Maine policy rollout: Governor Janet Mills’ newly signed laws and a FY 2026-2027 supplemental budget take effect Wednesday, with major moves on free community college, teacher pay, affordable housing, childcare, free school meals, and public safety. Power & grid planning: ISO-New England is backing a $2.2B Central Maine Power transmission plan as a “preferred” solution to ease regional congestion and help connect large-scale wind from Aroostook County. Transportation updates: MaineDOT will restart delayed projects after Mills’ $136M commitment, including pedestrian-safety work in Kittery and bridge-related closures in Monmouth. Energy industry: Unitil declared a quarterly dividend of $0.475 per share, payable Aug. 31. Data centers debate: Maine commentators argue moratoriums won’t replace real oversight, transparency, and community accountability as AI-driven buildouts face growing backlash. Agriculture & environment: Maine’s Wild Blueberry Weekend is set for Aug. 1-2, while the Atlantic Salmon Federation is preparing a 2028 Mayo Mill Dam removal permit filing. Local business & labor: The Maine Monitor staff announced a union win with voluntary recognition. Tech/innovation: UMaine research points to wood-based foam insulation as a safer, lower-waste alternative to plastic insulation for coolers.