Today
in Bangor
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Bangor. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sunshine's Fitness Studio & Nutrition Center celebrated its move to a new 630 Stillwater Ave facility today with a Chamber-hosted ribbon cutting that drew over 250 community members as it launched the new Fit Fuel Club Café. WABI 5
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Waldo Theatre’s new director ended volunteer-run programs on April 24 at the theater, leading to a tense meeting where staff filed a police report after a volunteer threatened violence; organizers now plan alternative events while aiming to professionalize operations. Bangor Daily News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Maine's unemployment rate held under 4 percent for 51 consecutive months, setting a new 51-month record according to the State Economist. The 3.2 percent rate in March remained unchanged despite rising fuel costs due to the war in Iran. Maine Public
- ➤ Circle K held a fuel day promotion on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at its Odlin Road station where customers saved 40 cents per gallon, and the chain will donate 10% of profits + support the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation in honor of Memorial Day. FOX Bangor
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fairmount School in Bangor will temporarily relocate for the 2026–27 school year after asbestos was found in part of the building (Superintendent Marie Robinson said the school remains safe). The school committee will vote on May 13 and hold an informational session on May 18 to discuss repair plans. WABI 5
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bangor officials announced they will remove ash trees at high risk & treat 431 others with insecticide starting this month after the Maine Forest Service detected the emerald ash borer for the first time. About 300 more trees will be treated next spring to protect community trees. Bangor Daily News
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Moody's Ratings raised Northern Light Health’s outlook from negative to stable Thursday after Standard & Poor’s made a similar move, reflecting improved finances for the Brewer-based system. The upgrade follows a drop in operating loss from $156 million in fiscal 2024 to $15 million in fiscal 2025. Bangor Daily News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Maine lawmakers planned an 18-month ban on large data centers to ease energy and water concerns for AI, but Gov. Mills vetoed the measure after local developers warned it would endanger a project in Jay and formed a 15-member advisory council to study protective options. Maine Public
- ➤ A federal judge ordered the release of Olivia Andre, a 19-year-old nursing student from Portland — detained at Texas' Dilley Immigration Processing Center since November — so she can return today to her family, who are asylum seekers from Congo. News Center Maine
- ➤ Gov. Janet Mills proclaimed today as George Hale Day to honor broadcaster George Hale’s 77-year career on Maine radio — he will also lead Bangor’s annual Fourth of July parade as part of state celebrations. Bangor Daily News
- ➤ A 19-year-old from Portland detained in Texas since November will be released today by a federal judge, as confirmed by her lawyers and Rep. Chellie Pingree — her family returned to Maine in March. Bangor Daily News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MaineHealth Vector-Borne Disease Lab researchers are studying why some Lyme patients continue to show symptoms after treatment while testing effective tick-control methods across Maine; ticks appear in all counties except Aroostook, and the five-year study is enrolling physician-referred patients in collaboration with Tufts + MassGeneral. Maine Public
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kaden Bedard, son of Maine basketball legend Andy Bedard, has committed to play basketball for UMaine this fall, joining friend Ace Flagg in Orono; his interview with CBS 13 airs Thursday. Bangor Daily News
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Great Home Expo by Hammond Lumber
12-3 a.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Various entry fees — Explore local businesses showcasing home improvement products and services.
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Soul Friends Pet Expo
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — The Furniture Gallery — Free entry — Celebrate local rescues and connect with potential soul friends for your future family.
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Melodies for the Mind 2026
6-9 PM — Husson University — Fundraising event — Enjoy an evening of comedy and R&B music while supporting mental health recovery programs.
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I Love The 90's Tour
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Tickets available — Enjoy the beats of the 90s with Young MC and nostalgic hits.
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Riff Johnson Live at Blue Sky Lounge
7-11 p.m. — Blue Sky Lounge — Cost Info not provided — Experience the energetic sounds of Riff Johnson, a one-man band with a nostalgic flair.
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