AGP Executive Report

Tech Skills: Essex Junction students are building game-animation and web-design skills, using Unreal Engine and team projects to explore careers in game development. Broadband Access: Vermont’s Community Broadband Board launched a speed-check tool to help residents assess their internet service. Digital Health: UVM secured up to $38 million to develop digital twins for ICU treatment, bringing virtual models into critical-care research. Clean Energy Tech: Vermont projects include GlobalFoundries adding solar and battery storage, plus a new geothermal partnership between Vermont Gas and Dandelion Energy. Research: Vermont colleges are teaming up to study how PFAS affect plants and animals, while a UVM study examines how wild lake-trout embryos acquire thiamine.

Tech Skills: Essex students are building video-game animation, web-design, sound and concept-art skills through team projects at the Center for Technology. Health Research: UVM has won up to $38 million to develop digital twins for ICU treatment, using virtual models to support care decisions. Clean Energy: GlobalFoundries is adding solar and battery storage in Vermont, while Dandelion Energy and Vermont Gas have broken ground on a geothermal partnership. Broadband: The Vermont Community Broadband Board has launched a speed-check tool to help residents assess their internet service. Environmental Science: Vermont colleges are joining forces to study how PFAS affect plants and animals, and a UVM study examines how lake trout embryos get thiamine in the wild.

State Technology: Vermont Digital Services Secretary Denise Reilly-Hughes will leave Oct. 16; Deputy Secretary Andrea DeLaBruere is set to take over on an interim basis. Clean Energy: Dandelion Energy and Vermont Gas are expanding their geothermal partnership, while the utility plans to fund geothermal loops for affordable housing. Broadband: The Vermont Community Broadband Board launched a speed-check tool to help residents measure their internet service. Health Research: UVM-led work has secured up to $38 million to develop digital twins that could help personalize intensive-care treatment. Vermont Science: UVM researchers are studying how lake trout embryos acquire thiamine in the wild, and Vermont colleges have teamed up to examine how PFAS affect plants and animals. Manufacturing: GlobalFoundries is adding solar power and battery storage in Vermont.

State Technology: Vermont Digital Services Secretary Denise Reilly-Hughes plans to step down Oct. 16 and return to the private sector. Deputy Secretary Andrea DeLaBruere will serve as interim head. Broadband: The Vermont Community Broadband Board launched VT Speed Check, letting residents test their internet speeds and help map coverage gaps statewide. Medical Research: UVM won up to $38 million over five years to develop digital tools that could help tailor intensive-care treatment; the project includes real-time monitoring of immune responses in sepsis patients. Clean Energy: Vermont Gas is funding geothermal ground loops for a planned 44 affordable homes in Hinesburg, lowering the upfront cost of heating and cooling with the technology. Environmental Science: Vermont colleges have joined forces to study how PFAS affect plants and animals.

Geothermal Homes: Vermont Gas and Dandelion Energy are bringing geothermal heating and cooling to 44 affordable homes at Riggs Meadow in Hinesburg, with the utility covering the upfront cost of ground loops. Solar Technology: Vermont-made AllEarth solar trackers are expanding to more customers through a new dealer partnership with Massachusetts contractor Portside Renewables. UVM Research: A UVM-led study found Lake Champlain lake trout embryos can absorb vitamin B1 in the wild, a finding that could help explain a major obstacle to restoring the fish. Digital Health: UVM has won up to $38 million to develop digital twins for intensive-care treatment. Environmental Science: Vermont colleges are also joining forces to study how “forever chemicals” affect plants and animals.

Lake Champlain Research: UVM scientists and partners found that wild lake trout embryos accumulated vitamin B1, unlike lab-raised embryos—a finding that could help explain how to improve recovery of the threatened fish. Medical Technology: UVM won up to $38 million to develop digital twins for ICU care, while Vermont colleges teamed up to study how “forever chemicals” affect plants and animals. Energy: GlobalFoundries added solar and battery storage in Vermont; separately, a network of 5,500 leased home batteries has become a major power resource for the state. Manufacturing: A Morrisville gathering brought Vermont manufacturers, economic-development leaders and technology companies together to discuss workforce needs, business growth and collaboration. State Technology: Vermont’s Agency of Digital Services is expanding shared IT services, cybersecurity oversight and practical, responsibly governed uses of AI across state government.

Lake Champlain Research: UVM scientists found lake trout embryos gained thiamine while developing in the lake, unlike paired embryos raised in a lab—a finding that may help explain how wild conditions affect fish health. UVM Medical Research: The university won a federal contract worth up to $38 million to develop digital models of ICU patients’ immune systems and explore how they might guide treatment; clinical trials depend on further validation. Separately, a UVM-sponsored pancreatic cancer trial has enrolled its first patient to test targeted chemotherapy before surgery. Vermont Tech: Digital Services Secretary Denise Reilly-Hughes is leaving next week. The state says her tenure brought shared technology services, AI guidelines and stronger cybersecurity standards. Environmental Science: Vermont colleges are teaming up to study how “forever chemicals” affect plants and animals.

