Vermont Education & Disability Funding: The U.S. Department of Education says Vermont is “needs intervention” under IDEA, with schools meeting fewer than 60% of accountability measures and risking up to $2.4M a year in federal funding if leadership gaps aren’t fixed. STEM Pipeline in Vermont: GlobalFoundries and ECHO announced a five-year partnership to expand ECHO’s STEM outreach across the state, including more classroom support and a longer-running STEM truck program. Health Research in the Upper Valley: Dartmouth Health won an $11.8M NIH grant to create a Center for Aging with Serious Illness, aiming to improve care for older adults in rural regions. Tick-Borne Illness Treatments: UVM Medical Center researcher Dr. Peter Hyson received NIH and Bay Area Lyme funding to develop new medicines for babesiosis as tick populations rise. Local Environment & Water: Northfield has begun demolishing the Cross Brothers Dam in Dog River to improve water quality, habitat access, and reduce aging infrastructure risks. Public Library Summer Programs: Vermont’s Department of Libraries awarded 148 summer grants to help libraries run STEM, arts, and reading activities for kids and teens. AI & Public Ownership: A new poll finds 69% of adults back Sen. Bernie Sanders’ plan for public ownership of major AI companies, alongside strong support for AI safety transparency. Wildlife Protections: Environmental groups and tribes are suing over a Trump rule that narrows what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, potentially opening habitat to more development. Health & Safety Alerts: Local experts are urging produce washing as a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak grows, with cases reported in nearby New Hampshire and many other states. Workforce & Career Pathways: Workforce in Motion is bringing hands-on career exploration to the Champlain Valley Expo this fall, building on its Rutland event that drew 1,150 students and 65 businesses.