Maine Economic Development: FAME approved about $42 million in tax-credit financing to help Irving Forest Products expand its Ashland sawmill, adding a second sawline and 68,000 square feet to double production and create about 80 new jobs. Fraud & Banking: Federal authorities arrested five out-of-state suspects tied to a $500,000+ wire and bank fraud scheme that targeted financial institutions across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, including Bar Harbor Bank and Trust. Energy & Grid Costs: A new national look at EIA data shows residential electricity prices rising fastest in places like New Hampshire (+18%) and Vermont (+7.7%), with grid investment and demand pressures—plus data center growth—driving the climb. Clean Energy Legal Fight: A multistate lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s plan to pay about $928 million to TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases, with Maine among the states alleging a “sham deal.” Local Business Impact: South Portland approved two hotels near the Maine Mall, but the plan requires relocating nine long-running businesses, raising complaints about communication and timelines. Food Business Compliance: Maine food operators can attend a town hall focused on permits, licensing, and health inspections, with Q&A from inspectors and agency staff. Politics & Maine Economy: The Senate race between Graham Platner and Susan Collins keeps dominating headlines, with fresh scrutiny and polling tightening as the June 9 primary nears.