Good morning, Bangor.

Caribou native Jessica Meir will launch today aboard SpaceX Crew-12 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for an eight-month science mission at the International Space Station; her crew will reach the station in 16 to 24 hours, marking her second mission since she joined NASA in 2013 *according to NASA*.

The Woodland Pulp mill’s bleach plant remains closed two weeks after intern Kasie Malcolm died from hydrogen sulfide exposure on Jan.

27; OSHA and the CSB are investigating while nine workers were injured, with one still hospitalized.

A new Five Below is coming soon to Bangor at the former Party City store on Stillwater Avenue, and the company is accepting job applications online.

The opening date has not been announced.

Local businesses are gearing up for a busy Valentine’s Day weekend — with high school basketball tournaments drawing extra crowds — as Quality Jewelers in Penobscot Plaza offers gift giveaways and special promotions, including a free pair of .5-carat lab-grown studs for purchases over $5,000.

The University of Maine System is reviewing whether to remove George Mitchell’s name from a research center and a scholarship program at Orono after his name appeared over 300 times in Epstein-related files, and it will evaluate all available facts to ensure its names continue to reflect its values.

Lawmakers in Augusta adopted a joint resolution recognizing Black History Month on its 100th anniversary; Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross said the measure highlights African American history as an essential part of Maine's legacy.

UMaine's hockey team, coming off four consecutive home losses since Nov.

14, is set to face UConn at Alfond Arena today and tomorrow at 7 p.m. Coach Ben Barr said the team must find its X-factor — a key play that can turn the game.

Wisdom High beat Easton 65-14 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Thursday afternoon as senior guard Ava Lerman scored 41 points to boost the team's record to 18-1 (the Pioneers will face fifth seed Ashland Tuesday at 1:30 in the semifinals).

Valentine's Day Course Dinner

5-10 p.m. — KANÙ — $31 to $50 — Indulge in a customizable romantic dinner with five decadent courses and wine pairings.

Bangor Anime Convention 2026

3:30-9:59 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Tickets available — Bangor's first and only all-anime convention returns for an exciting three-day event.

BHP In-Person Live Day Training

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Brewer Community Center — Pre-registration required — Complete your certification with expert training on essential skills.

Cat In The Hat Live Show

6-9 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a delightful live performance of the beloved children's classic.

Deep Dish Pizza Cooking Class

12-2:30 p.m. — UNO Pizzeria & Grill — Ticket includes pizza demonstration and lunch — Master the art of Chicago-style deep dish pizza in a fun, interactive cooking class.