Good morning, Bangor.

Two Bangor organizations received $60,000 each from the City to open warming shelters this winter—Brick Church will offer a warm place for 70 people starting Saturday while Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center will provide 40 cots beginning Nov.

21, joining Mansion Church's shelter to serve about 170 people per night until spring.

Brewer High School’s Key Club and Best Buddies combined separate food drives to collect about 1,500 items—food, pet food, and toiletries—and will donate roughly 500 pounds to a local pantry; the food drive continues with a fill-the-truck event on Sunday from 9:00-2:00 outside Hannaford.

Nicole LaRochelle from R&N Wellness Lounge on Central St is launching Paint It Forward to pair local artists with downtown businesses so they can paint storefront windows during the holiday season—this project aims to draw visitors downtown and support the local art scene.

Today, True North Theatre debuts its world premiere play 'Cosmogenesis: The Story of Us' at UMaine’s planetarium, where a multimedia show explores identity and space with a diverse cast—performances are also set for Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra debuted its free chamber music series at the Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness Center yesterday—part of its Music & Wellness program that brings live music to hospitals and community members.

Two more concerts are planned for winter and spring as the orchestra looks to expand its hospital partnerships.

The weekly drought monitor update shows that Maine’s extreme drought area dropped from 43% to 32% but groundwater deficits and dry wells still persist + meteorologists warn that winter conditions will delay water recovery until the spring thaw.

Today, Bangor city officials updated winter street parking rules as more snow is expected this weekend.

The new rules move parking bans to 11 p.m. and require drivers outside downtown to park on even-numbered addresses on even days or odd-numbered addresses on odd days—residents will get alerts about free parking lots via the city’s website and social media.

Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor earned an A from The Leapfrog Group+ marking its fifth straight top mark since spring 2023 as it scored high on stopping surgical complications while receiving lower marks for staff communication.

The report used 22 measures to rate patient safety and care across hospitals.

Maine is asking for $500 million in federal funds to improve its rural health care system by boosting technology, workforce, and access in remote areas — with $45 million set aside for telehealth services.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will decide the funds by the end of the year as state officials work to balance new investments with upcoming cost cuts.

Today the Bangor Rams travel south to play the defending Portland Bulldogs at Fitzpatrick Stadium at 6 p.m. in a title game—after they beat Oxford Hills 35 to 6 and lost to Portland before, coach David Morris said his seniors, led by quarterback Kyle Johnson, are ready to compete.

Maine high school basketball got underway when the smallest schools began practice in the new Class S, while teams in Classes A, B, C, and D will start official practices on Monday, November 17 + coaches say the reclassification reshuffled teams and set the stage for a competitive season.

UMaine women’s soccer won their third straight America East Tournament title with a 4-3 penalty kick win at Vermont (erasing a 2-0 deficit to force overtime) and will face the University of Central Florida today at 7 p.m. in Orlando.

Coach Scott Atherley said the team must press quickly and use their width to stretch UCF’s defense.

Meet Dog Man at BAM! Bangor

11 AM – 2 PM — Books-A-Million — Free entry — Celebrate the release of Dog Man: Big Jim Believes with games, activities, and a photo op with Dog Man himself.

BLANK SPACE: The Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute

4-5:30 p.m. — Husson University — Check local listings for prices — Experience the magic of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour with an amazing tribute band performing stunning costumes and flawless choreography.

Mainebiz 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes Forum

7:30-10:30 a.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Bangor — Tickets required — Gain insight from Maine CEOs sharing success stories and actionable business ideas.

Holiday Party – North

12-3:30 p.m. — Seasons — $10 for non-members — Celebrate the holiday season with lunch, crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

7-11 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Last-minute theater tickets available — Experience a unique blend of hip hop and the classic Nutcracker tale.

Hadestown Performance

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Cross Insurance Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the acclaimed musical 'Hadestown' live in Bangor, ME.