AGP Executive Report

Suicide Care in Burlington: UVM Health opened the Asha Clinic, a specialized outpatient program focused on suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and backed by Four Pines Fund, aiming to expand access to evidence-based treatment and training. PFAS Research Network: Landmark College helped secure a $7.9M NSF award for the PFAS Environmental Research Network (PERN), bringing together Vermont colleges, UVM, and state partners to track “forever chemicals” in groundwater and soil. AI Policy Push: Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar announced legislation to permanently ban artificial superintelligence and pause advanced AI development until safety standards exist, alongside plans for a cabinet-level AI safety agency. Immigration Tech Scrutiny: USCIS said it denied and revoked multiple H-1B petitions tied to a major Vermont IT consulting firm after finding skilled tech roles were classified at wages below job duties and requirements. School PCB Fallout: Vermont educators say PCB remediation funding running out leaves contaminated schools in limbo, with safety and learning disruptions already underway. Accessible Outdoors: A new wheelchair-accessible trail in Randolph expands outdoor recreation for people with mobility challenges via a partnership with the Upper Valley Trails Alliance. Cyber Risk for Firms: Quinn Emanuel and McDermott disclosed recent data breaches, underscoring rising cyber threats to organizations holding sensitive client data. Gas Prices: AAA reports Vermont gas is near record highs heading into Labor Day, with diesel also hitting new peaks nationwide.

Suicide Care in Burlington: UVM Health opened the Asha Clinic, a specialized outpatient program focused on suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and backed by Four Pines Fund, aiming to expand access to evidence-based treatment and training. PFAS Research Network: Landmark College helped secure a $7.9M NSF award for the PFAS Environmental Research Network (PERN), bringing together Vermont colleges and state partners to track “forever chemicals” in groundwater and soil. School PCB Funding Crunch: Vermont schools facing PCB contamination are hitting uncertainty as statewide remediation funding runs out, with some classrooms and programs forced to relocate or reduce access. Cybersecurity for Law Firms: Quinn Emanuel and McDermott reported data breaches tied to unauthorized access, underscoring the growing risk for firms holding sensitive client information. Accessible Outdoor Tech: A new wheelchair-accessible trail in Randolph expands Upper Valley recreation options for people with mobility challenges. Election Logistics: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas urged voters to make a voting plan as universal vote-by-mail ballots roll out. Data Centers & the Economy: A new Fed Beige Book summary highlights data centers as a growing driver of construction and manufacturing activity, even as community pushback continues.

Cybersecurity & Privacy: Quinn Emanuel and McDermott disclosed separate data breaches tied to social engineering and compromised user accounts, underscoring how law firms remain high-value targets. Public Health Research: UVM researchers reported preclinical work on SLU-11695, a new candidate aimed at clearing Cryptosporidium. Medical Guidance: The AAN and American Headache Society released updated migraine prevention guidance, expanding options including CGRP-targeted therapies and pushing more individualized treatment selection. AI Policy & Surveillance: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar unveiled a bill to pause advanced AI and ban “superintelligence,” while separate coverage highlights growing backlash against Flock-style license plate cameras and calls for legislative guardrails. Vermont Environment & Water: NSF awarded $7.9M to Bennington College and partners for a PFAS Environmental Research Network to study how “forever chemicals” move through ecosystems and communities. Energy & Infrastructure: Coverage on Vermont’s energy future includes discussion of small modular nuclear reactor interest at the former Vermont Yankee site, alongside broader concerns about energy infrastructure reliability and rising gas prices. Local Tech & Community: Norwich University cut the ribbon on a new Cyber Fusion Research and Development Center, funded in part by congressional directed spending.

Cybersecurity & Data Privacy: Norwich University cut the ribbon on its new Cyber Fusion Research and Development Center, built with $16.4M in directed spending, aiming to blend cybersecurity, advanced computing, and AI for defense-focused R&D. Cybersecurity & Breaches: Quinn Emanuel and McDermott disclosed separate data breaches tied to unauthorized access and social engineering, raising fresh concerns for firms holding sensitive client data. Energy Tech (Vermont): DOE authorized NOMAD to move into Phase 3 of Vermont Long Duration Energy Storage, deploying up to eight transportable battery systems across Green Mountain Power territory. Nuclear (Vermont): A Vernon selectboard is weighing options for the former Vermont Yankee site, including a battery facility or an SMR, with a public info meeting set for Sept. 23. Climate & Water (Vermont + beyond): NSF awarded $7.9M for a PFAS Environmental Research Network across Vermont colleges; Vermont also faces broader water-quality scrutiny as states push for microplastics monitoring in drinking water. AI Policy: Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar introduced a bill to pause development of “artificial superintelligence,” framing it as a safety and control issue. Local Science & Nature: U.S. Forest Service researchers are injecting 6,000 young elms with Dutch elm disease spores to test resistance and help restore the species. Community Tech & Talent: Lake Champlain Chamber launched a Regional Talent Attraction initiative to help employers compete for workers with a shared strategy.

