Daily editionMonday, October 27th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 27th of October.
Community
At 44 Congress, 27 carved pumpkins are on display in a contest where neighbors vote using a QR code survey—275 votes have been cast so far.
Organizer Ryan Houseman said the overall winner will be revealed on Halloween.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Local Queen tribute band Masterstroke Queen Experience is set to perform at 8 p.m. Thursday at Portland House of Music—marking their 10th anniversary—while Talking Heads tribute Start Making Sense will close the year on New Year’s Eve at the State Theatre.
Both acts offer fans a local way to enjoy rock hits amid a busy schedule of tribute shows across the state.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Central Maine singer Liza Miller—recording as Lisa/Liza—led more than 30 musicians in creating the 32-track album Songs of Hope for Gaza to raise funds for Anera's aid for Gaza.
The album, which features 15 songs by Maine artists, is co-released by Portland's Pretty Purgatory Records and Philadelphia's Dear Life Records and will be available as a pay-what-you-can download.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Paul Mayewski stepped down as director of the University of Maine Climate Change Institute in Orono after 24 years—interim director Dan Sandweiss will lead the institute until June as it faces funding challenges and federal debates over climate research.
Sandweiss said he plans to return to his research full-time when his temporary role ends.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
An Oct. 17 op-ed in the Maine Energy Plan calls for a grid planning group from private, public and nonprofit sectors to address climate, energy and job issues—plans that come as state leaders work to boost offshore wind, local resilience and new transmission lines to meet rising use of electric vehicles and heat pumps. The proposal aims to keep Maine on track for a clean energy future even as federal investments fall short.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Reports of dead squirrels in Portland rose this fall with 25 cases noted via the See Click Fix platform—only a few more than last year and twice the number from 2023.
Experts say young squirrels are forced to roam further for food, which increases their risk of being hit by cars.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Real Estate
Maine has built more homes per person over the past 50 years but now sees fewer people living in each home, with occupancy dropping to about 1.8 per unit.
Policy makers are funding projects like the Maine Home Share pilot to connect renters with homeowners who have spare rooms — a move that could help better use existing housing.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
The Maine Mariners rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third period to tie the game — but lost to the Nailers in overtime when Wheeling’s Logan Pietila scored with 58 seconds left — at Cross Insurance Arena on Sunday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
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.
Tape B Concert
Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — State Theatre — $55 — Experience the sounds of Tape B live in concert at the iconic State Theatre in Portland.
Literacy Tour 2025 with Julie Falatko
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 · 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Portland Public Library — Free entry — Explore enchanting stories with Daniel Tiger and Maine's own Julie Falatko.
Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery Concert
Thursday, November 13th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Tickets starting at $35 — Enjoy an exciting night of country music with top artists in Portland.
Intro to Argentine Tango and Practica
Friday, November 14th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — The Portland Yoga Project — First lesson free, $50 for all six classes — Discover the elegant fundamentals of Argentine Tango with expert guidance.
Kyle Eldridge & Shaun Young Live Concert
Saturday, November 15th, 2025 · 9-11 p.m. — Veterans of Foreign Wars — Free entry — Experience the lively tunes of country and western swing from Kentucky's own Kyle Eldridge and Shaun Young & The Swingin' Strikes.