UVM Digital Twins for ICU Care: UVM won up to $38M from ARPA-H to build “extensible digital twins” that combine immune and neurophysiological measurements with medical records to predict individualized ICU treatment responses. Energy & Industry: GlobalFoundries added about 6MW of solar plus a 16MW/52MWh battery system at its Essex Junction campus, and Vermont Gas Systems will fund geothermal ground loops for an affordable housing project in Hinesburg—an upfront-cost model that lowers barriers for developers. Cybersecurity in Schools: A Slate Valley Unified Union School District ransomware attack was linked to the Kairos cyber extortion group, raising alarms about how public institutions are targeted. AI Policy & Surveillance: Vermont lawmakers and national lawmakers are pushing competing bills to rein in federal use of Flock-style license plate cameras, with Sanders and allies backing a “Ban Flock Act.” Health Tech & Community: Rutland Regional Medical Center will debut the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system, while UVM also continues expanding data tools via the Vermont Data Collaborative. Climate/Weather: A Canadian cold blast triggered frost and freeze warnings across much of New England, including Vermont.

Energy & Industry: GlobalFoundries says it has brought about 6MW of solar and a 16MW battery storage system online at its Essex Junction campus, aiming to stabilize power for fab operations and support the local grid. Healthcare Access: A Trilliant Health report highlights big “site-of-service” pay gaps that can steer care toward hospital settings, while a Mental Health America analysis finds many Americans who need mental care don’t know where to start or can’t afford it. Local Tech & Infrastructure: GoNetspeed plans a 100% fiber build in Haverhill, with symmetrical multigig speeds up to 6Gbps for 17,500 homes and businesses. Robotics in Medicine: Rutland Regional Medical Center will debut the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system to the public Oct. 10. Science & Research (Vermont): UVM-linked researchers report on whether lake trout embryos in Lake Champlain can naturally accumulate thiamine, a clue for improving conservation hatchery outcomes. Public Policy & Privacy: Vermont’s “Raise the Age” youth justice reform shows low reconviction rates in a new state report, while national lawmakers press on surveillance concerns tied to Flock Safety. Community & STEM: UVM Athletics is partnering with Float Away Wellness Spa to bring floatation therapy to student-athletes, and UVM student journalists led a hands-on AI session for journalism educators.

UVM Athletics Partnership: Float Away Wellness Spa says it’s the first provider to offer floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to UVM student-athletes, aiming to boost recovery and mental focus. Surgical Tech in Rutland: Rutland Regional Medical Center will publicly demo the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system Oct. 10, touting smaller incisions and faster recovery. Medical Case Study: UVM Larner College of Medicine researchers describe a “broken heart syndrome” case triggered after a woman’s call with her health insurer, published in Case Reports in Cardiology. Youth Justice in Vermont: A new report on “Raise the Age” finds relatively low reconviction rates for 18-year-olds handled in Family Court, with debate continuing over rollout. Energy & Grid Tech: Dartmouth and Eversource are moving toward dynamic line rating across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont to safely increase transmission capacity using sensors and forecasting. Climate Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing Boulder’s climate-disaster lawsuit over who should pay for local weather damage tied to fossil-fuel emissions. Community Health Support: VAHHS’s annual meeting service project again backed North Country Career Center’s personal care closet and community fridge.

UVM Research & Health Tech: A nearly $8M NSF-funded, four-year project is bringing Bennington, Middlebury, Landmark, and UVM together to study how PFAS move through Vermont’s water, wildlife, and food supply—aiming to close major gaps in “forever chemicals” risk understanding. Campus Tech & Safety: UVM’s fall career fair drew protests from Students for Justice in Palestine; at least one major employer (GlobalFoundries) backed out, while the fair itself ran without disruptions. Energy & Grid Policy: States are moving ahead on balcony “plug-in” solar, but safety standards and oversight still lag behind the fast, permit-light rollout. Public Health & Food Safety: Stewart’s Shops recalled specific ice cream products in NY, VT, and NH after a metal foreign object was found. Sports Recovery Tech: Float Away Wellness Spa partnered with UVM Athletics to offer floatation and vibroacoustic therapy for student-athletes’ recovery and mental performance. Climate Litigation Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a high-stakes climate case on whether local governments can sue energy companies over alleged weather damage tied to greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a major climate case on whether state and local governments can sue big oil for climate harms, with private contingency-fee lawyers playing a central role. Surveillance & Privacy: A federal judge ruled warrantless searches of Flock automatic license plate reader data violate the Fourth Amendment, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing the “Ban Flock Act” to restrict federal use of ALPR tracking. Vermont Infrastructure: Barre’s BOR ice rink likely won’t open this season after testing found multiple leaks in its aging refrigeration system. Vermont Tech & Health: UVM Athletics is partnering with Float Away Wellness Spa to bring floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to student-athletes for recovery and mental performance. STEM & Public Health: Vermont State University students are working on a CRISPR-based approach to detect tick-borne pathogens, building on local research into Lyme disease vectors. Energy & Weather Research: A Dartmouth study finds Northeast droughts are less frequent and less intense than decades ago, though drought risk remains.

