AGP Executive Report

Medical Imaging Upgrade: Copley Hospital in northern Vermont added contrast-enhanced mammography, pairing standard mammograms with IV contrast to better spot abnormalities—especially in dense breast tissue. Cybersecurity & Fraud: Vermont saw a sharp jump in cyberscams in 2025, with nearly 1,600 residents reporting losses totaling over $26 million, as scammers increasingly use business-email tricks and cryptocurrency. Nursing Excellence: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation for the fourth straight time, highlighting continued nursing quality and patient outcomes. AI & Work Politics: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing an “American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act” that would transfer 50% ownership of major AI labs to the public via stock, aiming to steer the technology toward public benefit. Aviation Innovation: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited Vermont to fly on Beta Technologies’ electric eVTOL, as the FAA expands real-world testing for advanced air mobility. Public Health Outdoors: Tick-bite ER visits are rising nationally, with warmer weather driving more tick activity in the Northeast and Midwest—Lyme disease remains the most common concern. Engineering Leadership: Norwich University civil engineering professor Tara Shenoy Kulkarni was named an ASCE fellow for her work in water resources, resilience, and nature-based solutions. Rural Tech Convening: UVM’s RISE Summit on June 16 will focus on “AI and the Future Rural Economy,” spotlighting community-university partnerships.

Aviation & Innovation: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy made history by flying in an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at Vermont’s BETA Technologies, as the FAA rolls out a new pilot program for advanced air mobility testing. AI Policy: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing an “AI Sovereign Wealth Fund” idea—seeking a public stake via a one-time 50% transfer of equity in major AI firms—while progressives argue AI should be regulated for workers and communities, not just profits. Healthcare Tech: Copley Hospital in Northern Vermont added contrast-enhanced mammography, aiming to improve breast cancer detection for patients with dense tissue. Energy Efficiency: Efficiency Vermont’s Better Building by Design conference handed out “Best of the Best” awards, including a new workforce development honor. Workforce & Education: UVM’s RISE Summit (June 16) spotlights “AI and the Future Rural Economy” and community-university partnerships. Public Safety & Environment: Vermont’s paraquat ban continues to ripple outward as the state tightens rules on neurotoxic herbicides and wake surfing. Local Tech/Business: Robbins Lumber resumed full operations after the Searsmont mill explosion, and Vermont’s legislature adjourned after passing a compromise education reform bill.

Nursing Excellence: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the fourth straight time, highlighting continued nursing quality and patient-centered care. Space & Defense Contracting: Reuters reports SpaceX pushed back on Pentagon Starlink pricing for military drone use, and the Pentagon is now considering thousands of additional Starshield terminal subscriptions—potentially shifting hundreds of millions in taxpayer spending. Vermont Workforce Pipeline: Northwest Career & Technical Center’s Skilled Trades Signing Day (June 5) will feature students signing letters of intent with Vermont employers across trades like electrical, construction, engineering, and cosmetology. Childcare Under Pressure: A new UVM-led study finds ICE enforcement between 2023 and 2025 reshaped the childcare workforce, reducing capacity and employment—especially among immigrant women in regulated settings. Clean Energy & Risk: Vermont regulators are looking into soil testing options after damaged solar panels in Shaftsbury raised concerns about potential lead and silver contamination. Language & Safety: UVM researchers published findings in Science Advances suggesting human language meaning is shaped more by safety needs than by emotion-based models. Policy Watch: The U.S. House advanced a bill that could let states make daylight saving time permanent.

