Good morning, Bangor.

Bangor police identified 41-year-old Joshua Tidwell of Old Town as the motorcyclist killed Friday afternoon at the intersection of Bomarc and Burleigh Roads when his motorcycle collided with a tractor trailer — officials said the truck driver is cooperating with the investigation.

Literacy Volunteers of Bangor held their 11th Annual Children's Book Drive on Monday (in partnership with Briar Patch bookstore and Darling's Ice Cream Truck for a Cause) and collected several boxes of donated books to support local summer reading programs.

The organization served nearly 200 people and will begin distributing the books at summer school lunch programs next week (as part of its ongoing literacy efforts).

Maria Weston Kuhn, a law student and crash survivor from a 2019 accident in Ireland, has led a push for car safety tests to include advanced female crash test dummies that better match women's body types—current tests still use a dummy modeled after a man from 1978.

Lawmakers have backed her nonprofit Drive US Forward, and new tests may help reduce injuries for women in future crashes.

Bangor city councilors approved a $137.4 million spending plan on Monday for the next fiscal year that lowers the tax rate by 85 cents to $17.70 per $1,000 while noting that tax bills may rise if property values increase—most of the extra funds will cover higher city operating costs and school wage increases. The plan directs about $7 million more than last year toward personnel, street and sidewalk improvements, bus service and park enhancements.

Bangor animal control officer Trisha Bruen warned that on today’s hot day with temperatures in the 90s and heat index in the 100s, leaving pets in a car for more than 10 minutes can lead to dangerous heat stroke since car temperatures can climb 20 degrees in 10 minutes & pets cannot cool themselves like people do.

Maine’s 18-year-old Cooper Flagg spent $20,000 on a card—including one of his unique cards—from a Scarborough collector at Fanatics Fest in New York and is expected to become the first overall NBA pick when the draft begins Wednesday night at Barclays Center.

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.

Crush Cancer Fundraiser Ball

7-11:59 p.m. — Blue Sky Lounge — Tickets required — Dance the night away while raising funds to fight cancer in a fun and stylish atmosphere.

Talent Show Week

July 21-27 — Bangor / Holden KOA Holiday — Free entry — Unleash your creativity and showcase your unique skills during a fun-filled talent showcase.