Good morning, Bangor.

A fake announcement circulated Tuesday on an ice fishing Facebook page claiming new northern pike catch limits, but officials at Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife confirmed no changes to current fishing rules.

Anglers are urged to check MDIFW’s official channels for accurate information.

Maine will raise its minimum wage on Jan.

1 from $14.65 to $15.10 for non-tipped workers, with Portland’s wage rising from $15.50 to $16.75—affecting tens of thousands amid rising living costs.

Versant Power announced that Bangor Hydro and Maine Public District customers will face higher monthly bills starting Thursday, Jan.

1, with rate increases of nearly $14 for 500 kilowatt users, $20 for 750, and $28 for 1,000 in Bangor Hydro + additional hikes for Maine Public customers.

Maine will ban everyday items containing PFAS chemicals such as cookware, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and children's toys starting January 1.

The DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) will enforce the new rule to reduce exposure to these harmful substances.

Caribou native Jessica Meir, the only woman from Maine to reach space, will command NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission launching no earlier than Feb.

15 from Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket + the six-month science expedition promises to inspire local students.

Penobscot County awarded $400K from opioid settlements to 12 local groups— including the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter— to support evidence-based programs in addiction prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery.

County commissioners approved the funding on Dec. 23 and expect further grants through 2038.

State law will raise tobacco taxes on Monday, Jan.

5, making a pack of cigarettes cost $3.50—a $1.50 rise—and taxes on vapes and chewing tobacco will also increase to discourage use and add revenue.

Holden Elementary School’s water test today showed a PFAS level of 20.2 ppt—just above the state limit—and the school is installing filters this week while providing bottled water until tests confirm safety within 60 to 90 days.

State data shows Maine recorded record highs in tick-borne disease cases in 2025 with 3,611 Lyme cases, 1,598 anaplasmosis, and 349 babesiosis mainly in Hancock, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties.

Warmer, wetter winters have likely extended tick-borne activity.

Maine will receive $190M in federal funding to boost rural health care through the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will expand telehealth and clinical workforce training (amid Medicaid cuts expected in 2027).

Maine Mariners resumed practice on Monday after reaching a tentative deal—ratification by the league board and players is still pending—and they face Adirondack Thunder today at 3 p.m. in Glens Falls.

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.

Orono Arcade and Pat's Pizza Gathering

4-7 p.m. — Orono Arcade LLC — Limited attendance — Enjoy a cozy afternoon of gaming and pizza with fellow enthusiasts.