—shaping spending habits in the coming months. Portland Press Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Greater Portland Metro announced a new bus service that will connect Scarborough and Portland seven days a week—specific stops and scheduling are still being planned. Funding for the line comes from the Maine Turnpike Authority, MaineDOT, and Scarborough—service is expected to start next year. FOX23
- ➤ Graham Platner—Maine’s Senate candidate—saw his now-deleted Reddit comments about racism, sexual assault, and police officers shown on The Daily Show Tuesday night after he had apologized for the posts. He said the comments were made when he was angry and isolated while dealing with untreated PTSD and depression. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Food pantries in Maine brace for increased demand as the government shutdown causes SNAP funds to run out by November and 12% of Mainers depend on these benefits. Local providers such as Terrence Miller from Preble Street and Rebecca Coffin of Hailey’s Kitchen are taking extra steps to help families amid rising grocery costs. FOX23
- ➤ The U.S. Coast Guard paused its plan to remove navigational buoys off Maine after receiving more than 3,200 public comments and will further analyze the aids to navigation system before any changes are made. The proposal would have removed 350 buoys in the Northeast, including about 150 off the Maine coast—raising concerns among local mariners. WMTW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On October 29 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., CBS13 and FOX23 will host a car seat safety check at 81 Northport Drive in Portland — where Safe Kids Maine staff will help drivers install or inspect child car seats correctly — to enhance travel safety for local families. WGME
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Portland Hearts of Pine sold out every game in their first USL League One season and filled Fitzpatrick Stadium with record crowds. The team will play Westchester on Saturday for a playoff spot and remains a strong contender as loyal fans cheer them on. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ The Westbrook and Gorham high school teams will face off on Friday at 6 p.m. at Olmstead Field for the first River Bowl, where the winner earns a new trophy—an honor that adds extra excitement to their long rivalry—. Both coaches have planned clean and tough plays as the teams prepare for this new chapter in their tradition. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ On Tuesday, the Hearts of Pine set a record with their 6-1 win over the Spokane Velocity at Fitzpatrick Stadium as they scored the most goals in one game and drew 6,440 fans, breaking the attendance record. The win kept Portland's hopes of hosting a home quarterfinal alive as the team now awaits results from others. WMTW
- ➤ Maine native Cooper Flagg started his NBA debut at point guard for the Dallas Mavericks in their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs as the team filled in for Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from injury. ESPN reported that Flagg, the first Mainer to start in the NBA, played many minutes to show his scoring, passing, and defensive skills (a key role for the young star). WMTW
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Worcester Railers vs. Maine Mariners
7:15-8:45 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket required for all ages 2 and up — Catch an exciting hockey showdown in Portland!
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Annual Celtic Fair 2025
9 AM – 3 PM — Maine Irish Heritage Center — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with Irish dance, festive food, and local artistry.
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Headshot Happy Hour
4-6 p.m. — Argenta Brewing Company — Headshot + Drink ticket available — Network over local drinks and capture a new professional headshot.
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Literacy Tour 2025 with Julie Falatko
3:30–4:30 p.m. — Portland Public Library — Free entry — Explore enchanting stories with Daniel Tiger and Maine's own Julie Falatko.
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