AGP Executive Report

AI & Work Politics: Sen. Bernie Sanders warned at a “Fight Oligarchy” rally that AI and robotics could replace workers and even worsen loneliness for kids—especially if billionaires steer the tech for profit. Veterans Courts Under Strain: Vermont-linked coverage highlights Veterans Treatment Courts as a proven jail-avoidance tool, but says staffing losses at the VA and cuts to public healthcare are threatening the services they rely on. Rare Disease Push: Gov. Phil Scott signed Vermont’s Rare Disease Advisory Council into law, giving patients a formal statewide voice. Healthcare Workforce Watch: A national PA survey flags higher retirement plans in rural states including Vermont, raising recruitment pressure. Local Tech & Privacy: 7-Eleven confirmed a breach of franchise application systems, exposing names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and IDs. Energy/Grid Funding: Grid software startup Texture raised $12.5M to help utilities handle EV and data-center power spikes. Vermont Environment: Vermont is poised to ban paraquat, while regulators investigate broken solar panels in Shaftsbury. Community & Education: Middlebury celebrated its 225th Commencement, and Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for major spring 5Ks.

Paraquat Push: Vermont is poised to become the first state to ban paraquat after lawmakers passed H.739; the bill now awaits Gov. Phil Scott’s decision, as families and advocates argue the herbicide’s links to Parkinson’s keep growing. Education Data Fight: AG Kwame Raoul is leading a 19-state challenge to the U.S. Department of Education over proposed cuts to racial disparity reporting in special education and discipline—arguing it would hide trends states need to fix. AI vs. Classrooms: A new wave of debate is hitting Vermont too, with a reader letter warning that teachers leaning on AI could undermine learning and credibility. Grid Pressure: The EV-and-data-center boom keeps stressing power systems—grid software startup Texture just raised $12.5M to help utilities manage demand spikes. Solar Scrutiny: Vermont regulators are looking into broken solar panels in Shaftsbury, including whether damaged equipment could affect soil. Public Health Watch: Early West Nile activity is showing up as warmer weather boosts mosquitoes. Community Calendar: Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for its June 6 Manchester 5K, with proceeds supporting subsidies so every girl can join.

Grid & EV strain: Texture just raised $12.5M to help utilities track power stress in real time as EV charging, data centers, rooftop solar, batteries, and extreme weather overload aging systems. Public health watch: Warmer temps could kick off an early West Nile season, with health officials warning mosquito-borne cases may rise. AI in the courts: An MIT researcher says generative AI is fueling a surge in self-represented federal lawsuits, threatening to bog down courts. Vermont policy friction: LCAR objected to wetlands rule changes tied to Gov. Scott’s housing push—another pro-housing effort hitting regulatory resistance. Local life & community: Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for its spring 5Ks (Essex and Manchester) to fund participation through its Every Girl Fund. Tech & money: Vermont’s Gov. Scott also created an AI economic task force, aiming to help small employers adopt the tech.

Community Health & Safety: Vermont State Police marked the one-year anniversary of the suspicious death of Brian Bailey in Brandon, still asking for tips about the gunshot-wound case. AI in Vermont: Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order creating a Vermont Artificial Intelligence Economic Task Force, with Neale Lunderville leading and state digital and commerce chiefs co-chairing. Housing vs. Wetlands: The Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules objected to wetlands rule changes aimed at speeding homebuilding under Scott’s housing executive order—setting up a fresh fight over growth and environmental protections. PFAS Watch: Vermont is expanding free bottled water and well testing for southern Bennington and Shaftsbury as PFAS contamination spreads beyond the original zone. Tech & Schools: Across the country, parents are pushing back on classroom tech; Vermont’s proposed approach would let teachers and parents opt out of using certain classroom technology. Data Centers Backlash: A new Gallup poll finds Americans—especially women—overwhelmingly oppose AI data centers, preferring nuclear power instead. Local Events: Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for its Essex 5K (May 30) and Manchester 5K (June 6), with proceeds supporting Every Girl Fund subsidies.

AI Policy Push: Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order creating a Vermont Artificial Intelligence Economic Task Force, naming Neale Lunderville as chair and tasking the group with shaping how small Vermont employers adopt AI. Housing & Wetlands: A key legislative rules panel objected to wetlands regulatory changes meant to speed homebuilding under Scott’s housing executive order—an early flashpoint over how fast Vermont can grow without triggering environmental pushback. PFAS Watch in Bennington: Vermont is expanding free bottled water and well testing for residents in southern Bennington and Shaftsbury after PFAS levels were found to have spread and worsened over time. Public Safety: Vermont State Police marked the one-year anniversary of the suspicious death of Brian Bailey in Brandon and are still asking for tips. Community Tech & Education: Across the country, parents are pushing back on classroom tech; Vermont lawmakers are considering letting teachers and parents opt out of using classroom technology. Local Business/Tech: Rigorous Technology in Williston is being honored by the SBA as Vermont’s Small Business Persons of the Year.

