Maine Senate Showdown: Graham Platner won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, cruising to about 72% in the primary and setting up a November face-off with Sen. Susan Collins—despite a bruising campaign packed with allegations about past conduct, online posts, and a Nazi-linked tattoo claim that he says he didn’t recognize. Ranked-Choice Reality in Maine: Other statewide races are headed toward ranked-choice counting, with voters still waiting on final tallies as ballots are processed. National Security Flashpoint: The U.S. carried out strikes on Iran after an American helicopter was downed near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran denies targeting the aircraft and regional air-raid alerts were reported. Immigration Funding Fight: House action moved ICE and Border Patrol funding forward, but lawmakers warn it won’t end shutdown threats. Kids and Families: A new report finds child well-being worsened across much of the U.S. from 2019 to 2024, with New Hampshire ranking highest and Mississippi lowest. Local Business/Construction: PC Construction’s Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Harold Alfond Arena renovation at UMaine earned major industry awards, including a CMAA New England honor.