Daily editionWednesday, October 29th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of October.
Community
Food pantries in Biddeford and Saco saw a record number of families on Tuesday as SNAP benefits will stop this November, forcing both centers to struggle with rising costs and lower donations—community leaders in both cities are urging local support to help meet the increasing demand. The shutdown of these benefits is impacting over 1,500 children in Biddeford and many more adults and families who rely on this assistance.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A local tattoo artist from The Eye of Henna & 13 Moons Tattoo held a weekend fundraiser called TatsFur Cats, donating 50% of proceeds to MEow Lounge—an interactive space for adoptable cats from local shelters.
The artist will host the next TatsFur Cats event on February 7 and 8.
FOX23Read more
Maine restaurants will offer free or lower-priced meals for families when SNAP and EBT benefits end on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Sam's Italian Foods will give free pizzas for children 12 and under while other venues such as Annette's Country Skillet Diner and Blaze help support those in need—proof of benefits is required.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Chainsaw artist Josh Landry carved a tree stump in South Portland after a storm caused branch damage and a homeowner asked for his help to save her maple.
The wood carver—whose work once caught Stephen King's eye—finished the sculpture over several days with his family, shaping detailed woodland animals and adding color.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland actress Karmo Sanders, known by many as The Marden's Lady for her role as Birdie Googins in Marden's commercials, passed away peacefully Saturday at her Scarborough home at age 74.
She had a long career in theater and comedy—she also wrote plays and musicals that connected with audiences across the region.
WMTWRead more
Education
Students in 78 Maine schools cast mock election ballots Tuesday to answer questions on absentee voting changes, a photo ID rule, and a red flag law on guns — they also answered a question about the Declaration of Independence's language, and results are expected today as the Secretary of State said the exercise will help them feel ready to vote when they are older.
FOX23Read more
Government
Maine’s Head Start program is at risk as the government shutdown will run out of federal funds on November 1—leaving 170 low-income families without the free meals their children rely on, while the program works with local pantries and farmers to provide support.
WGMERead more
Due to the federal government shutdown, nearly 170,000 Mainers will lose their SNAP benefits and Sam's Italian Foods will offer two free 10-inch cheese pizzas per week for children 12 and under starting November 1—families must show SNAP or EBT cards to receive the offer while the shutdown lasts.
WGMERead more
Health
A Maine cannabis vaping product is being recalled after unsafe levels of the pesticide chlorfenapyr were found—new testing showed the contamination despite an earlier pass on July 8.
The product was sold in 21 stores including three in Portland, and customers are advised to return any remaining vials for a full refund.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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.
Bess Jacques & The Strays Live Performance
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Check for tickets — Experience an eclectic mix of jazz, Americana, and more with lush vocal ballads and vibrant tunes.