Vermont Housing & Development: Treasurer Pieciak is asking for expert input on a state-led off-site housing construction program, aiming to cut costs and speed up affordable home building. Downtown Revitalization: Gov. Scott and the Department of Economic Development announced $1.79M in Rural Industry Development Program grants to redevelop long-vacant downtown properties in Montpelier and Newport. Energy & Utilities: State Sen. John Cavanaugh backed Nebraska’s energy-storage bill (LB1010), expanding electric law coverage to storage resources. Agriculture: Wet weather delayed hay season for some Vermont growers, while sweet corn is thriving at Sweetland Farm in Norwich. Food Safety: Walmart issued a recall update for a Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit sold in many states including Vermont, citing possible Listeria contamination. Transportation Infrastructure: Crews are preparing a Route 7 culvert replacement in Sunderland that will close part of the highway for about two weeks in September. Local Business: McNeil & Reedy bought Burlington’s MK Clothing, keeping both brands while adding tailoring and product cross-access. Nonprofit Construction: Williston ReStore is set to reopen Aug. 15 after an April fire disrupted Habitat’s revenue stream. School Governance: Washington Central voters approved a change that makes it easier to close schools by shifting decisions from individual towns to the district electorate. Maritime Industry: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards nationwide, with Vermont among the states receiving grants.