Health & Workforce: A new UVM-led study finds intensified ICE activity between 2023 and 2025 reshaped the childcare workforce, with childcare centers cutting enrollment, closing classrooms, and in some cases shutting down—hurting families who rely on stable care. Cannabis Policy: The DOJ’s move to reclassify medical marijuana (Schedule I to Schedule III) may unlock some federal tax benefits, but states still face a messy, uneven patchwork as the DEA weighs broader next steps. Entrepreneurship: LaunchVT Demo Night returns June 16 at Hula, featuring the 2026 cohort’s startup pitches and investor judges from VCET, Mamava, and CORI. Public Health Data: The first state-level ALS incidence estimates from the National ALS Registry put Vermont at 2.25 new cases per 100,000 (2012–2019), among the higher-rate states. Energy & Environment: Vermont is the first state to ban paraquat, a neurotoxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s risk, with a limited orchard/berry permit window and funding for alternatives. Solar Oversight: Vermont regulators are investigating a Shaftsbury solar array incident after high winds damaged panels, raising concerns about potential soil contamination. Science & Language: UVM researchers challenge a long-running view of word meaning, arguing language patterns may be driven more by safety than emotion. Tech & Education: Vermont continues debating classroom tech use, with renewed pushback against ed tech in schools.

Solar & Environment: Vermont regulators are probing a Shaftsbury solar array after high winds blew down panels, raising concerns about lead and silver contamination and whether soil testing is needed. Public Health Policy: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked to higher Parkinson’s risk, with a limited orchard/berry exemption window and requirements for disclosure and alternatives research. AI & Language Research: UVM researchers published in Science Advances challenging a long-running view of how word meanings map to emotion, arguing language patterns may be driven more by safety-related structure. Energy Tech Regulation: A separate trend story highlights “balcony solar” plug-in panels spreading after state policy changes—Utah’s law is cited as a catalyst for broader adoption. Workforce & Families: New research from UVM and partners finds intensified ICE enforcement reshaped the childcare workforce, with childcare centers cutting capacity and immigrant women’s employment dropping. Healthcare & Nursing: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet redesignation for the fourth straight time, citing nursing excellence and patient outcomes. Local Tech/Startup: LaunchVT’s Demo Night is set for June 16, featuring the 2026 cohort pitching to investor judges.

Vermont Paraquat Ban: Gov. Phil Scott signed a landmark law making Vermont the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed killer linked to Parkinson’s risk, with limited crop exemptions through 2030 and a Nov. 1 start date. Education Policy: Vermont lawmakers passed major education reform without forcing district mergers, instead setting up a fast process for voluntary consolidation votes in 2028. Child Care & Immigration: New UVM-led research finds intensified ICE enforcement reshaped the childcare workforce, shrinking capacity in regulated childcare centers and hitting immigrant women hardest. Grid Software Funding: Texture, a grid-management platform, secured $12.5M to help utilities and co-ops monitor transformer load and avoid outages as EV and battery demand rises. Lyme Research Push: RFK Jr. announced up to $2M for Lyme disease research using AI and open data, plus public awareness funding, during a New Hampshire visit. Healthcare Recognition: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation again, highlighting nursing excellence. Solar Policy Watch: Plug-in “balcony” solar is spreading, but legality varies by state; Vermont is among those advancing rules. AI & Work: Bernie Sanders pressed tech CEOs on AI’s impact on jobs, warning automation could leave workers without a path forward.

Health Care & Nursing Excellence: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the fourth straight time, highlighting improved nurse communication and patient outcomes. Vermont Workforce & Training: Vermont Works for Women’s Trailblazers is taking applications for a July–September workforce training program in Manchester, with OSHA 10, hands-on trade skills, and paid internship opportunities. Cardiac Tech Fundraiser: The 2nd Annual Rotary Champ Challenge (July 26) aims to raise $250,000 for Northwestern Medical Center’s cardiac department, targeting a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography machine. Neurotech & Policy: A new advisory flags legal gaps as consumer neurotechnology moves from observing brain signals to intervening in real time. Public Health Policy (National): The DOJ’s medical cannabis reclassification could unlock some federal tax benefits, but the federal-state divide remains. Environment & Energy: Shaftsbury is investigating wind damage and a small fire at a 2.2 MW solar array, with filings pointing to repeated wind-related panel damage. Education & Research: UVM-led research finds ICE enforcement reshaped the childcare workforce, reducing capacity and affecting families, especially working mothers. Tech & Startups: LaunchVT’s Demo Night (June 16) will showcase the 2026 accelerator cohort to investor judges, with cash awards and donated services.