AI & Work: EY is investing $100M in a rewards program for “future-focused” skills, with bonuses up to $25,000—an attempt to keep humans central as AI changes accounting. Public Health & Water: Vermont’s neighbors are pushing EPA to require microplastics monitoring in drinking water, citing ongoing public health concerns. School Tech Policy: Vermont’s “no phones” rule in schools (Act 72) is taking effect, with some districts already using “bell to bell” phone collection. Climate & Drinking Water: A proposed repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule could raise erosion and treatment costs for drinking water used by about 25 million people. Energy Storage & Grid Reality: A new market forecast puts battery storage growth on track to $105.96B by 2030, but highlights the hard part—constraints move around the grid. Vermont Science: UVM researchers helped explain why bats avoid cancer, pointing to immune and genetic factors that could inform future human therapies. Conservation in Motion: The Nature Conservancy is funding Vermont projects to keep habitats connected as species shift north with warming. Local Environment: Vermont is asking large groundwater users to report annual withdrawals, tightening oversight of a key resource. Composting Skills: UVM Extension is launching a bear-country composting course starting Sept. 11.

Health & Research: UVM Cancer Center and the FDA announced a new pancreatic cancer treatment, with local patients already benefiting through a regional clinical trial—aimed at bringing breakthrough care closer to home. Medical Guidelines: The American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society updated migraine prevention guidance for adults, expanding options for clinicians and patients. Public Health in Vermont: UVM researchers are recruiting volunteers for a C. diff vaccine trial, adding to the state’s push for prevention-focused care. Tech & Education Policy: Vermont schools are enforcing a new no-phone rule during the day, while UVM research tracks how different screen types affect young brains. Broadband & Infrastructure: Fidium broke ground on BEAD fiber projects in Maine and says New Hampshire and Vermont are next, targeting major copper-to-fiber upgrades. Energy & Climate Resilience: Vermont dam removals continue to advance flood resilience efforts in the Winooski watershed despite setbacks. Renewables: Maine regulators selected an 800 MW wind project and a major transmission line to move power into the New England grid. Elections & Data: Vermont officials are preparing for legal fights over new USPS mail-voting requirements, with critics warning of rushed deadlines and voter-data demands. Local Tech/Community: Middlebury College students staff the fire department, blending campus tech/skills with real-world emergency response.

Nuclear Regulation Fight: Vermont’s AG coalition is pushing back hard on a rapid NRC overhaul, warning it could weaken radiation safety, monitoring, and reporting. Workforce & Advanced Manufacturing: Community College of Vermont’s TMC at Vermont State University is spotlighting hands-on advanced manufacturing training to feed local industry with job-ready students. Higher Ed Access: CCV is leaning into unconventional enrollment paths and steady demand to keep tuition-friendly options open as college-age numbers shift. Digital Infrastructure: GoNetspeed is investing $8M to bring 100% fiber to Carteret, NJ—another reminder of how connectivity rollouts are reshaping regional growth. Public Health & Aging: A new geriatric clinic in Rutland County expands specialized care with room for family involvement via video. Environment & Water: Vermont well owners file a federal class action over PFOA contamination tied to former ChemFab operations. Lake Champlain Watch: Researchers report thousands of tires on the Lake Champlain floor, raising local health and cleanup questions. Community Science: Squam Lakes is hosting a raptor migration celebration with live birds and a hawk-watch data project. Tech for Students: Dell’s new 14S laptop targets long battery life and portability for students.

PFAS Lawsuit in Vermont: Bennington and Shaftsbury residents filed a federal class action over PFOA “forever chemicals,” alleging contamination from former ChemFab plants tied to Saint-Gobain, 3M, and DuPont, seeking cleanup, medical monitoring, and compensation. Clinical Trial in Burlington: UVM researchers are recruiting up to 250 adults 65+ for a C. diff vaccine trial aimed at preventing the gut infection or reducing severity. Smart Grid Upgrade: Hardwick Electric plans smart meter rollout using data concentrator units, with installation for nearly 5,000 customers targeted by mid-2027. Data Centers & Local Rules: A Vermont-focused roundup highlights growing state and community scrutiny of data center expansion, including moratoriums and added permitting and infrastructure review. Water & Groundwater Reporting: Vermont DEC reminded large groundwater users about annual reporting and permitting thresholds under state rules. Community Science & Birds: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s raptor migration celebration invites the public to help track migrating hawks and submit observations to a national database. Tech Industry (Vermont): Navitas Semiconductor says it will ship first U.S.-made Gen 5 GaNFast wafers in September from its GlobalFoundries partnership in Burlington. AI in Education: A Vermont teachers’ guide to AI use in classrooms and a separate hands-on AI media session point to rising demand for practical AI skills.

