Daily editionTuesday, October 28th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 28th of October.
Community
South Portland’s Resilient Yards program connects residents + volunteer coaches to transform lawns into native plant gardens that boost local sustainability and community ties.
In 2025, 43 new participants and 14 coaches planted over 340 native pollinator plants, adding to a total of 230 participants and 1,352 plants planted over the past three years.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Girl Scouts in Troop 1240 built three buddy benches for local elementary schools to give students a place to sit and find friends—earning their bronze awards in the process.
The troop plans to work on their silver award next.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Applications are now open for Maine’s next poet laureate—a 5-year role with a $5,000 yearly stipend that requires travel across the state to promote poetry.
Candidates must be full-time Maine residents with a distinguished body of work and must submit eight to ten pages of poetry and a one-page statement by Dec. 5.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine Women in the Arts Award winners were announced last week when 33 members submitted art at an Indigenous People’s weekend show in Kennebunkport—Norma Johnsen’s pastel 'Campfire' earned Best in Show, Cheryl Lunde’s watercolor 'Cottage Hydrangeas' took second, and Cary Frye’s bowl-shaped piece earned third while the public selected Ellen Pelletier’s work as People’s Choice. The works remain on display and will be available for purchase at the Kennebunkport Masonic Lodge during the Prelude celebration from Dec. 4-7.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Stage opens Dirty Deeds Downeast this week at 25 Forest Ave with performances running through Nov. 23, and downtown Portland hosts a 7 p.m. Damnationland film event at the State Theatre featuring horror films by Maine filmmakers—adding local flair to the season.
Harvest on the Harbor offers a three-day cocktail and seafood experience at Maine Studio Works while musical and comedy shows in Lewiston and South Portland complete the diverse lineup.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Maine test scores on national exams have dropped since the 2000s—fourth graders now rank in the bottom 15 states for math and reading, while low-income and special needs students show the largest declines.
State leaders have struggled to unite on a plan to help, citing challenges like absenteeism, poverty, and teacher shortages.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Starting Saturday, almost 170,000 Mainers will see their SNAP benefits paused due to the government shutdown as federal funds are redirected, according to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
Maine DHHS said benefits already on EBT cards remain available while applications and renewals continue to be processed.
WGMERead more
Health
The Maine Office of Cannabis Policy recalled Yani adult-use vape cartridges after a consumer complaint led to tests that found unsafe levels of chlorfenapyr—a pesticide that can cause high fever, nausea, and other serious symptoms.
The recalled cartridges were sold between July 10 and Oct. 16 at 21 retail stores, and consumers experiencing adverse effects should seek immediate medical help.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
2025 POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Sunday, November 16th, 2025 · 2:45 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical train ride to the North Pole inspired by the beloved classic.