Offshore Wind Research: UMass Dartmouth won $500,000 from Maine’s offshore wind workforce and marine research push—funding paid internships and a Gulf of Maine study on how offshore wind affects cod spawning. Gulf of Maine Tech for Science: UNH and partners deployed a cabled ocean observatory near the Isles of Shoals with acoustic and ocean sensors, supported by a $6.2M Office of Naval Research grant, to boost real-time coastal monitoring. Health Lab in Maine: UMaine researchers used zebrafish to study how the immune system responds to influenza, linking early findings to inflammation control via a blood-pressure related mechanism. School Nutrition, Proven: UMaine’s smoothie program helped rural middle schoolers dramatically increase fruit intake—selection rose from 78% to 98%, with students eating about four times as much fruit. Local Water & Climate Stress: A drought-hit Maine essay notes how quickly conditions can swing from dry brown trees to sudden downpours, underscoring how volatile water availability is. Energy Planning: Block Island Utility District discussed how extreme summer demand spikes forced reliance on costly spot-market power, highlighting the challenge of balancing contracts with real-world weather. Broadband Push: NTIA opened a new round of BEAD broadband proposals to reach newly identified unserved locations. Maine in the Courts: Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court upheld a ruling limiting a teen’s church attendance based on parental authority. Environment & Industry: A proposed Kingfish aquaculture project in Jonesport was put on indefinite hold after a weak share offering.