Daily editionFriday, November 7th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of November.
Community
Orange Bike Brewing on Diamond Street is hosting two food drives starting Friday, Nov. 14 — one from noon to 8 p.m. to benefit local food pantries and a second on Saturday, Nov. 15 serving as a Cranksgiving collection hub to support the Westbrook Food Pantry.
The events are part of the brewery's second anniversary celebration, which begins Thursday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. with acoustic bluegrass by The White Mountain Ramblers and continues with a community happy hour on Friday plus musical performances on Saturday and Sunday.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Thomas Barthelmes, chef and co-owner of Finestkind in Saco, was named Maine Lobster Chef of the Year for 2025 after judges awarded him the honor at Harvest on the Harbor last week—he impressed with a dish of lobster custard with poached lobster in XO sauce, young ginger, and crispy tempura.
FOX23Read more
Government
Maine drivers have complained that bright headlights from aftermarket parts cause glare and make night driving unsafe.
State police and officials said they would enforce rules to stop illegal lights—drivers must use approved parts to meet safety standards.
WGMERead more
Portland International Jetport has warned passengers that many flights will face cancellations as the FAA cuts air traffic by 10% at 40 high-volume airports to help maintain safety during the government shutdown.
Reductions will start at 4% today and rise gradually, so travelers should check their flight status+ airlines are adjusting schedules accordingly+.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Cheverus field hockey came from behind to beat Biddeford 3 to 2 in overtime at Yarmouth High School on Thursday—returning the team to the state final for the fifth straight year; they will face North champion Skowhegan on Saturday at Lewiston High School.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cape Elizabeth beat Yarmouth 2-0 in the Class B South girls soccer final on Thursday at McCann Field in Bangor, finishing the season 17-0.
The undefeated team will play Hermon at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Edward Little High in Auburn (their first state final appearance since 2021).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Soccer and field hockey regional finals were held on November 6 after a postponement, with overtime wins and close scores in several boys and girls brackets.
Top teams including Yarmouth, Oceanside and Telstar advanced to state championship games scheduled for Saturday at Edward Little—Brewer, where they will meet strong opponents.
WMTWRead more
The Maine Celtics finalized a 13-man roster for their G League opener today that includes two-way players Ron Harper Jr.—Max Shulga—and Amari Williams along with returning veteran Jalen Bridges.
The team will begin the season with a road game against the Greensboro Swarm and features several players with NBA experience.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland’s veteran captain Mikey Lopez leads the Hearts of Pine as they prepare for a USL League One semifinal in Spokane Sunday night—he brings 13 seasons of pro experience to the team.
Lopez has built a strong bond with coach Bobby Murphy over 20 years—support that guides the club in this critical match.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
Narragansett School in Gorham was evacuated twice on Wednesday after a gas leak was reported—firefighters located a small leak on the roof and fixed it, and the school reopened on Thursday with no injuries reported.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
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.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 · 6:30 PM — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket required — Embark on a magical train journey to the North Pole with festive treats and storytelling.