AGP Executive Report

Pesticides & Kids’ Health: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals around acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Vermont Data Privacy: Vermont’s first comprehensive data privacy law heads to Gov. Phil Scott, but advocates warn it won’t do much to rein in Big Tech’s data practices. Disaster Aid: Sen. Peter Welch pressed USDA on Vermont flood relief; Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed $31.7 million in disaster aid block grants is set for imminent deployment. UVM Health Job Cuts: UVM Health says it’s eliminating 142 positions (76 at Alice Hyde and Champlain Valley), citing financial pressures and restructuring. AI & Policing: An ACLU lawsuit alleges law enforcement relied too heavily on AI, leading to a wrongful arrest after a faulty facial recognition match. Local Business & Government: Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas met with Brattleboro and Wilmington leaders on business concerns and state services. Caregiving Support: A free Alzheimer’s and caregiving conference is planned in Burlington for July 15, with memory screenings and local resources.

Maine Senate Race: Graham Platner clinched the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate and will face Sen. Susan Collins in November, after a primary dominated by scrutiny of his past behavior and a campaign built on redemption and economic populism. Vermont Health & Jobs: UVM Health Network announced major restructuring, eliminating 76 positions and restructuring 66 more across the system. Vermont Economy & Infrastructure: Fidium expanded 100% fiber service in Shelburne, bringing multi-gig symmetrical speeds to more than 2,100 homes and businesses. Public Safety: A Bellows Falls man, Ronald Wright, was arraigned on felony child sexual abuse material charges after an investigation by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Wildlife & Community: In Stowe, a bear was shot by police after repeated break-ins into a restaurant cooler. Environment & Planning: Vermont is updating wetland maps in more than 100 towns, with public meetings scheduled mid-June. Business & Craft: Village Garage Distillery in Bennington won gold and silver medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Education & Culture: Vermont students selected the Red Clover, Golden Dome, and Green Mountain Youth Book Award winners.

UVM Health Restructuring: UVM Health says it’s cutting 142 positions across Vermont and northern New York to close a projected $100 million gap, with 76 eliminated and 66 roles reposted, aiming to save about $9.5 million a year; unions warn some cuts could affect patient-facing work. Public Health Update: Vermont’s Department of Health reports COVID-19 hospitalizations remain very low, with RSV, flu A and other viruses mostly down. Education Costs: Community College of Vermont will keep tuition flat for 2027-28 at $290 per credit. Local Economy: Franklin Foods will close its Enosburg Falls plant this summer, cutting about 100 jobs. Arts & Culture: The Vermont History Museum is showcasing never-before-displayed copper plate images tied to early Barre history. Health Research: UVM researchers report menopause-related hormone shifts can change brain activity patterns, potentially linking to later dementia risk. Business & Community: Vermont’s Advanced Wood Heating Assistance program is accepting municipal applications, and CCV tuition stability plus local fiber expansion in Shelburne highlight ongoing state and regional investment.

Maine Politics: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is putting his weight behind embattled Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner as Maine voters head to the polls Tuesday, with Platner’s lead shadowed by fresh allegations and questions about whether they’ll sink his bid to challenge Susan Collins. Vermont Health & Work: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with graduates gaining real workplace skills in health care, including support for young adults with disabilities. Medical Research: UVM researchers report a flu breakthrough, finding H1N1 and H3N2 use different routes into lung cells—an opening for more targeted antiviral design. State Policy: Gov. Scott’s veto of an AI data-center bill failed to be overridden, keeping protections from future large-scale data centers off the books. Community & Culture: Burlington-area residents can register for a free Alzheimer’s education conference July 15, and St. Albans hosted a Creative Sector Convening focused on hands-on collaboration. Local Business: The Village at White River Junction named Danielle Nickerson executive director.

Healthcare & Jobs: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH celebrated eight graduates, including a Burlington-area participant who gained workplace confidence and learned to manage Type 1 diabetes with less support. Senior Living Leadership: Bethel’s Danielle Nickerson was named executive director of The Village at White River Junction, bringing nearly a decade of Vermont senior-care management experience. Public Safety & Justice: A Bennington woman, Jessica A. Stratton, faces federal drug trafficking charges tied to powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, after a 2025 raid seized large quantities of drugs and cash. State Policy: Gov. Phil Scott signed a package of 16 bills, including measures on chronic absenteeism, immigration protocols in schools, voter protections, and public libraries. Business & Community: Green Mountain Power will hold a customer open house in Bethel on June 9. Access to Justice: The Vermont Bar Foundation announced its largest annual grant investment yet for FY27, expanding support for legal services statewide. Local History: A new roadside marker honors Ann Story, the “Mother of the Green Mountain Boys,” in Salisbury. Arts & Culture: St. Albans hosted a Vermont Creative Sector Convening focused on hands-on collaboration.

