Bath Iron Works Labor: IAM Local S6 members ratified a new five-year Bath Iron Works collective bargaining agreement, including a 17% general wage increase and added protections on healthcare, 401(k) contributions, outsourcing safeguards, time-off flexibility, and new-technology rules tied to AI. Energy Finance: Swift Current Energy closed a $750 million corporate credit facility (with a $250 million option), aiming to speed development and operation of large-scale U.S. clean energy projects. Trade Shock for Maine: The U.S. and Canada trade talks collapsed, triggering 50% U.S. tariffs on about $20B of Canadian goods and Canada’s dollar-for-dollar retaliation starting Sept. 8—raising fresh alarms from Maine businesses, farmers, and lobstermen about costs and uncertainty. Utility Rate Fight: Central Maine Power asked regulators to raise the cap on what it can earn from grid investments, seeking an $18/month average distribution-bill increase as consumer groups push back. Local Politics/Industry: Vice President JD Vance is set to visit Brewer’s Compotech, with traffic controls planned around the industrial park area. Housing & Consumer Protection: Maine is among states suing the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency over new escrow rules that could eliminate interest payments for homeowners. Maine Agriculture Events: The Piscataquis Valley Fair (Dover-Foxcroft) and Acton Fair run Aug. 27-30, spotlighting livestock, 4-H, and farm exhibits.