Waldo County Disaster Response: Federal investigators have joined Maine’s Fire Marshal in a continuing probe of the Robbins Lumber explosion in Searsmont that killed firefighter Andrew Cross and left multiple people hospitalized, with the ATF’s national response team now working through a “lengthy and technically complex” examination. Community Support: Hammond Lumber pledged $100,000 to the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation to aid victims and families, as officials keep the site secured during the investigation. Public Safety & Crime: In nearby news, five suspects—including an 18-year-old—face charges tied to smash-and-grab burglaries and a high-speed chase that ended in Waterville. National Policy Ripples: The U.S. slapped fresh duties on Canadian mushrooms over subsidy claims, while a stalled Illinois bill highlights the privacy-versus-public-safety fight over biometric surveillance. Local Life: Startup Maine Week kicks off in Portland, and Maine Art Gallery hosts a sustainable farming panel and a “Setting the Table” art class.