Education & Disability Policy: The Trump administration is shifting federal special education oversight from the U.S. Department of Education to HHS, raising alarms from disability advocates that children could face fragmented support when programs move away from education experts. Maine Elections & Voting Process: Maine’s ranked-choice count ran into delays and communication fights as ballots and thumb drives had to be reconciled across towns, with clerical and livestream hiccups pushing results late. Maine Politics Watch: A new FEC probe is in the spotlight after Democrats asked investigators to look at covert Republican-linked super PAC spending in Democratic primaries, including Maine. Community Health in Maine: Freeport hosted Strides for CMV, a family-friendly 5K and awareness event raising money for research into cytomegalovirus, a leading cause of birth defects and hearing loss. Local Culture & Heritage: Biddeford’s La Kermesse Franco-American Festival returned for 43 years of French heritage, with music, vendors, a parade, and a free crepe party. Outdoor & Learning: The Oceanarium and Education Center in Bar Harbor ran the Maine Ocean Festival with expert talks, kids’ crafts, live music, and hands-on marine exhibits. Maine Outdoors: Coastal Mountains Land Trust and partners announced a Happy Wanderers hike on Sears Island (July 2) with routes from 1 to 4 miles.