Vermont Politics: Amanda Janoo, a progressive political outsider, won the Democratic nomination for governor, setting up a general election matchup as Vermont voters also weighed affordability, healthcare access, and second-home tax questions. State Courts & Public Safety: The Vermont Supreme Court denied an appeal from a driver charged with murder in a police chase that killed a Rutland officer, keeping a lower-court ruling that blocked use of an internal affairs misconduct report at trial. Wildlife & Environment: A federal change to the Endangered Species Act loosens the definition of “harm,” raising concerns that Vermont’s vulnerable wildlife could face more habitat loss as federal protections weaken. Energy & Housing: Efficiency Vermont updated rebates for weatherization and heat pump upgrades to reflect new federal income rules, expanding extra help for low- and moderate-income households. Healthcare: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s finances are under scrutiny as state regulators question how the hospital will curb deficit spending after years of losses and leadership turnover. Consumer Alerts: Walmart shoppers in Vermont and 28 other states were told to return or dispose of recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits due to possible Listeria contamination. Immigration Enforcement: A Vermont sheriff’s deputy’s role in a federal border security program during a controversial traffic stop is again in the spotlight, raising questions about compliance with Vermont’s fair and impartial policing policy.