Maine EMS: The state is seeking applicants to fill four Maine EMS Quality Improvement Committee vacancies—three at-large seats and one non-transporting EMS service representative. The committee meets monthly (virtually) and helps review system data and compliance; applications are due Aug. 14, 2026. Medicare oversight: The federal government has given Maine’s Medicare Fraud Control Unit 60 days to fix staffing, referrals, and federal partner cooperation issues or risk losing certification. Northern lights: A geomagnetic storm watch could bring aurora visibility to parts of the northern U.S. overnight July 23-24. Local health alert: Northern Light Health’s Blue Hill Hospital will switch to tanker truck and bottled water after PFAS levels in its well slightly exceeded the state limit. Public safety: Firefighters contained a shed fire at Cross Lake, preventing damage to an adjacent home; no injuries reported. Education spotlight: Maine DOE and Educate Maine named 8 county semifinalists for the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. Sports: Varsity Maine named its 2026 Baseball Player of the Year (Hunter Finck, Gorham) and released the All-State baseball team. Politics (national, with Maine link): Maine Rep. Jared Golden crossed party lines to help pass the House defense policy bill, a move tied to shipbuilding jobs at Bath Iron Works.