Good morning, Bangor.

Bangor’s W.A. Bean & Sons announced last week that its red snapper hot dogs now use all-natural dye from carmine extract ahead of a federal ban on artificial red dye, and the hot dogs are available at its retail store with shelf availability in the next couple of weeks.

In Orono, the Libra Foundation will invest $1.3 million over the next two years to expand Maine Outdoor School for All, a program that connected 1,675 students from 43 schools, offering hands-on outdoor learning plus STEM skill development and career insights for middle-schoolers, coordinated by UMaine Cooperative Extension.

UMaine System union leaders urged administrators to review spending before proposed cuts affect early-career positions and other jobs — the email came after a $19 million budget shortfall was announced on Sept.

18 and warned that reduced state funding could lead to layoffs.

On Monday night, the city council approved $7K in opioid settlement funds to complete a fundraising drive that raised over $220,000 for Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center—located at 2 Second St. and offering peer support to people facing mental illness and addiction.

Maine’s moose season opened Monday in rainy weather and saw 148 moose tagged by noon Tuesday; local guide services in zone 7 and family hunts in other zones reported impressive bulls despite the damp conditions.

A survey shows 85% of Mainers feel housing is too expensive today as rents and prices soar.

Officials plan changes to speed up home construction and lower costs so more people can afford to buy a home.

Former UMaine winger Bradly Nadeau, 21, showed skill in three exhibition games but was sent down to the Chicago Wolves as Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said the move was tough because of deep forward competition (the coach noted it would help keep him playing regularly).