Good morning, Bangor.

A hydrogen-powered balloon launched from Presque Isle last week made history as the first to cross the Atlantic, flying over France and Normandy — a historic nod to D-Day — before landing in Luxembourg Sunday morning.

Sarah Johnson, a Dexter Regional High School graduate and principal organist at Trinity on the Green, will perform an organ concert featuring Bach + Mendelssohn at The First Universalist Church on Church Street at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 19; donations will support preservation of the historic church.

Husson University announced new online Bachelor’s degrees in Marine Biology + Conservation and Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation, along with an MS in Wildlife Conservation and Management and four certificate courses.

The programs aim to prepare adult learners for careers in conservation, ecology, and natural resource management.

The Maine Department of Education data shows that 23% of students are chronically absent and that Indigenous + homeless and migrant students are nearly twice as likely to miss school.

A study from Attendance Works said chronic absenteeism jumped 15% after the pandemic and remains above pre-pandemic levels.

Fruit Street School in Bangor held its annual Move-a-thon today as students ran an obstacle course to boost funds for school events including puppeteer shows + an upgraded book vending machine, organized by the Parent Teacher Organization.

A national report released Monday showed Maine test scores fell by 88 points since 2019 while overall scores dropped by 224 points, prompting experts to call for stronger early learning and literacy programs to support children.

The Moosehead Area Moose Hunting Working Group met Monday to weigh a potential moose hunt in four wild management districts & discuss its recreational and economic effects on local businesses.

They will meet again later this month to review pilot data.

A CDC draft report said that closing Tent City in February 2025 disrupted HIV outreach plus syringe services amid 44 recorded cases last month in Penobscot County.

Mobile clinics now offer long-acting injectable PrEP as local providers work to fill gaps in testing and care.

Four Maine lure makers shared their best catches this season to show new designs in fishing gear.

The businesses (Pine State Sports Supply and Dream Catcher Lures, among others) highlighted custom spoons and lures that attract trout and salmon during the post-ice-out period.

At the Saturday state Class C track meet, Orono High girls clinched their sixth title in seven years, led by Easnadh Nobel To’olo’s standout 38-point performance, while Bangor Christian boys captured their first championship in Winslow with eight top-five finishes.

Ballroom Dancing with Robert Causey

8-9 p.m. — The Wilson Center — Free — Learn various styles of ballroom dance in a friendly and inviting environment with no experience or partner required.

Ethan Burdick on The Little Ass Shed Tour

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Maine Savings Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating melodies of rising star Ethan Burdick in a night of music.

31st Annual Maine Child Welfare Education Conference

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Registration required — Explore digital challenges and opportunities for child welfare in a tech-driven world.

Furball Festival 2026

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Binette Park — Free entry — Celebrate animals and community with food, vendors, and adoptable pets at this family-friendly festival.

Riff Johnson Live at Hollywood Casino

Venue Name — 4-7 p.m. — Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor — Admission TBA — Catch a talented one-man band with a nostalgic voice in his home state.