AI in Vermont classrooms: Vermont teachers are weighing how to use AI without losing academic rigor, with educators emphasizing critical thinking, bias checks, and faster student iteration through tools like those used by Hack Club. Higher ed affordability: Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Elizabeth Mauch argues the system is proving college’s value by expanding tuition-free options (802 Opportunity), while a separate report highlights a push to reinvent college from scratch to cut costs and bureaucracy. Tech + manufacturing in Vermont: Navitas says its Gen 5 GaNFast chips are beginning U.S. shipments via GlobalFoundries’ Vermont-based 200mm manufacturing partnership—aimed at accelerating AI infrastructure. Local business expansion: Caliber is entering Vermont through its acquisition of Key Collision, bringing more repair capacity and standardized training across New England. Public health + policy: AAN and AHS released updated migraine prevention guidelines for adults, and Vermont’s overdose prevention debate continues as advocates press for harm-reduction sites while others call for more enforcement. Food assistance pressure: SNAP cuts are expected to ripple into school meal programs, risking free breakfast and lunch for students. Cyber + ads: FTC and 22 states sued Amazon over alleged hidden ad surcharges, alleging a pricing “bait and switch” that inflated costs for advertisers.

Migraine Care Update: The American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society released new evidence-based guidance for preventing adult migraine, reflecting newer options like CGRP-targeted therapies and advising preventive treatment for people with frequent or disabling attacks. Public Health & Harm Reduction: Burlington advocates marked Overdose Awareness Day while pushing for clarity and progress on the city’s planned overdose prevention center timeline. Big Tech & Advertising Pricing: The FTC and 22 states sued Amazon over alleged “hidden surcharges” that allegedly inflate ad prices despite claims of second-price auctions. Vermont Research & Biology: UVM researchers helped publish new Nature findings on how bat genes support longevity, immunity, and cancer resistance—linking pathogen-driven genetic changes to survival traits. Ecosystem Restoration: Scientists in Vermont injected 6,000 young American elms with Dutch elm disease spores to identify survivors for a breeding program aimed at restoring disease-tolerant trees. Cybersecurity Expansion: Norwich University is cutting the ribbon on a new cyber fusion research and development center to grow advanced tech research and workforce training in Vermont. Clinical Trial in Vermont: UVM’s Vaccine Testing Center is recruiting volunteers 65+ for a Phase 3 trial of an investigational vaccine to help prevent C. diff infection.

UVM Research: A new Nature study led by University of Vermont researchers links bat DNA changes to pathogen exposure—genes tied to immunity, longevity, and cancer resistance. Forest Restoration: Vermont scientists with the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy Vermont are injecting 6,000 young elms with Dutch elm disease spores to find survivors for a future breeding and seed-orchard program. Public Health: UVM’s Vaccine Testing Center is recruiting Vermont volunteers 65+ for a Phase 3 trial of a C. diff prevention vaccine. Energy & Grid: Maine regulators revived a major wind-and-transmission plan, with Avangrid building a 1,200-megawatt line and an 800-megawatt onshore wind farm—cost and politics already heating up across New England. Tech Policy: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026. Climate Impacts: A report highlights longer mosquito seasons across U.S. cities as warming extends the risk window for mosquito-borne illness. Local Tech/Business: Caliber expands into Vermont via acquisition of Key Collision, bringing collision repair and calibration standards to new locations.

Bat Longevity Breakthrough: A new Nature study led by UVM researchers links bat DNA changes after pathogen exposure to longer lifespans, stronger immunity, and cancer resistance—pointing to shared genetic pathways that could reshape how we think about aging and disease. Rural Health Research: Dartmouth Health and Geisel will use an $11.8M federal grant to study rural health-care access for older adults, aiming to close a major gap in how serious illness care is researched outside cities. Energy & Grid Politics: Maine regulators revived a major Aroostook County wind-and-transmission plan under CMP’s parent, drawing fresh political pushback over costs and oversight as Vermont and neighbors share the bill. Tech Policy Backlash: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is pledging legislation targeting Flock Safety’s AI surveillance cameras, joining a broader bipartisan wave of scrutiny over mass tracking. Community Science in Motion: The Great Vermont Corn Maze shipped carbon-rich soil samples to Alaska for research on how soil fungi add carbon over time. Local Education/Climate Leadership: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026. Health Access Data: New pharmacy density reporting highlights rural “pharmacy desert” gaps, reinforcing that access problems compound with broader health-care shortages.