Health Care & Policy: A new push for Medicare for All argues the country needs “material changes” to beat medical debt and the pull of authoritarian politics. Local Education & Community: In Hinesburg, the CVU turf field debate continues after a meeting where both sides stayed polite but far apart, with parents and officials weighing opportunity against concerns about water safety. Workforce & Inclusion: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including a Burlington teen, highlighting real workplace rotations and independence for young adults with disabilities. Public Safety: Vermont State Police are seeking a suspect in an overnight break-in at Dwyer’s State Line Beer and Wine in Pownal. Vermont Economy & Tech: Microsoft data finds Vermont AI use is near the bottom nationally, with Chittenden County highest in the state. Higher Ed: Community College of Vermont held graduation for about 500 associate degree recipients, including veterans and first-generation students.

Education & Workforce: CCV held graduation for about 500 students, with many first-generation degree earners, plus veterans and students from across Vermont and beyond. Disabilities & Employment: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including a participant who gained workplace skills and more independence while managing Type 1 diabetes. Local Governance: Peacham voters unanimously authorized the town to buy its elementary school building for $1 to keep it as a community asset if district mergers happen. AI & Public Policy: Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders pushed a plan for the public to hold a 50% stake in AI companies; Trump also floated an “American people” equity partnership. Health & Environment: Vermont’s weedkiller/paraquat controversy abroad echoes concerns that regulators may be ignoring neurologists’ warnings as decisions loom. Business & Community Life: A Highgate baker is growing a home-based bagel business, and Burlington’s Wine & Food Festival returns June 27. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain high in Vermont and New England, adding pressure to household budgets.

Data Centers & Vermont Energy: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill meant to curb the biggest impacts of future large-scale AI data centers, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and environmental groups who warned of higher utility bills and pollution. Federal Food Aid Fight: A judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new USDA conditions tied to gender and immigration, arguing the rules could disrupt SNAP and other nutrition and agriculture funding. AI Wealth Debate: The Trump administration is reportedly in talks with OpenAI about giving the public an equity stake in AI firms, echoing Sen. Bernie Sanders’ push for a public AI wealth fund. PFAS Crackdown: Vermont is among states tightening rules on “forever chemicals,” part of a fast-growing patchwork that could reshape products nationwide. Local Jobs & Skills: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH celebrated eight graduates, highlighting real workplace rotations and independence gains for young adults with disabilities. Maine Politics Spillover: Vermont’s Sanders-backed Senate candidate Graham Platner continues to face fallout from allegations, with Democrats scrambling ahead of Maine’s primary. Vermont Tech Use: Microsoft data finds Vermont near the bottom for generative AI use, with Chittenden County highest in the state. Community Calendar: Burlington’s Wine & Food Festival returns June 27, and Northfield’s summer road race series kicks off June 4.

AI & Public Ownership: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, with both backing the idea that the public should hold equity in AI companies—though Altman wouldn’t endorse Sanders’ proposed 50% threshold—while President Trump floated a similar “American people benefit” partnership. Local Energy & Data Centers: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed H.727, a bill meant to curb the financial and environmental fallout of large AI data centers; Democrats and environmental groups say it would have protected Vermonters from higher bills and pollution. Vermont Tech Use: Microsoft data finds Vermont near the bottom for generative AI use, with about 23.3% of working-age residents using tools like ChatGPT. Business & Community: Burlington’s Wine & Food Festival returns June 27 at Hula; Northfield’s Summer Road Race Series starts its 15th season June 4. Public Safety: Federal authorities arrested five out-of-state suspects in a $500,000+ wire fraud scheme targeting Vermont banks and credit unions.

AI Wealth Plan: President Trump says he’s exploring having the federal government acquire equity in AI companies, potentially turning it into “a partnership with the American people,” with executives expected to meet White House officials soon. Vermont AI & Power Costs: Vermont lawmakers tried to override Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727, a bill meant to protect Vermonters from the financial and environmental impacts of large AI data centers. SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new SNAP funding conditions, pausing requirements challenged by 19 Democratic-led states and D.C. Offshore Wind Lawsuit: Vermont AG and other states sued over a Trump administration “sham deal” to cancel a TotalEnergies offshore wind payout, arguing it breaks federal law and threatens union jobs. Local Justice & Safety: Federal authorities arrested suspects in a $500,000+ wire fraud scheme targeting Vermont banks and credit unions. Health & Work: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH celebrated graduates with real workplace training, including participants managing complex health needs.

AI & Power Stakes: President Trump says he’s exploring a plan for the federal government to take equity stakes in major AI companies, with talks involving top executives and the idea of returns funding public purposes. Vermont Energy & Tech Policy: Vermont lawmakers tried to override Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727, which would have protected Vermonters from future large-scale AI data center impacts; the override failed. Public Health & Environment: California AG Rob Bonta backed EPA’s push to prioritize microplastics in drinking-water research, urging more monitoring. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says trust fund depletion could trigger automatic benefit cuts by 2032, averaging about $500 a month. Local Governance & Services: South Londonderry’s post office suspended operations for safety, with services moved to Londonderry. Workforce & Inclusion: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH celebrated graduates building workplace skills, including a participant managing Type 1 diabetes with more independence. Education Safety: “Swatting” bomb threats hit multiple Vermont schools, officials say the hoaxes were unfounded. Agriculture & Schools: Vermont awarded $1 million in Farm to School grants, including support for gardens and local food programs.

