diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 2556e45e..769e943d 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -2,3 +2,4 @@ node_modules/
 test-results/
 nexus/__pycache__/
 tests/__pycache__/
+.aider*
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index a9a791cf..0935b96c 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -30,8 +30,9 @@ Serving the repo root today shows a directory listing, not a rendered world.
 `Timmy_Foundation/the-nexus` is the only canonical 3D repo.
 In plain language: Timmy_Foundation/the-nexus is the only canonical 3D repo.
 
+> ⚠� **Branch Protection Policy**: All merges to `main` require a PR, 1 approval, and CI success (where applicable). See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for full rules.
+
 The old local browser app at:
-- `/Users/apayne/the-matrix`
 
 is legacy source material, not a second repo to keep evolving in parallel.
 Useful work from it must be audited and migrated here.