Canada Tariffs Hit Northern Border Economy: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and Sen. Peter Welch criticized new 50% U.S. tariffs after Canada-U.S. talks collapsed, warning the “tax” will raise costs for families, farmers, and employers on both sides. Housing Finance: A Brattleboro workforce housing project highlights how Vermont’s housing challenge is also a capital challenge, pointing to Invest in Vermont low-interest financing as a key tool to make projects pencil out. Endangered Species Act Rule Change: Vermont faces new risk to federally listed species as a Trump administration change narrows what counts as “harm” to habitat, with a Sept. 14 effective date and lawsuits already filed. AI Data Center Backlash: Protests against AI data centers spread nationwide, driven by concerns over power costs, water use, and limited local job creation. Vermont Courts/Manufacturing Liability: A Vermont Mutual insurance subrogation case over a printer-linked house fire heads toward trial after a court rejected summary judgment, keeping manufacturing-defect claims alive. Energy Leadership: VPPSA GM Ken Nolan elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, signaling continued regional focus on reliability and electrification pressures. Local Business & Federal Contracting: Vermont APEX Accelerator and partners host Navy Week in Burlington Aug. 26 to connect small businesses with procurement and SBIR/STTR opportunities. Agrivoltaics Test: A Colorado saffron trial under rooftop solar panels doubled yields, suggesting high-value crops can pair with solar generation. Diesel Prices Watch: Diesel averaged $5.43 statewide in the week ending Aug. 15, with Franklin County reporting the lowest stations.