Good morning, Bangor.

The Salvation Army held its Angel Tree drive on Wednesday in Bangor, packing and distributing donated toys, coats & boots to over 650 Hancock County children.

The program expanded this year to help more families across the county as community groups including the Air National Guard aided delivery.

This holiday season, a Brewer teen is raising funds to feed local kids; he has partnered with Box of Maine to donate $1 from every gift box sold and 50% of proceeds from his specialty box to support the food pantry.

Urban Pizza reopened Wednesday at 329 Main St. next to Dunkin’ after a year-long closure in Bangor.

The restaurant is serving a limited menu with New York, South Shore and Sicilian style pizzas and plans to add New Haven and Detroit styles soon.

UMaine graduate workers reached a tentative three-year contract deal that boosts pay and benefits after more than two years of negotiations.

Union members in Orono will vote this week on the agreement, which takes effect July 1 if approved.

Federal clean energy tax credits for heat pumps and solar expire at the end of this year, meaning homeowners may face higher costs starting in 2026.

Efficiency Maine Trust will keep offering local rebates — and a pilot program from Central Maine Power ends, adding to rising expenses.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will cut 35,000 healthcare positions including some in Maine; Sen. Angus King warned the move might limit timely care for veterans.

Bangor planning board approved the first permit step for a tiny home park that will add 30 affordable rental units off Pushaw Road near Shepherd Drive; construction is slated for spring next year with rentals near $800 a month (each 400 sqft) amid a city shortage of affordable housing.

UMaine freshman Justin Poirier is the nation’s second-highest goal scorer with 17 goals in 19 games and he scored two goals in each of his three recent wins to help the Black Bears.

The team will return on Jan. 2-3 as coach Ben Barr praises his fast progress on ice.

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.

Tinker Bell: The Untold Story

7:00-8:15 p.m. — Cyrus Pavilion Theatre — Ticket info available — Discover the enchanting tale from Tinker Bell's perspective as the fairies of Neverland face a dire crisis.