Daily editionWednesday, November 5th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 5th of November.
Community
Tribal food pantries in Maine have added extra hours and workers as SNAP cuts from a federal shutdown left more families in need.
Pantry managers are now relying on local hunters and tribal orders — efforts that help them provide traditional foods.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Outdoor lovers and film fans will attend the Film Fest for Casco Bay on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.—held at the University of Southern Maine's Abromson Center in Portland—where films highlight themes of nature and adventure.
WGMERead more
Environment
Scientists at the University of New England placed a new wave buoy in Saco Bay, one mile offshore, to collect real-time data on our coast.
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the buoy measures wave heights, water temperature, and oxygen levels—helping study coastal erosion for future research.
WMTWRead more
Government
Portland voters will decide on Tuesday if a ballot measure passes to raise the minimum wage from $15.50 to $16.75 on Jan. 1, 2026 and eventually to $19 by 2028—supporters say rising living costs demand the change while critics worry small businesses could struggle.
The result may affect local business conditions for years.
FOX23Read more
Health
Northern Light Health said on Tuesday it will hold bills for Anthem patients who received care after Oct 31 until contract negotiations are completed—Anthem says claims from Nov 1 will be processed as out-of-network unless an extension is signed.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Brunswick boys soccer won the Class A North regional title on Tuesday night—beating Camden Hills in a penalty shootout for their first title since 2022.
The Dragons will play Scarborough on Saturday at Messalonskee High in a state rematch.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Washington Academy finished at the top of the final Varsity Maine volleyball poll after a tough five-set Class B championship win over York—earning six of nine first‐place votes and placing ahead of three‐time Class A champion Gorham.
The poll is based on games played before November 4.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland’s men's soccer team advanced to the USL League One semifinals after goalie Hunter Morse made nine saves in a 1-0 win over the Chattanooga Red Wolves on Saturday—his record-setting performance helped secure the win and set the stage for a 9 p.m. match against Spokane Velocity on Sunday.
Portland Press HeraldRead 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.