Good morning, Bangor.

Local institutions in Bangor, Ellsworth, Hermon, Old Town and Searsport will offer free Thanksgiving meals on Thursday with dining times from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.—one location even featuring a plant-based option.

A new warming shelter opened Friday to give people living on the streets a safe place at night, offering beds, meals and clean clothes from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The program, run by a long-established local organization, now seeks donations of essentials like paper plates, cups and blankets.

Maine credit unions raised a record $238,000 last month in the Ending Hunger Challenge, beating their $100,000 goal and designating $36,000 for the Good Shepherd Food Bank—marking the 35th year of the campaign.

This fundraiser fought food insecurity and showed strong local support.

Central Maine Power employees donated more than 1,000 pounds of food to Capital Region Salvation Army and Augusta Food Bank on November 26—part of a national drive by Avangrid that provided 10,000 food items to 20 pantries.

After a deadly kitchen fire in 2015 claimed a young life, the Levant Fire Department created Spark Pug Academy to teach local children fire safety and emergency plans.

Each summer the program offers hands-on training—including obstacle courses and a simulated smoke room—that has helped kids know what to do during real emergencies.

Federal funds will soon be offered through disaster loans to small businesses and organizations in Maine that lost money from a drought starting September 30—covering Aroostook, Hancock, Kennebec, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset, Waldo and Washington counties, with loans up to $2 million at 4% interest.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue stop at Bangor Auditorium — for $8.50 a ticket, fans saw Dylan with Joan Baez, Roger McGuinn, and other musicians during a memorable four-hour show that featured both classic songs and spoken word.

USDA has declared Maine’s drought a natural disaster, so farmers in all 16 counties can apply for federal emergency loans to pay off debts, cover living costs, and buy new equipment.

Maine’s state program will also offer grants to fund drilled wells and build water storage ponds — many crops have already lost yield — as dry conditions are expected to last through winter.

Brewer Mayor Jenn Morin said on November 26 that despite a multi-million dollar budget gap in Penobscot County caused by rising jail costs, Brewer is moving ahead with plans to attract new businesses.

She noted that developments—such as a waterfront property sale that could produce revenue—are expected to boost the city’s tax base and help avoid property tax increases.

Gov. Janet Mills declared Friday, Nov.

28 as Maine Grown Christmas Tree Day to honor the state's $19 million Christmas tree industry and support over 800 workers from more than 115 family farms. The Maine Department of Agriculture highlighted the celebration—urging residents to support local growers as the holiday season begins.

Maine high school students show improved mental health—survey results from last spring reveal that feelings of prolonged sadness dropped from 35% in 2023 to 28% in 2025 while alcohol and cannabis use also decreased.

The survey noted that alcohol use fell from 20.5% to 16.5% and cannabis use dropped from 18.7% to 14.6%, and more schools now offer mental health programs.

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.