Industrial Safety: Robbins Lumber co-owner Alden Robbins died from injuries after the May Searsmont mill explosion, raising the incident death toll to three and underscoring ongoing risks in Maine’s lumber sector. Energy & Grid: A record power-demand surge hit the nation’s largest grid during the heat dome, with New England utilities and data-center growth leaving the region more exposed when temperatures swing. Housing & Homebuilding: Maine inspectors flag water intrusion, foundation movement, aging roofs, and messy electrical setups as top home-inspection red flags—especially as buyers return to inspections in a slower market. Data Centers: A multi-state push is growing against a proposed federal joint-employment rule that could weaken worker protections tied to enforcement—while Maine lawmakers continue weighing data-center moratorium ideas. Food Industry: DOJ and 17 states reached a settlement with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, with $3.3M in penalties and 53M eggs to be donated. Environment & Fisheries: Alewife returns are rebounding in Maine rivers, with conservation gains highlighted by the Sebasticook River migration story. Land Back: Wabanaki land-return efforts reached a halfway milestone, with the Mi’kmaq Nation completing a 3,400-acre acquisition near Bridgewater. Local Infrastructure: MaineDOT starts Pondicherry Bridge work in Bridgton July 13, with lane reductions and a fall 2026 completion target. Community & Tourism: Niko Moon headlines Hampton Beach’s free Country Music Fest July 9, while Old Orchard Beach volunteers kept the shore clean on July 5.