Good morning, Bangor.

The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter is asking for donations of hygiene products + paper goods as summer winds down; it welcomes donations and visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as demand increases.

Bath Iron Works finalized a collective bargaining agreement with union employees (including a 17% wage increase) on Aug.

24. The new contract will go into effect immediately, adjusting wages per the union terms.

University of Maine and Colby College welcome new and returning students as the school year nears.

At UMaine in Orono, about 2,000 freshmen move in on Monday, Aug. 31 during black bear bridge week — while Colby in Waterville opens its new 217-room residence hall ahead of classes on Sept. 9.

A pilot project in Orrington will spray 9,400 tons of sand over 6.3 acres of tidal flats on the Penobscot River estuary this week.

Residents can visit Picnic Park on Wednesday, Aug. 26 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m.) to learn about the effort following a 22-year cleanup battle.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will begin weekly fall foliage reports on Sept.

9 to guide viewing of autumn colors across the state — locals may submit fall-themed events for future features.

Buyers closed 1,697 home deals in July, a 7.8% increase from last year as over 6,200 properties became available + the median sale price edged up to $427,000.

Local experts say growing inventory is giving families more options in today’s market.