Good morning, Bangor.

A GoFundMe report shows Maine was ranked the 7th most generous state in 2025 (with nearly $15 million raised) as its best donation day was Jan.

12 and US donors contributed at a rate of 2.5 per second.

A local motorcycle group is supporting hundreds of children this holiday season by holding its 7th annual toy drive for Penquis's Christmas is for Kids program.

Donations were collected at Penquis, Dover-Foxcroft, and Newport with a goal of raising $10,000 to provide toys for about 2,000 local kids.

Bangor held its annual Hanukkah menorah lighting at Pierce Park Sunday evening to bring light after an antisemitic terror attack in Australia.

The celebration featured music, food, and the dropping of chocolate coins from a Fire Department ladder truck (highlighting community resilience), and organizers requested increased police presence.

In Maine, woodsman Alvin Lombard patented a steam log hauler in 1901 that pioneered continuous tracks, paving the way for modern tanks and snowmobiles.

His original machine is celebrated at local museums (a reminder of Maine's innovative spirit).

Maine Audubon counted 3,174 adult loons and 568 chicks in southern Maine this week, up from earlier counts since 1983.

Boat speed limits and a ban on lead tackle helped protect the birds, though experts say recovery needs more time.

UMaine hockey rallied with a 7-2 win over Lindenwood on Sunday evening at the Alfond Arena in Orono + the Black Bears improved their record to 11-7-1 as they build momentum heading into their holiday break and upcoming game against Denver.

The University of Maine women’s basketball team overcame an 11-point deficit to beat Quinnipiac 63-55 on Sunday afternoon.

Adrianna Smith led with 18 points + a career-high 20 rebounds as they earned their first road win of the season.

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.