Housing & Preservation: Norway’s planning board reviewed a proposal to convert the former Advertiser Democrat building into 14 apartments, aiming to keep the historic structure while using historic tax credits and rural rental financing through MaineHousing. Rural Health Crisis: A new look at MaineHealth’s planned Labor and Delivery closure in Damariscotta highlights how obstetrics services are disappearing across rural America, turning communities into “maternity deserts.” Science & Health: Vermont researchers report a rare transmissible melanoma in catfish—one of the few known animal cancers that can spread between individuals—raising fresh questions about freshwater disease spread. Climate & Oceans: New England is seeing more shark species as warming waters shift habitats north, with University of Maine data showing significant ocean warming since 2010. Tech & Infrastructure: MaineDOT is launching the Portland West Balanced Mobility Improvements Study (through 2027) to update transportation plans around South Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, and Gorham. AI in Government: Ohio election officials are using an AI chatbot to help staff answer election procedure questions, while Maine remains cautious about accuracy and security.