Good morning, Bangor.

Penquis and Blueberry Broadcasting have teamed up for the Christmas is for Kids program to help over 1,200 children receive a gift on Christmas morning.

The program accepts drop-offs at 262 Harlow St. (Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) until December 17.

A threat at Bangor International Airport last night was deemed unsubstantiated when police closed a roadway—limiting terminal access temporarily—while scheduled flights ran on time and the terminal reopened with heightened security.

The Maine Arts Commission is seeking a distinguished Maine poet to serve as State Poet Laureate in a role that promotes poetry through community engagement and events—applications must be submitted by Friday, December 5.

Average gas prices across the US have dropped below $3 per gallon for the first time in over four years—experts said easing crude oil costs and softer fuel demand drove the change.

In Maine, gas averaged $3.01 per gallon.

At the Maine Climate Council meeting on Dec.

1, Gov. Mills spoke about the state’s four-year plan Maine Won’t Wait and urged clean air, water, affordable energy, and reduced fossil fuel use—he stressed that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility.

Mema director Pete Rogers urges residents to check emergency kits and stock them with essentials such as jumper cables, flares, and ice scrapers as the first significant winter storm approaches.

He also advised that generators be placed outdoors—at least 20 feet from windows and doors—to keep everyone safe during the storm.

Health officials say more older Mainers are struggling with drug addiction as Medicare data show a 70% rise in help for opioid use among people 65 and older between 2019 and 2023—this shift from prescription pills to dangerous drugs may lead to more challenges for our aging community.

The Maine CDC reported five new HIV cases in Cumberland County among people who inject drugs—this is a sharp rise from the usual one case per year.

Local health groups and care providers are expanding testing as the Penobscot County outbreak reached 30 cases in October.

Agencies helping Mainers with Medicare enrollment are overbooked as many seniors face plan changes when providers end Advantage and Part D plans and delay premium details—open enrollment will end Dec.

7. Local agencies have added extra walk-in clinics to support seniors before the deadline.

Health officials say Maine’s Medicare patients aged 65+ receiving treatment for opioid use disorder increased 70% from 2019 to 2023.

Medical experts worry that this shift—from prescription drugs to illicit substances like fentanyl—may signal a growing problem among older adults.

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.

New Year's Eve Celebration

5-11:30 p.m. — Blue Sky Lounge — $199 per couple — Ring in 2026 with dinner, dancing, and a cozy hotel stay.