Rural Innovation & AI: UVM’s Leahy Institute is hosting the June 16 RISE Summit on “Partnerships for Rural Prosperity,” with a keynote panel on “AI and the Future Rural Economy,” aiming to connect community leaders, researchers, and policymakers. Local Business & Community Needs: Brandon residents used a town forum to push for a laundromat, with the Vermont Council on Rural Development helping turn priorities into an action plan. Healthcare Workforce: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation for the fourth straight time, reinforcing its push for nursing excellence. EV Costs: A new Insurify report finds EV insurance averages $3,159 a year—about $1,000 more than gas cars—potentially stretching EV payback. Education & Construction: Vermont lawmakers passed an education transformation bill (H.955) to reshape funding as enrollment declines, while Peacham voters moved to “future-proof” their school building by transferring ownership to the town for community use if districts merge. Agriculture & Food Systems: Kurn Hattin won a Farm to School and Early Childhood grant to launch a student-led garden and CSA. Aviation & Logistics: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited BETA in Vermont for an eVTOL flight as the FAA begins field testing for advanced air mobility. Dairy Update: USDA data shows the U.S. dairy herd is the largest since mid-1993, with April milk output up year over year. Property & Taxes: Essex Town and Essex Junction mailed new reappraisal values after a state-mandated update, with municipalities receiving $8.50 per parcel per year.