Wildlife Genomics: UVM and Penn State researchers report in Nature that bat DNA changes tied to pathogen adaptation may help explain bats’ long lifespans and unusual cancer resistance. Higher Ed Leadership: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026, as it continues its environmental-law mission. Neurodiversity Training Pathways: Landmark College’s LCIRT certificate credits can now be applied toward select Antioch University master’s programs, expanding routes for learning-differences education. Digital Privacy & Kids Online: A Vermont lawmaker argues Vermont should use part of the state’s $92.7M Meta settlement to build a privacy and digital protection unit, pointing to limits on minors’ use and changes to app design. Surveillance Cameras Backlash: Sen. Bernie Sanders pledged legislation to target Flock Safety’s AI mass-surveillance claims, joining a growing pushback from multiple states and cities. Snow Research Funding: UVM leads an NSF-funded Northern New England snow study (Snow STORE) to improve models of snowpack, flooding, and the winter recreation economy. Energy & Grid Buildout (Regional): Maine regulators approved a large northern wind project plus a 111-mile transmission line feeding the New England grid, with Vermont in the shared system. Public Health Access: Dartmouth Health and Geisel will study rural health-care access for older adults using an $11.8M federal grant. Vermont Tech/Policy Watch: Vermont’s bear-hunting rule changes would reshape the season structure and tag requirements, with the state citing population estimates above its target range.