Immigration crackdown fallout: A new national report says children across the U.S. have been harmed by tear gas and pepper spray during Trump-era ICE actions, with DHS blaming “agitators” while footage shows officers using the chemicals near kids. Vermont justice watch: In Burlington, a Vermont prosecutor is refusing to charge people arrested during ICE protests—sparking anger from law enforcement and talk of bypassing her office. Healthcare pressure: States including Vermont that cover some immigrant healthcare are scaling back as federal Medicaid cuts bite. Tech & grid: Vermont’s rural care providers are looking at AI-driven documentation tools as part of Rural Health Transformation funding, while elsewhere utilities are scrambling for grid software as EVs and data centers strain demand. Local events: Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for its Manchester 5K on June 6 and Essex Junction’s 5K on May 30, with proceeds supporting the Every Girl Fund. Public safety: Vermont State Police marked the one-year anniversary of a suspicious death in Brandon and are still asking for tips.

Underage party case in Rutland: The former superintendent of Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union and her husband were indicted for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party that preceded a fatal crash, with arraignment set for June 1. AI in Vermont healthcare: A Vermont ALS patient is getting his voice back using AI voice-cloning tech, while a separate Vermont hospital story shows how AI plans are colliding with staffing concerns. Rural health tech funding: States are rolling out Rural Health Transformation Program spending, and Vermont’s plan points to AI-driven documentation tools for rural providers. Wetlands fight: Vermont’s wetlands-permit rules are back in the spotlight as lawmakers review draft implementation tied to an executive order that would loosen construction limits. Local business + community wins: Rigorous Technology is set to be honored as a Vermont SBA Small Business Person of the Year, and Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for statewide 5Ks that fund participation for every girl. Tech + jobs: GlobalFoundries is getting $375M in federal support to expand manufacturing in Vermont.

Federal Manufacturing Boost: GlobalFoundries just landed $375M in federal funding to expand Vermont-area chip manufacturing and scale its Quantum Technology Solutions push. Grid Software Funding: Texture raised $12.5M to help utilities manage the modern grid in real time—aimed at making data from meters to renewables actually usable. Vermont Energy Permitting: Clean Energy Technologies and Vermont Renewable Gas cleared another regulatory milestone for the Lyndon Renewable Gas project after DPS testimony backed its regional impact. Transportation Safety: Vermont is rolling out wrong-way driver tech on I-89 ramps after incidents jumped to 117 in 2025. Community & Education: Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for statewide 5Ks (Essex May 30, Manchester June 6) to fund participation for every girl. Local Justice Watch: Vermont State Police are investigating antisemitic graffiti at a Cavendish business as a possible hate crime. Tech/Policy Tension: A new Vermont AI task force is forming as states debate guardrails for AI in K-12.

Kindle Shutdown: Amazon is ending support for older Kindles (2012 and earlier), cutting off new book downloads and software updates—sparking backlash from longtime readers who say their devices still work. Hate-Crime Probe: Vermont State Police are investigating antisemitic graffiti at a Cavendish business, with owners saying they’ve faced repeated harassment. Health Watch: A new study links migraine with aura to higher ischemic stroke risk in middle-aged and older adults, while migraine without aura shows no such link. Local Safety Tech: Vermont is rolling out new technology to curb wrong-way driving after incidents surged in recent years. Energy for Renters: “Balcony solar” momentum keeps building across New England as states advance plug-in solar rules aimed at lowering electricity bills. Community & Business: VermontBiz and the SBA are honoring 2026 small-business winners in Burlington, including Rigorous Technology in Williston. Moose Meeting: Wildlife experts gathered in Lake Placid for the North American Moose Conference, including Vermont Fish & Wildlife staff.

Education Spotlight: BFA–St. Albans named Leah Jamison valedictorian and Olivia Ventura salutatorian, with both students highlighted for academics, leadership, and STEM or arts pathways. Local Performance Watch: Montpelier–Roxbury Public Schools’ test results held up well over a decade, even as national and state scores dipped, with district leaders pointing to targeted fixes where gaps show up. Tech & Policy: Gov. Phil Scott created a Vermont Artificial Intelligence Economic Taskforce, tasked with up to five recommendations in 90 days on how state government can adopt AI responsibly. Energy Bills: “Balcony solar” is spreading—Vermont is among states advancing plug-in solar proposals that let residents connect small systems to standard outlets. Community & Culture: Burlington City Council rejected a proposed Abenaki sculpture donation tied to replacing the damaged “Chief Greylock” monument, reigniting debate over recognition and representation. Health & Safety: A coalition of states, including Vermont’s AG, is challenging new federal student-loan limits that would narrow access for nursing and other healthcare graduate programs.

