Daily
Portland
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Postal Service has included a stamp honoring Maine writer Sarah Orne Jewett in its 2026 Forever stamps lineup—designed by illustrator Mark Summers to show her in a coastal Maine scene. The release date and dedication ceremony will be announced later. Portland Press Herald
- ➤ The Chocolate Church Arts Center will host its second annual Haunted Ragtime Halloween party on Nov. 1 from 6-10 p.m.—featuring swing dancing, live music from The Ragtime Destroyers and a free swing lesson—and all proceeds will go to the Bath Area Food Bank to support neighbors facing SNAP benefit cuts. Portland Press Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The foundation for Portland Public Schools raised over $40,000 to stock school food pantries and provide Hannaford gift cards for families facing a gap in federal SNAP benefits. It will work with school counselors and social workers to distribute the donations as the federal benefits lapse continues—helping ease food insecurity among students and their families. Portland Press Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A U.S. Drought Monitor report from Oct 30 shows that southern Maine including Portland is in extreme drought as last week's rain did little to wet the hardened soil. Forty-three percent of the state is now in extreme drought and streams are at record low flows—farmers face low crop yields and wildfire risks are rising. WMTW
- ➤ A report by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission said American lobsters have dropped 34% since 2018 in key fishing grounds off Maine and Massachusetts, and overfishing is now occurring—new rules may soon limit catches to help restore the stock. WMTW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Mills has released $1 million from a contingency fund—dividing the funds between Agewise and Good Shepherd Food Bank—to help people who will soon lose SNAP benefits. Good Shepherd, which serves 190,000 Mainers, is preparing for Saturday as it braces for up to 170,000 more SNAP recipients. WGME
- ➤ Federal funding cuts to permanent supportive housing may displace about 780 Mainers and leave 124 Bangor residents without aid, according to Maine officials. The changes will take effect soon amid a government shutdown—heightening risks for vulnerable groups. WGME
- ➤ Due to a government shutdown, MaineHousing’s Energy Crisis Intervention Program may lose its $3 million federal funding—leaving vulnerable families without emergency heating help this winter. Officials warn that until funds are restored, thousands of Mainers risk running out of fuel while community agencies continue accepting heating assistance applications. FOX23
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MaineHealth Pediatrics in South Portland has launched a new outpatient donor milk dispensary that offers pasteurized human milk from Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast to help infants facing early feeding challenges; it is the fourth location following Augusta, Camden, and Bath. Pediatricians and lactation specialists are available to support families while a $750 stipend eases costs for those in need (donations are carefully screened and processed). Portland Press Herald
- ➤ Maine Family Planning will end its primary care services at clinics in Presque Isle, Houlton and Ellsworth today due to Medicaid funding cuts, affecting over 800 patients who will need to find care elsewhere. The network will continue to offer family planning and reproductive services at its 18 clinics—while challenging the funding decision in court—serving more than 8,000 patients. FOX23
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2025 The Polar Express Train Ride
4 PM — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Standard pricing — Experience a magical journey to the North Pole on a festive train ride with storytelling and treats.
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