PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Pressure: Massachusetts groups say the state isn’t doing enough as the Trump administration weighs backtracking on drinking-water limits, urging stronger action on PFAS pollution tied to cancer risk and immune, thyroid, and developmental harm. Species Revival in Vermont: A Harvard-linked effort is seeing American chestnuts bloom again after decades of blight, with a Vermont-range genetic orchard helping restore a once-dominant tree. Dairy Industry Strain: Farmers and lawmakers met in North Hero as Vermont faces dairy processing closures and ongoing farm losses, with state leaders looking for solutions. Renewables Permitting Fight: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill aimed at redefining “electric generating facilities,” drawing pushback from renewable developers who say it would have streamlined projects. Local Land-Use Decisions: A Brattleboro Memorial Hospital birthing center is slated to close within 6–9 months due to unsustainable losses, while in Essex a Saxon Hill zoning permit was voided again over Act 250 and town-plan slope rules. Waste & Recycling: California is moving toward free take-back and recycling programs for mid-sized lithium batteries, including those powering e-bikes and tools. Climate & Extreme Weather Funding: Sen. Peter Welch highlighted flexible disaster recovery dollars after the 2023–2024 floods, arguing Vermont needs less rigid FEMA-style programs. Heat & Smoke Watch: Summer heat and humidity persist with isolated storms and wildfire smoke possible from Canada. Lakes Appreciation Month: Gov. Scott proclaimed July Lakes Appreciation Month, spotlighting lake protection tools like the Shoreland Protection Act and Lake Wise program.