Transportation Funding: Vermont is set to get $19.7 million to fully reconstruct U.S. Route 7 between Brandon and Pittsford, with wider shoulders, drainage upgrades, safety improvements, and wildlife crossings. Public Safety: Vermont State Police released updates on multiple drownings, including identifying a Cambridge brother and sister who died in the Lamoille River area near Arrowhead Mountain Lake, and confirming another Fairfax drowning death as accidental. Health Policy: Gov. Phil Scott signed H.933 limiting how scholarship money under the Education Freedom Tax Credit can be used, narrowing eligible independent schools and restricting scholarship-funded programs. Environment & Water Quality: A bill would require phased microfiber filtration systems for washing machines sold in Vermont to cut microfiber pollution entering wastewater. Local Government: Fair Haven’s town manager search is moving toward a nationwide search after Newport City hired Joe Gunter. Community & Culture: Fireworks returned to Rutland’s July 4 celebration at the fairgrounds as the city marked the 250th. Business/Healthcare: Copley Hospital plans a new local testing center in Morrisville opening Aug. 3 to keep lab services in-state.