Healthcare Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training in August 2026, covering certification fees and aiming to place graduates into full-time roles. Local Economy Transition: Rutland’s downtown and regional growth plans include Walmart’s move to the former Diamond Run Mall site and Killington’s Village expansion, alongside new leadership at the chamber and economic development org. Road & Bridge Impacts: VTrans and local crews are scheduling paving and bridge work across I-89 and I-91 plus town projects, with major delays expected around Montpelier-Waterbury and other one-lane closures. Dairy Resilience: A Franklin County dairy facility is set to reopen this fall after shutdowns, a “ray of hope” for a battered sector. Public Health & Wildlife: Vermont’s tick monitoring program is ramping up as Lyme disease risk remains high; meanwhile, advocates are criticizing Fish & Wildlife bear-management decisions. Weather Watch: Thunderstorm threats linger in parts of Vermont with lightning, hail, and damaging wind possible. Drinking Water Funding: EPA announced over $25 million for small and rural communities to improve drinking water and address PFAS and lead. Plastics Policy: Alaska’s governor vetoed a single-use polystyrene ban, drawing criticism from environmental groups.