Midcoast disaster response: Federal ATF investigators have joined Maine Fire Marshal teams at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont after a deadly explosion and fire killed firefighter Andrew Cross and left at least 10 others hurt, with investigators expected to stay on scene for a “lengthy” probe into the blast’s cause and origin. Privacy vs public safety: Illinois’ biometric facial-recognition limits stalled when a proposed law failed to win enough support for a committee vote, with backers warning that facial tools can misidentify people even as police argue they improve investigations. Tick season surge: Ohio is reporting 253 Lyme cases so far in 2026, and research cited in coverage suggests about half of tested ticks carry the Lyme bacteria. Microplastics push: Over 250 health professionals urged the EPA to monitor microplastics in drinking water under its next contaminant rule. Data-center backlash in Maine: With Gov. Janet Mills vetoing a statewide pause, towns are moving toward their own moratoriums as residents worry about water, power, and local impacts.