Defense Budget Watch: CBO says the Navy’s new Trump-class nuclear battleships could cost about $275B, and that the 2027-2056 shipbuilding plan would force big production shifts by 2035. Pharma Accountability: Maine AG Aaron Ford joined a coalition settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price and competition conspiracies, totaling about $400M (with state enforcers’ total payments estimated around $469M). Trade Legal Fight: Ford also sued the Trump administration again to block tariff moves that he says illegally raise prices. Space & Science: NASA’s WB-57 will stop in Bangor and then fly from Iceland to observe the Aug. 12 solar eclipse. Climate & Health: NOAA reports July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the Lower 48; separate coverage notes chronic pain is missing from heat-warning guidance. Maine Education & Health Tech: Maine’s new assessment scores show slow gains in math and reading; school nurses gathered for complex-care training. Workforce & Research: UMaine partners with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to expand defense research and STEM training; Maine community colleges win a $5M grant for short-term manufacturing workforce classes. Coastal Tech Debate: Eastport residents oppose an underwater AI data-center exploration plan, citing impacts on lobsters and wildlife. Sharks in Maine: Drones and a Scarborough beach incident highlight a surge in nearshore great whites, prompting temporary closures and warnings.