Paraquat ban (health + farming): Vermont became the first state to ban the weed-killer paraquat, citing research linking it to Parkinson’s disease and other health risks; the law phases out use and sale starting Nov. 1, with exemptions for some fruit growers but a full stop by 2030. Solar safety (local energy): Shaftsbury is investigating a solar array after wind damage and a small fire, with state and utility correspondence tied to knocked-down panels and grid disconnects. Broadband affordability (digital access): A federal BEAD discussion focused on tightening performance monitoring and compliance, with panelists saying the next phase will emphasize affordability alongside faster connectivity. AI governance (state tech policy): Vermont’s governor is moving toward an AI task force to guide how the state adopts AI technology. Online child safety (internet policy): AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it could weaken state enforcement and shift control to tech companies. Workforce + training (Vermont jobs): Weidmann Electrical Technology expanded in St. Johnsbury, adding about 60 jobs, supported by a $15M tax credit. Entrepreneurship (startup pipeline): LaunchVT’s Demo Night is set for June 16, featuring investor judges and cash awards for the 2026 cohort. STEM in schools (hands-on learning): Stafford Technical Center celebrated its refurbished Auto Tech garage and approval as a licensed inspection station, aiming to open for the next academic year. Nursing quality (health tech + care): Rutland Regional Medical Center renewed its Magnet designation for the fourth time, highlighting nursing excellence and patient outcomes.

Paraquat ban (public health): Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban the herbicide paraquat after lawmakers pointed to research linking it to Parkinson’s disease. Gov. Phil Scott signed the law phasing out use and sale starting Nov. 1, with limited exemptions for fruit growers until 2030. Solar scrutiny (energy infrastructure): Shaftsbury residents and state agencies are asking questions after wind damage and a small fire at a 2.2 MW solar installation, raising concerns about safety and oversight. AI & policy (governance): Vermont is moving to regulate and plan for AI use, including an executive-order task force aimed at workforce and investment opportunities. Education tech debate (schools): A national analysis finds many of the biggest school districts facing cuts or deficits this year, while another report highlights growing parent pushback against classroom tech. Wildlife & environment (conservation): Vermont Institute of Natural Science released a recovered American bittern back into the wild, and the Fish and Wildlife Board rejected proposals for bear baiting. STEM in practice (training/jobs): Stafford Technical Center celebrated upgrades to its automotive tech shop and a new licensed inspection-station approval, and Weidmann Electrical Technology announced a major St. Johnsbury expansion tied to new jobs. Community science & learning (youth): “Bake for Good” brought Vermont 4-H youth together online to learn breadmaking and share food with neighbors.

Paraquat ban: Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban the weedkiller paraquat over Parkinson’s risk, with a limited orchard/berry exemption until 2030 and annual reporting plus funding for alternative weed control research. Wildlife & science in action: VINS released a rare American bittern back into the wild after rehab from a car hit in Barre. Forest tech & materials: Vermont’s Forests, Parks & Recreation outlined a forest-industry road map, including research on using wood cellulose to strengthen concrete. Education policy: Public Assets held a meeting to help Vermonters understand how Act 73 could change the education tax system. AI governance: Gov. Phil Scott’s Vermont Artificial Intelligence Economic Task Force is set to assess AI’s economic impact and propose workforce and policy actions. Online safety law: Vermont’s social media addiction case against Meta is moving forward after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Meta’s appeal. Public waters rules: NMMA criticized Vermont’s tighter wakesurfing regulations as arbitrary and not science-based.

Paraquat ban: Vermont signed a first-in-the-nation law phasing out the weedkiller paraquat over Parkinson’s-linked health concerns, with limited crop exemptions and annual reporting until a full ban takes effect in 2026–2030. Online child safety fight: Vermont’s social media addiction case against Meta can proceed after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Meta’s appeal, while multiple state attorneys general—including Virginia’s Jay Jones and Hawaiʻi’s Anne Lopez—push back on the federal KIDS Act as weakening state protections. Grid + solar interconnection: A new report card grades how easily states connect distributed solar and storage to the grid, highlighting where rules are costly or opaque. Data centers vs. communities: Opposition to massive data center plans keeps escalating, with grassroots efforts and political pressure growing as electricity demand strains local grids. Health + research: UVM researchers report better pre-pandemic heart health meant lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, and Vermont’s 20/20 Biolabs program will expand firefighter cancer screening using multi-cancer blood tests plus ultrasound oversight. STEM + community science: Vermont Center for Ecostudies spotlights backyard biodiversity using iNaturalist and local bee and butterfly surveys. Education: CCV announced its June 6 commencement and a STEM-focused student speaker, while Vermont’s elections funding shortfall raises alarms about election security capacity.

