Good morning, Bangor.

Gunner and Miley are two 8-year-old Mastiff siblings who have lived together and are available for adoption at the Bangor Humane Society.

They are gentle and need a home that can care for their size and regular vet visits — the society welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 1-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-6 p.m.

The Maine DEP said that smoke from Canadian wildfires is keeping northern Maine's air unhealthy for sensitive groups this weekend and that conditions should improve on Monday as winds shift—though a new plume from Labrador may raise pollution early next week.

State Sen. Rick Bennett introduced a bipartisan bill this week to protect Maine's oldest forests and undeveloped lakes by directing state agencies to study and plan long-term conservation measures.

The law was approved by the state Senate and instructs the Land Use Planning Commission and Bureau of Forestry to complete reviews and research by 2026—steps that may lead to changes in forest management.

Vaccination rates among school-age children in Maine are above 97 percent—a record high that marks the second year the state has reached herd immunity.

A law ending vaccine exemptions in 2021 boosted these rates, though some counties like Piscataquis still remain below 90 percent for certain vaccines—especially chickenpox.

On Saturday, a new treatment center, Tessa's House, opened in central Maine to honor figure skater Tessa McCue, who lost her life to opioid addiction.

The 16-bed facility, funded by a $1.1 million grant from The Maine Recovery Council and a donated building, enrolled five women and will serve Knox, Waldo, and Kennebec Counties—offering programs like gardening and equine therapies.

On Saturday, hundreds of Mainers gathered in Orono at the University of Maine to compete in the Special Olympics Maine Summer Games despite rainy weather.

Athletes took part in track, long jump and softball events as coaches praised the hard work and inclusion shown by competitors.

National Cancer Survivor Day Celebration

11 AM – 1 PM — Mason's Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate life and resilience with inspiring survivor stories and a walk along the riverwalk.

30th Annual Maine Child Welfare Education Conference

7:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Not specified — Engaging discussions and networking opportunities surrounding child welfare in Maine.

Mini Golf and Ice Cream Social

6-8 p.m. — Fielder's Choice Ice Cream — RSVP required — Enjoy a fun evening of mini golf and ice cream with friends in Bangor.

An Evening with Timothy Cotton

5-7 p.m. — Books-A-Million — Book purchase required — Celebrate the release of 'Donut Holes for the Soul' and meet Bangor's own author Timothy Cotton.

Walter Hunt 4th of July 3K Road Race

9:45-10:45 a.m. — Brewer Auditorium — Entry fee required — Experience Maine's fastest road race as you gear up for the Brewer-Bangor parade.

Downtown Bangor Sidewalk Art Festival 2025

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Pierce Park, 125 Harlow St. — Free entry — Celebrate local creativity with over 100 Maine artists, live music, and delicious food in the heart of Bangor.