Good morning, Portland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Headshot Happy Hour

4-6 p.m. — Argenta Brewing Company — Headshot + Drink ticket available — Network over local drinks and capture a new professional headshot.

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.

Ballads and Crankies: Music and Visual Art Experience

8-11:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — All ages — Experience an intimate evening of folk music and visual art combining haunting ballads and intricate paper animations.

Intro to Argentine Tango and Practica

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.

Maine Irish Song Project Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Maine Irish Heritage Center — $25 general admission or $35 front row — Experience the rich tradition of Maine's Irish songs performed by the celebrated duo Castlebay.

Annual Makers Market Christmas Arts & Craft Show

9 AM — South Portland High School — Free entry — Explore a festive array of Maine-made crafts and holiday goodies at this 2-day market.

Bess Jacques & The Strays Live Performance

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.