State Policy: Vermont just became the first U.S. state to ban paraquat, a weed-killer tied to Parkinson’s disease. Gov. Phil Scott signed the measure; it takes effect Nov. 1 with a limited phase-out and special permits for certain orchard uses until 2030, plus annual reporting and a study on alternatives. Courts & Tech: The U.S. Supreme Court also declined to hear Meta’s bid to stop Vermont’s Instagram addiction lawsuit, letting the case move forward. AI in Healthcare: Vermont lawmakers advanced limits on how AI can be used in mental health care—drawing a line between admin help and independent therapeutic decisions. Business & Community: CCV’s 2026 commencement is set for June 6 at Norwich University, with Will Eberle as keynote. Local Watch: Investigators shared preliminary findings on the Searsmont lumber mill fire and explosion, calling it accidental.

Supreme Court, Meta vs. Vermont: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Meta’s bid to stop Vermont’s lawsuit claiming Instagram is designed to be addictive to young users—so the case can keep moving forward. Public Health, Pesticide: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, citing Parkinson’s disease risks; the law takes effect Nov. 1 with limited orchard permits until 2030. AI in Care: Vermont lawmakers approved final limits on how AI can be used in mental health treatment, aiming to keep clinicians in charge of therapy decisions. Politics, Progressive Alliance: Maine’s Democratic gubernatorial field is getting more coordinated as Graham Platner lines up allies against primary leader Nirav Shah. Healthcare & Licensing: A Brattleboro woman pleaded not guilty to patient abuse and unauthorized nursing assistant practice charges. Tech Backlash, Data Centers: The fight over data centers and electricity demand is now escalating in Congress, with communities pushing back nationwide. Local Tech/Connectivity: GoNetspeed announced plans to bring 100% fiber to Norwich, with construction starting this summer.

Immigrant Health Cuts: States that use their own money to cover some noncitizens are scaling back as federal Medicaid funding shrinks, with Vermont among the states covering certain groups like pregnant people. Data Center Backlash Goes Federal: The fight over power-hungry data centers has jumped from local hearings to Congress, where lawmakers are debating bills, a possible moratorium, and ways to stop utility-rate hikes. Telecom Tower Rules: A push in Vermont aims to force the Public Utility Commission to consider town plans when siting telecommunications towers, after residents say current rules leave them with too little say. Healthcare Workforce Pressure: Vermont is seeing signs of rural clinician strain, with new survey data showing higher expected retirements among PAs in rural states. Community & Culture: Girls on the Run Vermont is gearing up for its June 6 Manchester 5K, and Vermont Farmstead Cheese is moving forward after acquiring Grafton Village Cheese.

Telecom Siting Fight: A bill (H.527) is nearing passage after activists argued the Vermont Public Utility Commission should have to consider town plans when approving telecommunication towers—especially when proposed sites clash with local zoning. Data Privacy Shock: 7-Eleven confirmed a ShinyHunters-linked breach of franchise application systems, with names, addresses, and possibly Social Security numbers exposed; Vermont is among the states notified. Congress vs. Data Centers: The national fight over data centers is now in Washington, with lawmakers debating moratoriums and ways to stop utility-rate hikes as communities push back. Veterans Courts Under Strain: Memorial Day coverage highlights how Veterans Treatment Courts can help, but staffing losses and healthcare cuts are threatening their impact. Vermont Tech & Workforce: Vermont State University says it graduated 1,531 students this spring, with healthcare and education leading the pipeline. Local Policy Watch: Vermont’s FY27 budget debate is also putting literacy funding under pressure.

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.