Daily editionSaturday, November 1st, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 1st of November.
Community
A crew from Glenburn-based Smith Builders Roofing Specialists replaced veteran Roger Gray's leaking roof in Hudson on Thursday to help him avoid costly repairs—this marks the eighth roof the company has replaced for Maine veterans as winter approaches.
The project provides important relief for local families as they prepare for colder weather.
FOX23Read more
Stewards of the Western Cemetery announced that their capital campaign raised $245,000 toward a $250,000 goal at a celebratory event on October 19—local residents and over 150 volunteers have supported the nearly two-year effort.
The cemetery will complete the remainder of its new fence in November and finish its tool shed installation by year-end to close out the campaign before 2026.
West End NewsRead more
Culture
The USPS announced they will honor Maine writer Sarah Orne Jewett with a commemorative stamp that uses an original portrait by Mark Summers+ with the Maine coast as a background.
The stamp design also shows a bright ray of sunshine+ to evoke a scene from her best-known novel and will be released in 2026.
WGMERead more
Environment
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission said that lobsters have been overfished in key New England fishing grounds after a report showed a 34% decline in their numbers since 2018.
New rules to limit lobster size may be introduced soon to help protect the fishery — officials stressed their commitment to sustainable practices.
WGMERead more
WGME featured Gaia, a great horned owl, at the Center for Wildlife on Friday, October 31st to show her role in wildlife education.
The segment explained how Gaia helps local residents learn about animal conservation—a message that connects nature with the community.
FOX23Read more
Government
Portland City Council created the Social Housing Task Force on March 17 to study ways to use public resources and city land for building more affordable housing.
Councilor Kate Sykes pointed to a Maryland program as a model—she noted that many towns are exploring new ideas—and the 13-member group will meet on November 12 to plan concrete steps for new housing.
West End NewsRead more
Ronald Holmes III resigned as finance director for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s campaign Friday — he announced his departure on LinkedIn after saying his work values did not match those of the team.
WMTWRead more
Health
Anthem and Northern Light Health did not reach a deal by the extended deadline as their talks ended Friday; Northern Light Health will close its Waterville walk-in care office on November 14—patients may have to pay out-of-network costs or find a new doctor if no deal is reached.
FOX23Read more
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Northern Light Health have not reached a deal on reimbursement rates after extending talks to Friday, which may force Anthem patients to pay more or look for a new doctor for primary care.
Governor Janet Mills urged both sides to agree while Northern Light warned that without higher rates it may have to cut important programs.
WGMERead more
Portland Events
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.
2025 The Polar Express Train Ride
Friday, November 21st, 2025 · 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.