Good morning, Bangor.

Downtown Bangor saw 22 new businesses this year — Downtown Spot opened on Main and Cross St in November while Out On a Whimsey Toys moved to an expanded space, and candy store Oh, Grow Up! will open at 21 Central St in January.

Bangor was ranked as Maine's most Hallmark-like city and sixth in the nation by a study from The Action Network.

The study noted the city's cozy Main Street, historic sites, and warm community feel as key traits for a film setting.

Regulators voted Thursday to extend the shrimp fishery shutdown for at least three years as warming waters and low catch levels made the fishery unsustainable for local fishermen.

The decision pauses a once-thriving winter industry that once saw millions of pounds of shrimp caught each year.

Open applications for a free four-week construction pre-apprenticeship training program are available at community colleges in Auburn, Presque Isle, Fairfield, Bangor & Calais.

Sessions will be held in March and May to help Mainers start careers in construction as the need for skilled workers grows.

Dexter Regional High School announced its November Students of the Month, choosing four exemplary students from grades 9, 10, 11 & 12 as recognized by faculty and staff.

The recognition highlights the school’s ongoing commitment to academic and personal excellence.

The DNC launched Senate ads on Thursday featuring a Bangor Daily News digital homepage takeover aimed at Susan Collins, warning that a failure to extend ACA tax credits — which could drive premiums higher for thousands — may impact over 50,000 Mainers before a key Senate vote.

Congressman Jared Golden nominated 12 Mainers to U.S. Service Academies yesterday, expressing confidence in their future leadership.

The nominees come from Maine schools and cover appointments to the military, naval, air force + merchant marine academies.

Another HIV case was reported today in Penobscot County—bringing the total to 32 since the outbreak began in Oct.

2023—and nearly all affected individuals have reported recent drug injection or homelessness as federal CDC representatives assist local testing efforts.

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.