By Carol Bousquet, Maine Public The government says the Rural Health Transformation Program is intended to help residents in rural Maine have better access to preventive, primary, maternal and behavioral health services.

By Elizabeth Walztoni, Bangor Daily News Staff Reports of common tick-borne diseases in Maine broke records again in 2025 as tick populations have expanded in the state.

By Cameron Levasseur, The County Staff Twice in recent memory, groups of school districts in southern and northern Aroostook County have looked to consolidate into one regional high school under mounting budget pressure, declining enrollment and staffing shortages.

By Marie Weidmayer, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County is scheduled to see four murder trials in 2026, nearly three years after the last murder trial was held in Bangor.

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor Maine lakes and ponds are beginning to freeze as winter sets in, but ice conditions remain variable across the state.

By Lori Valigra, Bangor Daily News Staff Consumers likely noticed smaller apples and potatoes and pricier blueberries lining grocery shelves this fall after one of the driest summers in 30 years triggered drought alerts throughout Maine, with the National Weather Service predicting that the parched conditions will likely continue into next spring.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff During Maine’s pandemic-era housing crunch when high demand and limited inventory caused property costs to skyrocket, many buyers chose to forego a home inspection before closing.

By Marie Weidmayer, Bangor Daily News Staff Northern Light Health lost $15 million last year, a year after a $156 million loss left the health care system reeling.

By Daniel O’Connor Just five people entered the basement of the Belfast courthouse for an August meeting.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The holidays can be a challenging time for those affected by cancer, and sometimes, a small gesture to make life easier can make all the difference.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County Commissioners decided Tuesday to hold a vote on the last day of the year on the controversial $35.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff As temperatures continue to drop, Mainers are reminded that winter is on the way, bringing with it all the beauty and challenges of the season.

By Annie Rupertus, Bangor Daily News Staff A $100,000 gift from an anonymous donor will help about 285 Maine families with emergency heating support this winter.

Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program, which celebrates excellence in teaching and elevates the importance of the teaching profession.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County’s new proposed $35.

Grade 12, high honors: Serenity Elizabeth Adams, Emma Grace Webb Alden, Madyson Armstrong, Grayson William Bruyette, Alexis Marie Burdin, Griffin James Caruso, Shannon Chartier, Seunghyun Jason Cheon, Noa Elizabeth Clark, Addie Day, Keaten Dale Eakright, Sadie Jane Estes, Tanyon R.

By Wendy Watkins, Bangor Daily News Staff DEXTER — Firefighters in Dexter battled a fire in an apartment building on Main Street Saturday morning, Dec.

Grade 12, highest honors: Noah Benson, Jazmin Channon, Raina Cyr, Paige Jandreau, Chloe Murdock, Laney Scott, Casey Swenson, Lexi Wintle; high honors: Aedyn Goodell, Caleb Pelkey, Autumn Picard, Genevieve Rich, Kallie Stone, Alex Sutton, Abby Trafton, Sophie White; honors: Brady Adams, Desiree Adams, Jon Andrescu, Shea Bagley, Caleb Bowman, George Childers, Bryce Cooper, Gaberial Cupero, Luca De Pasquale, Peyton Dodge, Cassidy Drew, Emily Giles, Trenton Hanscom, Ryan Hocking, Annabelle Keniston-Johndro, Kody Kimball, Tanner Ladd, Josh Medeiros, Damiair Miller, Maddox Miller, Tucker Neal, Annabelle Peakes, Jacoby Pratt, Cadence Sciongay, Adriana Sibert, Skkylar Squires, Baylee Turcotte, Jazmin Wing, Noah Woodruff.