Good morning, Bangor.

L.L. Bean announced that Stephen Smith will leave the company early next year after serving as president and CEO for ten years — the board has begun searching for his successor to ensure a smooth transition, and Smith praised his time working with the team.

The company credited him with modernizing operations and guiding the business through record profits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

District Defender Logan Perkins said the public defenders office now gives defendants a copy of charges and police reports — included in their case files — at arraignment, helping lawyers review cases and reducing the waiting list in Penobscot County from 300 to about 50 cases.

The change has improved discussions between lawyers and defendants even as felony cases have risen, and a full team of six lawyers is expected this fall.

Sen. Susan Collins announced that Maine airports will receive funding for infrastructure improvements — Presque Isle International Airport will get almost a million dollars, Bangor International Airport over half a million, Pittsfield Municipal Airport $162,000, and Greenville and Machias airports a little over $100,000. Collins said the upgrades will support travel and provide medical services in rural areas.

On Monday night at the city council workshop, Public Health and Community Services director Jennifer Gunderman updated councilors on an HIV outbreak that saw 26 cases over 20 months from factors like injection drug use, mental health crises, and an increasing unhoused population—officials suspect more cases exist. The shutdown of a key Ryan White program has left about 140 to 150 people without stable HIV care from services once provided in five counties.

A recent housing study revealed Bangor needs 700 units for people earning under $35,000, and three local developers explained that spreading new homes around town could better serve a diverse community.

They stressed that high construction costs—rising material, labor, and land prices—make it hard to build affordable housing without significant subsidies.

The Senior League East Region Tournament returns today at Mansfield Stadium in Bangor as state champion teams from nine states begin the double-elimination tourney at 11 a.m. Maine’s champion team from Gray, New Gloucester and Raymond will face Delaware’s Millsboro at 5 p.m. — the winner advancing to the Senior League World Series in Easley, South Carolina from July 26 to Aug. 2.

UMaine's athletic department said Tuesday that it is not providing direct NIL payments to athletes because it plans to assess future funding needs (UMaine is the state’s only Division I institution).

The department said it will explore public and private sources to supplement its budget for new expenses (no details were given on how funds would be distributed among sports).

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.

MVP Summer Food Drive

All day — Cole Land Transportation Museum — Donations welcome — Contribute non-expired canned goods and pasta to support local veterans.

Design Fest 2025 Kickoff

9-11 a.m. — Rize - CoWorking & Collaboration Space — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and creative networking in a relaxed coworking atmosphere.

Maine Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2025

10 AM - 2 PM — Cross Insurance Center — Refund policy available — Celebrate the contributions to Maine Basketball at the annual induction ceremony with brunch and festivities.

Goldenrod Walk

4:30-6 p.m. — Fields Pond Audubon Center — Free entry — Explore the diverse goldenrod species and their botanical features on a leisurely walk this summer.