Privacy & Policing: A federal judge ruled a warrantless Flock Safety license-plate search violated the Fourth Amendment, suppressing drug evidence after police pulled a month of location history without a warrant—fueling a broader national fight over AI-powered surveillance. Border Tech: Vermont’s 2nd Circuit also upheld that border agents can search phones without suspicion, treating cellphones like other property at the border. State Tech Policy: Vermont lawmakers and advocates are pushing for tighter oversight as the state deploys AI cybersecurity tools, while Sen. Bernie Sanders and allies introduce the “Ban Flock Act” to restrict federal ALPR use and data access. Health & Access: A new Medicaid study finds pediatric sleep testing varies wildly across the U.S., with some places seeing kids tested up to four times more often than others. Climate & Agriculture: Dartmouth research suggests Northeast droughts are less frequent and less intense than decades ago, but Vermont farmers still face real risk after last year’s major losses. Higher Ed to Housing: As colleges close, experts and communities argue campuses should be converted into housing. Vermont Business/Science: UVM Athletics partners with Float Away Wellness Spa to bring floatation therapy to student-athletes, and Vermont State University researchers expand tick-borne pathogen work using CRISPR-based detection.

Privacy & Surveillance: Bernie Sanders, AOC, and Jeff Merkley unveiled the “Ban Flock Act,” aiming to block federal use of automatic license plate readers and limit federal funding tied to ALPR networks. Courts & Civil Liberties: A federal judge ruled a Tulsa deputy violated Fourth Amendment rights by using Flock to search a woman’s plate without a warrant, ordering suppression of follow-on evidence. Border Tech Ruling: Vermont’s federal appeals court held border agents can search travelers’ phones without suspicion. Health Policy: A new Medicaid study finds pediatric sleep testing for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea varies wildly by location and neighborhood demographics. Vermont Tech & Research: UVM is pushing AI-enabled medical “digital twins,” including a major NSF-backed effort to build a national biological imaging observatory. Public Safety & Justice: Vermont’s family-court approach for 18-year-olds shows lower recidivism than adult criminal court, supporting “Raise the Age” next steps. Local Business/Wellness: Float Away Wellness Spa partnered with UVM Athletics to bring floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to student-athletes.

Privacy & Surveillance Tech: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Jeff Merkley, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled the “Ban Flock Act,” aiming to stop federal use of automatic license plate readers and to block federal grant money for state/local agencies that run them—keeping the Flock Safety debate front and center. Public Health & Policy: A new study reports Vermont family-court handling of 18-year-olds is linked to lower repeat offenses than adult criminal court, bolstering “Raise the Age” plans. AI in Vermont Government: Vermont says it’s moving from AI ethics to an “enablement” phase, training staff to use AI tools to harden cybersecurity and improve routine work. Climate & Energy: New England governors push a regional nuclear roadmap, while states and cities sue over EPA rollbacks of power-plant emissions limits. Health Coverage Costs: ACA marketplace enrollment fell 4.9% as premiums rose 19.7%, signaling subsidy changes are reshaping who buys coverage. Local Tech & Community: Comcast backed Technology for Tomorrow with a $30,000 grant to expand digital navigation training for older adults and new Americans.

UVM & Health Tech: Float Away Wellness Spa is partnering with UVM Athletics to bring floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to Catamount student-athletes—an early sign of how sports recovery is getting more science-backed. Vermont AI in Government: Vermont is moving from AI ethics to “power tools” in state work, using AI to help developers harden cybersecurity across hundreds of applications, while lawmakers raise transparency concerns about how AI is deployed. Tick-Borne Research: Vermont State University students are working on a CRISPR-based approach to detect tick-borne pathogens, building on campus lab work tied to Vermont’s Lyme-vector research. Privacy & Surveillance Tech: Bernie Sanders, AOC, and Jeff Merkley introduced the Ban Flock Act to block federal use and funding for automatic license plate readers—fueling a national debate that’s already hit Vermont-adjacent policy discussions. Climate & Courts: States and cities sued over Trump-era EPA rollbacks on power-plant emissions limits, while the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a major climate accountability case that could reshape future lawsuits. Local Tech & Community: Comcast backed Technology for Tomorrow’s digital navigation program with a $30,000 grant to train Vermonters as support guides for older adults and new Americans.