Nature Research: UVM and Penn State researchers report in Nature that bat genes tied to pathogen response help explain bats’ long lifespans and unusual cancer resistance, pointing to how immune-system evolution may drive longevity. Rural Health Access: New pharmacy-density research highlights “pharmacy deserts” and compounding barriers for vulnerable rural communities—an issue Vermont readers will recognize as closures and uneven access keep widening gaps. Vermont Education & Training: Landmark College and Antioch University expand learning-differences pathways, letting students apply Landmark’s neurodiversity certificate credits toward a new master’s option. Vermont Tech & Policy: Vermont’s Meta settlement is framed as a push toward stronger child protections online, with lawmakers calling for more in-state digital privacy enforcement capacity. Surveillance Cameras: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders joins a fast-growing, bipartisan backlash against Flock Safety’s AI camera network, arguing it enables mass surveillance. Energy & Grid (Region): Maine regulators approved a major northern wind project plus transmission line—good news for regional power reliability and rural jobs. Community & Science: Dartmouth Health and Geisel launch a rural aging-with-serious-illness research center, aiming to close a major gap in how rural older adults are studied. Global Climate Risk: Reports from Nepal-Tibet flooding connect to glacier-collapse science, underscoring how warming can destabilize high-mountain ice.

UVM & Penn State Research: A new Nature study led by UVM researchers links bat DNA changes after pathogen exposure to longer lifespans, stronger immunity, and lower cancer risk—suggesting how evolution may have tuned disease resistance. Vermont Higher Ed Leadership: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026, bringing experience from Massachusetts climate leadership and prior EPA legal roles. Digital Safety & Privacy: Vermont’s share of the Meta teen-safety settlement is tied to limits on nighttime use and daily time, plus stronger age verification and “like”/filter changes; Vermont lawmakers are also pushing for more privacy and digital protection capacity. Surveillance Cameras Backlash: Bernie Sanders and other politicians are escalating pressure on Flock Safety, framing it as AI mass surveillance; Texas Gov. Abbott has frozen related funding amid misuse concerns. Energy & Climate Tech: UVM is set to lead a $3.3M NSF-funded regional snow study (Snow STORE) to improve northern New England snowpack modeling and connect it to water and winter recreation impacts. Community & Resilience: Vermont’s Tibetan and Nepalese communities are grieving after Himalayan flooding, while local groups are collecting relief donations.

Wildlife Genomics: UVM and Penn State researchers report in Nature that bat DNA changes tied to pathogen adaptation may help explain bats’ long lifespans and unusual cancer resistance. Higher Ed Leadership: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026, as it continues its environmental-law mission. Neurodiversity Training Pathways: Landmark College’s LCIRT certificate credits can now be applied toward select Antioch University master’s programs, expanding routes for learning-differences education. Digital Privacy & Kids Online: A Vermont lawmaker argues Vermont should use part of the state’s $92.7M Meta settlement to build a privacy and digital protection unit, pointing to limits on minors’ use and changes to app design. Surveillance Cameras Backlash: Sen. Bernie Sanders pledged legislation to target Flock Safety’s AI mass-surveillance claims, joining a growing pushback from multiple states and cities. Snow Research Funding: UVM leads an NSF-funded Northern New England snow study (Snow STORE) to improve models of snowpack, flooding, and the winter recreation economy. Energy & Grid Buildout (Regional): Maine regulators approved a large northern wind project plus a 111-mile transmission line feeding the New England grid, with Vermont in the shared system. Public Health Access: Dartmouth Health and Geisel will study rural health-care access for older adults using an $11.8M federal grant. Vermont Tech/Policy Watch: Vermont’s bear-hunting rule changes would reshape the season structure and tag requirements, with the state citing population estimates above its target range.

UVM Research: A new Nature study led by UVM and Penn State links bat DNA changes after pathogen exposure to longevity, immunity, and cancer resistance—pointing to how virus-adapted genes may help bats stay healthy for decades. Vermont Policy & Privacy: Vermont lawmakers and the AG’s office are pushing forward after Vermont’s $92.7M Meta settlement, which adds tighter limits for minors and strengthens the state’s Kids Code protections starting Jan. 1, 2027. Snow Science: UVM is leading a $3.3M NSF-funded regional effort (Snow STORE) to improve northern New England snowpack modeling and track impacts on water, flooding, and the winter economy. Healthcare Access: Dartmouth Health and Geisel secured federal funding to study rural health-care access for older adults with serious illness, aiming to close a major research gap. Cybersecurity/Policy Watch: Vermont regulators are among states drafting rules for depackaging equipment to reduce contamination as organics recovery grows. Education & Neurodiversity: Landmark College expanded its campus footprint with a 264-acre land purchase, supporting future growth for students who learn differently. Tech in the Real World: ICE moved ahead with a contract to procure thousands of electric shock gloves for field agents, drawing renewed scrutiny over potential misuse.