Good morning, Bangor.

Small Business Saturday will take place this Saturday at DREAM where over a dozen local makers and artists will showcase their work—shoppers can support local businesses while exploring a mini market, and the Red Rabbit Bazaar will host its Holiday Basement Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the same day.

In October, Maine credit unions united in the Ending Hunger Challenge and raised $238,217 to fight food insecurity — more than double the $100,000 goal.

They also gave nearly $36,000 to Good Shepherd Food Bank as many locals faced higher food costs amid changes in food assistance programs.

Travelers this Thanksgiving may pay less for gas as AAA noted that the average price is $3.03 a gallon—four cents lower than last year, while diesel costs $3.96 a gallon—nearly 20 cents more expensive than the same week last year.

NEWS CENTER Maine released the second episode of its podcast 'Priced Out' where state economist Amanda Rector said Maine’s economy remains steady — even as housing, workforce shortages and uneven growth bring uncertainty for early 2026.

She explained that rising prices and limited supply mean higher-income households are gaining while others face challenges.

The Valley Grange of Guilford gave dictionaries to every third grader at five local schools earlier this month through its Words for Thirds program, marking 20 years of support for early learning.

The group will honor supporters with a breakfast-for-supper event on Dec. 5 and said the program helps kids learn to look up words together.

Ashleigh Tucker Pollock, who grew up fishing on local lakes, is named the new director of development and communications at the Downeast Salmon Federation in Columbia Falls—she brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience.

She will lead fundraising, communications, and donor outreach to support efforts to restore wild salmon and protect local habitats.

Avangrid Inc. received its final permit on Nov.

19th to build the hydropower transmission line even after a 2021 referendum rejected the project. Final tests for the 145-mile corridor from Lewiston to the Canadian border will be completed by mid-December so the system can start delivering Canadian hydropower to the New England grid.

In November, new data shows that about 342 thousand Mainers—28 percent of the population—are caregivers, not counting those who cared in the past.

AARP said caregivers often quit their jobs and face financial, medical and social challenges as fewer long-term care facilities are available, while more support through grants and groups is now offered.

Chef Ken Burkett from Noble Kitchen and Bar in Brunswick shared his quick one-pan mussels recipe—using chorizo, apples, fennel, and Maine beer—with step-by-step instructions that call for cleaning mussels and discarding any that do not open while adding fresh herbs, ensuring a fast, local meal.

UMaine men’s hockey player Jeremy Langlois returned to Orono after a Saturday game collision against Boston College sent him into the boards and led to a hospital visit where tests showed normal scans—he is now under care from UMaine sports medicine.

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.