Good morning, Portland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’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.

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.

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.