Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is inviting public comment on draft Tactical Basin Plans for the Missisquoi Bay Basin (Basin 6) and the Lamoille River Basin (Basin 7), with hybrid meetings set for Sept. 22 and Sept. 30 and comments due through Oct. 29. Cancer Research: UVM researchers report early clinical results for a new mesothelioma approach, describing a phase one trial where an experimental drug controlled disease progression in 67% of relapsed patients. AI in Education: The University of Dayton will require first-year students to take two AI-focused courses this fall, aiming to broaden access to AI skills. Workforce & Health Care: UVM Health announced nearly 200 job eliminations or changes across its system, including 24 at Central Vermont Medical Center, while budgets remain under discussion. Energy Storage: FlexGen and Lightshift Energy expanded their battery storage partnership across 16 projects in New England and the PJM region, with more capacity under construction. Rural Tech & Connectivity: Ooma is partnering with Starlink to offer home phone service for rural and remote areas with unreliable cell coverage. AI Policy Push: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and others keep pressing Congress on AI safeguards as public concern grows, including a high-profile “Pro-Human Assembly” featuring Sanders and Steve Bannon. Fall Foliage Science: UVM researchers explain why Vermont’s leaf colors vary year to year, tying timing and vibrancy to weather and tree chemistry. Local Privacy: Montclair residents urged safeguards for automatic license plate reader cameras, citing privacy and community oversight concerns. Food & Agriculture: USDA launched a “Stand-Up Program” to help more states start or expand meat inspection programs, aiming to reduce start-up barriers for smaller processors.