Vermont Legislature Shake-Up: Many top Vermont House and Senate leaders won’t seek reelection, setting up major turnover as new lawmakers take over committee and leadership roles in 2027. Health Care Cost Fight: Vermont lawmakers passed a bill to speed up reference-based pricing tied to Medicare benchmarks, but Republicans opposed it and Gov. Phil Scott may veto. AI Data Centers: Vermont’s H.727 aimed at limiting future large-scale AI data center impacts was vetoed, and supporters say it would have protected Vermonters from higher bills and environmental harm. Workplace Skills for Disabled Youth: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including a Burlington student who gained real workplace experience and more independence. Local Justice: A Caledonia County jury found Barre resident Jonathan Fox guilty of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. Dairy Workers’ Rights: Vermont dairy farm workers describe long hours and low pay while pushing for basic labor protections. Community & Business: Burke Mountain’s bike park is set to open June 6, and Vermont Land Trust honored students with $500 Land Steward Awards for farming and forestry.

World Cup Travel Warning: New England immigrant advocacy groups issued a joint advisory for 2026 FIFA World Cup visitors, warning of possible detention, deportation, device and social media screening, and restrictions on protest and assembly. Vermont Housing Pressure: Fair Haven mobile home park residents say they’re running out of time as a September closure nears, with families seeking options amid Vermont’s broader shortage of affordable units. Education Reform Fallout: A Vermont Public roundup highlights major session outcomes, including a first-in-the-nation paraquat ban and steps toward reference-based hospital pricing. AI Data Center Fight: Commentary and reporting focus on Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727, aimed at limiting harms from future large-scale AI data centers, and lawmakers’ failed override attempt. Local Health & Safety: Hanover Water Department found higher-than-normal iron in Fletcher Reservoir after complaints of metallic-tasting tap water, with levels still within safe limits. Community & Economy: Ski Vermont reported its strongest skier visits since 2014-15, while Bennington’s library begins a grant-funded heating and cooling overhaul to improve air quality.

Workforce & Disability Inclusion: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with a June 3 ceremony celebrating eight graduates, including a Burlington High School alum whose year at the medical center helped build workplace skills and more independence. EV Adoption: Vermont is now near 21,000 electric vehicles on the road, with rising gas prices and cheaper used EVs plus discounted charging pushing more drivers toward electric. Lake Protection: The Vermont DEC is urging shoreland owners to use its Shoreland Best Management Practices—like native plantings and rain gardens—to protect water quality and habitat around lakes and ponds. Data Center Backlash: States are moving to regulate data centers amid complaints about noise, energy and water use, and waste, as communities push back on the fast-growing industry. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says Social Security trust fund depletion could mean an average $500-a-month benefit cut by 2032, with some states facing even steeper losses. Local Business & Banking: Beacon Bank was named one of Newsweek’s best regional banks for 2026, highlighting its Vermont branches and customer-focused approach. Health & Safety: Kratom poisonings have surged, with regulators struggling to keep up as lawmakers debate bans or tighter rules.

Student Aid Fight: Nevada AG Aaron Ford led a coalition suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that narrows access to federal student loans for “professional degree” programs, arguing it unlawfully blocks aid for many healthcare and workforce fields. Vermont Workforce & Inclusion: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH held a June 3 graduation for eight participants, highlighting real workplace rotations and independence gains for young adults with disabilities. Local Business & Jobs: Newport Daily Express is cutting print to three days a week and expanding digital video and online coverage to attract younger journalists and interns. Health & Science: UVM researchers are cited in new findings on how flu strains enter human cells differently, pointing to possible new ways to prevent infection. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says Social Security could trigger an average $500-a-month cut by 2032 if lawmakers don’t act, with some Northeast states facing even steeper losses. Housing Watch: Burlington’s South End Coordinated Redevelopment Project is moving forward, with the first phase approved and funding commitments in place for hundreds of apartments. Environment & Energy: New York and six other states, including Vermont, sued over a Trump-era offshore wind deal that paid TotalEnergies to cancel projects and shift money to fossil fuels.

Offshore Wind Lawsuits: New York and six other states, including Vermont, sued the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that would cancel offshore wind leases and steer money to fossil fuel projects, arguing it’s unlawful and threatens jobs and clean-energy goals. Vermont Politics: Vermont’s lieutenant governor bid is heating up as Molly Gray campaigns in Brattleboro, while treasurer Mike Pieciak says he’s running for a third term and won’t seek governor. Public Health: A new report warns immigration detainees across at least 33 states describe medical neglect, as COVID “cicada” variant monitoring faces uncertainty amid proposed CDC wastewater surveillance funding cuts. Environment & Energy: Vermont residents are feeling electric rate hikes tied to the Highgate Dam bladder failure, and the state is also pushing lake-protection guidance for shoreland owners. Rural Economy: UVM’s RISE Summit returns June 16, focusing on partnerships to build rural prosperity, including a keynote on AI’s role in the rural economy. Local Business: Vermont Smoke & Cure is launching new A.1. and Lea & Perrins meat sticks nationwide, and Burke Mountain Resort is gearing up for June 6 bike season.