PFAS Research Funding: The NSF awarded $7.9 million to create the PFAS Environmental Research Network, led by Landmark College with Bennington, Middlebury, UVM and state partners, to track “forever chemicals” in Vermont groundwater and soil. Housing & Community Development: Champlain Housing Trust and Evernorth completed 38 permanently subsidized affordable apartments in downtown Burlington, adding homes for people exiting homelessness and veterans while also relocating the Chittenden County Community Justice Center and VFW Post 782. School Safety: Vermont educators say PCB cleanup funding is running out, leaving districts uncertain about how to keep contaminated classrooms open and safe. Energy & Infrastructure: Vermont’s long-duration battery work got DOE authorization for installation, as the state continues building storage capacity. Business & Workforce: Kelley Bros Access Control Group hired Tyra Lanpher as its first female technician in Barre, expanding commercial electrical and access-control services. Civic Process: Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas urged voters to make a voting plan for universal vote-by-mail, with multiple return and in-person options. Legal/Tech Risk: Quinn Emanuel and McDermott reported data breaches, underscoring cyber exposure for firms handling sensitive client information. Construction/Traffic: Vermont Route 7A/313 work and a major U.S. 7 closure are scheduled later in September, with detours planned.