Good morning, Portland.

Good Shepherd Food Bank is helping Mainers on SNAP stretch their money as visits have grown from about 50 a month to hundreds amid worries over reduced federal SNAP benefits.

Heather Paquette said buying in bulk and choosing frozen fruits and vegetables can lower costs — the food bank is adjusting to changes in federal funding.

Midcoast Humane said that Tufton, a friendly hound who loves long walks and belly rubs, is available for adoption at the shelter.

The animal shelter noted his gentle nature makes him a great companion—he is eager to start his new life with a loving family.

TD Bank will close its branches in Lincoln, Westbrook — and Ellsworth by January 29 as part of a plan to shut over 50 branches nationwide.

The bank already closed four branches earlier this year.

Maine native Amy Allen, who grew up in Windham and won the 2025 Songwriter of the Year award, has received four nominations for the 2026 Grammys.

She is nominated for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, two Song of the Year nods for APT. and Manchild, and Album of the Year for her work on Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend—highlighting her strong contributions to top releases.

Maine native Amy Allen—who won a Grammy earlier in February—was nominated for the songwriter Grammy award Friday morning.

She will learn if she wins a second time on Feb. 1 when the awards are presented live on CBS.

Wild blueberry growers lost nearly $30M this season from a fast-onset drought that sharply cut yields in southern Maine.

Leaders and growers will seek emergency funding—planning better irrigation and other measures to protect the crop next year.

Fifth graders at Rowe Elementary built robot pets that move, make sounds and light up as part of a STEAM project using Chromebooks, micro:bits, lights and motors.

The school’s mobile makerspace provided hands-on experience with the engineering design process—helping students explore science, technology, engineering, art and math.

The South Portland School Board approved a new teacher contract this week after months of talks and two five‐hour negotiation sessions—teachers can now file grievances for health and safety issues and take five days of personal leave, while support professionals continue waiting on their contract. This agreement aligns leave policies with state rules and clarifies the process to handle layoffs.

As the government shutdown continues, many Mainers lose SNAP benefits and about 55,000 children risk going hungry, which a Brunswick nonprofit called a health crisis.

Gov. Mills said DHHS will issue full SNAP benefits this month — schools and food pantries report rising demand.

A bucket of spilled needles found along railroad tracks on Rand Road was reportedly cleaned up by a needle exchange group — a viewer alerted city officials who said railway authorities are responsible.

Portland’s Hearts of Pine coach Bobby Murphy is a finalist for USL League One Coach of the Year and defender Nathan Messer is in contention for Defender of the Year—Messer also earned a spot on the All-League first team after scoring six goals with four assists this season.

Murphy led the team to the playoffs with an 11-7-12 record and an upset win over Chattanooga in the quarterfinals.

UMaine Black Bears will face Hampton at Armstrong Stadium at 1 p.m. today as they aim for a sixth straight win—boosting their CAA title hopes.

Hampton, which split its all-time series with UMaine and won the last meeting 42-35, enters the game having lost nine consecutive conference matches—setting the stage for a key clash.

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.

The Polar Express Train Ride

4 PM — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Standard Pricing — Experience a magical train journey to the North Pole with hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa.

Maine Mariners vs Norfolk Admirals

3:00-4:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — $10 tickets — Enjoy an exciting hockey game with fun activities for all ages.