Local Governance: Barre’s city manager search collapsed when all three finalists withdrew, leaving council to pivot to an interim city manager while continuing work with retained consultant Dominic Cloud. Energy & Workforce: Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau pushed “Lower Energy Bills” clean-energy solutions on a tour, pointing to rising electricity costs and highlighting training for clean-energy jobs at Eastern Maine Community College. Water & Agriculture: Maine drought worsened as severe conditions expanded inland; officials warn about dry wells and growing agricultural impacts. Infrastructure: MaineDOT released early findings on the partial collapse of the Llewellyn Estes Bridge in Old Town, pointing to a possible outer beam failure and noting federal and OSHA involvement. Public Records: Rockport began responding to FOAA requests after court actions, including disputes tied to a Warrenton Street culvert and multiuse pathway. Utilities & Construction: Maine Water Company crews dug six feet to repair a ruptured Mountain Street main in Camden, restoring service after road closures and damage. Marine Science: A Bigelow-led study found four distinct sugar kelp populations along Maine’s coast, underscoring the need for regional management as warming erodes kelp forests. Historic Preservation: New York recommended 23 properties and districts for state and national historic registers, including sites tied to community life and transportation. Business & Food Supply: Eastport’s last full-service grocery closed, forcing residents to drive farther for basic provisions. Policy & Fraud Enforcement: Attorney General William Tong announced a multistate agreement to block the Trump administration from dismantling AmeriCorps without warning.