Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is taking public comment on a draft five-year Tactical Basin Plan for the Batten Kill, Walloomsac and Hoosic River Basin (Basin 1), laying out 30 actions across 16 southwestern communities, with a hybrid meeting July 16 (in Rupert and online) and comments due July 31. Flood Resilience Funding: FEMA says more than $17 million is now available for New England hazard-mitigation projects, including shoreline and floodplain work, with applications due July 22. Tornado Aftermath and Records: NWS has confirmed an EF1 tornado in West Woodstock, and reporting is rising as 2026 already tops Vermont’s usual tornado pace, with multiple EF-1 events in June. Wild and Scenic River Push: Northeast Kingdom groups and communities are backing efforts to add three northern Vermont waterways to the federal Wild and Scenic River System, including the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream, plus the Clyde River. Paraquat Fight: A U.S. push to ban paraquat over Parkinson’s links is gaining momentum, while Australia is keeping the herbicide legal under tighter exposure limits. Stormwater Help for Lake Champlain: The Northwest Regional Planning Commission is hosting a stormwater Q&A Tuesday on the state’s three-acre rule and a regional stormwater utility study. Data Center Backlash: Vermont’s debate over data centers continues as other states move toward new taxes and tighter rules, reflecting growing pressure over power use and community impacts. Public Health and Safety: Vermont 211 will cut overnight hours starting July 1, and Vermont State Police reported a serious motorcycle crash in Enosburgh.