Good morning, Bangor.

UMaine alum Timothy Simons from Readfield was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the Critics’ Choice Awards for his role as Sasha on Netflix's Nobody Wants This — he says the skills learned at UMaine helped his career.

Gas prices fell another half cent last week with the average now at $2.92 per gallon statewide.

A GasBuddy survey of over 1,200 stations shows prices dropped about 7.4 cents from last month + 8.6 cents compared to a year ago.

The University of Maine in Orono has started major capital projects in 2026 to modernize its campus and boost hands-on learning — including an aquaculture innovation center that supports Maine's economic plan with a $525 million investment.

Today, Maine’s Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection announced a consent agreement with Bitcoin Depot, a Bitcoin kiosk operator, to recover $1.9 million taken by third party scammers.

The operator will now follow state consumer protection laws as a licensed money transmitter.

The Maine Library Commission has paused its planned standards for paid directors and minimum hours, keeping current agreements in place while gathering feedback.

They will review a rulemaking process at a Jan. 12 Zoom meeting (1-3 p.m.) following public input.

Bitcoin Depot agreed to pay $1.9 million in a settlement to reimburse Mainers scammed at its Bitcoin kiosks, announced Monday by the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.

Scammed consumers may file claims while Bitcoin Depot complies with state consumer protection laws — including fee caps and transmission limits laid out in recent legislation.

The Maine Legislature will debate several bills this month to secure funding for conservation, wastewater treatment, culvert upgrades, and forest industry relief.

Lawmakers are also set to consider measures on climate penalties and water rights that address challenges such as forever chemicals and habitat protection.

Covenant Health said a hacker entered its system on May 18, 2025 and accessed patient data, affecting nearly 285,000 Maine residents; on Dec.

31, the network notified those affected and began offering free credit monitoring plus strengthened IT security. Affected individuals are advised to check their health records and billing statements.

Covenant Health revealed that a May 2025 cyberattack compromised personal data for 478,188 patients — over 284,529 Mainers — and the company has notified affected individuals while strengthening cybersecurity at its Bangor and Lewiston facilities.

Thirty-three HIV cases have been reported in Penobscot County following a late December positive test, marking the highest monthly count since February 2025; officials note most patients had recently injected drugs or faced homelessness, and community groups are testing + expanding prevention efforts.

The UMaine hockey team earned a 5–2 win and 3–3 tie against sixth-ranked Denver over the weekend—gaining momentum for the upcoming Providence series.

Junior goaltender Albin Boija made 81 saves to boost the team's defense.

Tinker Bell: The Untold Story

7:00-8:15 p.m. — Cyrus Pavilion Theatre — Ticket info available — Discover the enchanting tale from Tinker Bell's perspective as the fairies of Neverland face a dire crisis.

Orono Arcade and Pat's Pizza Gathering

4-7 p.m. — Orono Arcade LLC — Limited attendance — Enjoy a cozy afternoon of gaming and pizza with fellow enthusiasts.

Adoption Event & Donation Drive

10 AM – 3 PM — Sandollar Spa & Pool — Adoption fees may be sponsored — Explore adorable dogs and support rescue efforts while enjoying a bake sale and merchandise.