Student Loan Fight: Vermont is now part of a coalition suing the U.S. Education Department over a new rule that narrows “professional” degree eligibility—aimed at fields like nursing and other healthcare programs—arguing the department is rewriting Congress’s definition and could worsen Vermont’s workforce shortages. AI in State Government: Gov. Phil Scott created a Vermont Artificial Intelligence Economic Taskforce, with a 90-day push for up to five recommendations on how state agencies and Vermont businesses can adopt AI responsibly. Burlington Monument Clash: Burlington City Council rejected a proposed replacement sculpture tied to a state-recognized Abenaki group, after backlash from Quebec-based First Nations and residents raised concerns about representation. Veterans Courts Under Pressure: A new report highlights how special courts help veterans avoid jail—but funding cuts to VA and related programs threaten that work. Local Business & Community: Rigorous Technology Inc. was named a Vermont SBA “Person of the Year” honoree ahead of a June 11 Burlington event.

Catholic Bankruptcy Watch: A Vermont judge is pushing back hard on the Diocese’s Chapter 11 case after nearly two years and about $2M in legal bills—with no clear plan yet—warning she doesn’t want the money “going to the professionals” while survivors wait. Public Health & Policy: Vermont’s vaccine stance is still in the spotlight as federal rollbacks ripple through pediatric care, even as the state keeps its own schedule protections in place. PFAS Pressure: Southern Bennington and Shaftsbury are still dealing with spreading PFAS contamination, with the state offering well testing and water support while talks continue over the shuttered ChemFab site. AI in Vermont: Gov. Phil Scott launched a Vermont AI Economic Task Force, aiming for recommendations in 90 days and focusing on responsible growth—especially for rural businesses. Everyday Life: Amazon is ending support for older Kindle models, and across the country potholes are being blamed on underfunded road maintenance. Community Good News: Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for big spring 5Ks (Essex May 30, Manchester June 6) to fund access through its Every Girl Fund.

PFAS Watch: Vermont is stepping up well testing and free water support for southern Bennington and Shaftsbury as PFAS contamination concerns keep worsening, with the state also negotiating with the shuttered ChemFab owner. Health Policy: Vermont is holding the line against federal vaccine rollbacks, even as doctors say the changes are still showing up in how families schedule or skip shots. Prescription Access: Woodstock is left scrambling after a pharmacy closure tied to Smilin’ Steves Pharmacies’ sudden shutdown of multiple locations. Higher Ed Pressure: New Hampshire’s university system is still feeling budget cuts—tuition and program changes are the fallout, even as studies tout its economic value. Community & Culture: Champlain College held its 148th commencement with BETA Technologies CEO Kyle Clark as keynote, and Vermont’s Girls on the Run is gearing up for big spring 5Ks to fund access for every girl.

PFAS Response in Bennington County: Vermont is stepping up after research found PFOA contamination in southern Bennington and Shaftsbury has spread and worsened over time—offering well testing and free water while negotiating with the shuttered ChemFab’s current owner; residents are also weighing legal redress, and Shaftsbury wants blood testing after toxic exposure. Waste Watch: NEWMOA warns the Northeast could lose significant disposal capacity within five years as landfills near closure and more waste gets exported. Health & Community: An Energy Fair returns to Manchester with solar, heat pumps, batteries, and thermal energy info; meanwhile, Vermont’s tick season backdrop is getting louder as Lyme cases climb in Ohio. Policy Tension Beyond Vermont: Illinois’s stalled biometric surveillance bill shows the privacy-vs-public-safety fight isn’t going away. Local Life: Castleton State University graduates 400+ in its commencement weekend.

ML Scout Pipeline: New England’s baseball draft path is still rare, and scouts say it’s mostly because pitchers are easier to evaluate with measurable data—while hitters live in a “gray area” that needs deeper game judgment; this year’s buzz includes Vermont Academy righthander Kaiden McCarthy. School Funding Uncertainty: A federal professional-development fund for districts is still clouded, with Vermont’s Slate Valley Unified using Title II-A to pay instructional coaches—an example of what happens when predictable money doesn’t show up. PFAS in Bennington County: Vermont is ramping up well testing and support for South Bennington and Shaftsbury as PFOA contamination spreads and residents look at possible legal redress. Dam Planning in Glover: Shadow Lake’s dam restoration is moving from studies to design review after the town learned the third phase is complete. Local Business & Community: Hypertherm Associates released its 2025 culture and social responsibility report, highlighting volunteer hours and HOPE Foundation grants. Arts: Tim Weed’s new novel “The Gatepost” gets a free launch event May 26 at Next Stage Arts in Putney.

PFAS Pressure in Bennington County: Vermont is stepping up help for South Bennington and Shaftsbury after research found PFOA contamination has spread and worsened in private wells, with the state offering testing and free water while negotiating with the shuttered ChemFab owner; residents are also weighing legal redress and pushing for more health monitoring. Election Integrity Talks: Rep. Becca Balint and Sen. Peter Welch met with town clerks and the secretary of state on election security, as federal “show your papers” voting proposals raise alarms about access and mail voting. AI + Schools Debate: Parents and districts keep clashing over tech in classrooms, with national attention on whether kids should be able to opt out. Energy + Jobs Spotlight: Efficiency Vermont honored local firms for affordability and electrification work, including workforce programs. Community + Culture: Bennington’s 250th anniversary banners are back downtown for year two, with youth graphics students designing the next set.