AGP Executive Report

ML Draft Spotlight: New England’s path to MLB is still rare, and scouts say the region’s pitchers get the edge because their measurable velocity translates cleanly to draft decisions, while hitters face more “gray area” about whether stats reflect talent or weaker competition. Data Center Pushback: Ohio lawmakers are forming a bipartisan data center committee that starts meeting May 27–28, inviting companies and residents to testify on economic, environmental, and security impacts—an approach that mirrors the growing national wave of local moratorium efforts. Vermont on the Ground: Brownington is adding two-way cameras to town trucks and equipment for safer road work and better monitoring, while Glover is moving to the next step in rebuilding Shadow Lake’s dam after hydrology and design work. Energy & Everyday Costs: Gas prices remain volatile tied to Iran-related oil market fears; in Vermont’s reporting week ending May 9, midgrade hit a low of $4.50 in Lamoille County. Northern Lights: A weekend aurora chance could dip as far south as Vermont, but expect faint horizon glow rather than full overhead displays.

Gas Prices Watch: Lamoille County’s lowest midgrade deal hit $4.50 a gallon for the week ending May 9, with the county average at $4.87; Vermont’s midgrade average edged up to $4.95. Weather & Outdoors: A summerlike stretch continues, with a brief, light rain possible in southern Vermont/NH, and overnight temps staying in the mid-50s. Northern Lights: A geomagnetic storm could push aurora visibility as far south as Vermont and New Hampshire, though expect a faint glow near the northern horizon. 250th Anniversary Spotlight: Vermont Covered Bridge Society is distributing official America’s 250th flags to 46 town-owned bridges, aiming for July 4 installs, while Bennington’s downtown banners return for a second year. Local Civic Process: Welch and Balint met with Shelburne town clerks on election integrity and the pushback against federal “show your papers” voting requirements. Sports: Rowan’s women’s lacrosse season ended in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen with a 21-4 loss to Middlebury.

Data Center Backlash: A new U.S. tracking effort shows local and state moves to pause or block data centers have surged from 8 active efforts in May 2025 to 78 a year later, as AI-driven power demand collides with everyday residents—highlighted by reports that some utilities are rerouting most electricity away from homes to feed data centers. Vermont Energy & Industry: Vermont’s own conversation echoes that pressure: GlobalFoundries is seeking a buyer for its Williston campus, asking the town to expand allowable uses to boost sale value. Gas Prices: In Vermont, premium fuel hit a low of $4.99 in Windham County for the week ending May 9, but statewide averages stayed elevated and volatile. Statehouse Watch: Vermont lawmakers continue pushing restraint reform for youth in state custody, with advocates saying basic reporting gaps leave the state without a clear picture of how often restraints and seclusion are used. Local Economy: Middlebury College is moving ahead on housing and job growth, including the first 80 units of a planned 250-unit development.

Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest Windham County premium price at $4.99/gal (week ending May 9), while Vermont’s statewide premium average rose to $5.45/gal—still volatile as global oil markets react to Iran-related shipping risk. Climate Policy Fight: Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman is pushing the “Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026,” aiming to shut down climate-related lawsuits and block states like Vermont from using climate “superfund” statutes. Local Industry & Jobs: GlobalFoundries is seeking a new owner for its Williston campus, asking the town to expand allowable uses to boost sale value as office space sits largely empty. Housing & Community Building: Middlebury College is moving ahead with housing and job growth plans, including the first 80 units of a planned 250-home development. Arts & Culture: Studio Place Arts’ “Milk Cans, Bees & Maple Trees” spotlights Vermont farm life through 33 artists, while Bookstock returns to Woodstock this weekend. Business Watch: Ann Clark is expanding beyond cookie cutters with five new gourmet baking mixes made in Rutland.

FEMA Money Finally Lands: Vermont’s congressional delegation says FEMA has released $20.83 million for July 2023 flood repairs—$11.78M for Montpelier facilities, plus major VTrans work on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail culvert and Washington County rail damage. Housing & Codes: A new push to use current building-code requirements to make affordable homes cheaper is drawing attention, as communities weigh safety concerns and “single-egress” designs. Act 181 Fallout: Vermont’s working-land crowd is still pressing lawmakers after Act 181 expanded land-use authority—now with a fresh focus on easing agritourism rules for small farms. Local Business Buzz: Ann Clark is expanding beyond cookie cutters into gourmet baking mixes made in Rutland. Northern Lights Watch: Another aurora shot is possible Saturday night, with darker skies in the north giving the best odds. Small Business Reality Check: A Burlington bagel shop owner says AI helped marketing—then one-star reviews hit.

Rural Water Watch: Vermont’s AG says Franklin Foods will pay a $265,000 penalty and fix wastewater problems after alleged permit violations at its Enosburg Falls dairy/soy facility, including releases of untreated effluent. Environmental Rulemaking: The Vermont DEC is taking public comments on draft solid-waste rules that update how biosolids are handled and extend PFAS standards to more byproducts and categories. Public Health Outdoors: State health officials are urging Vermonters to gear up for tick season now—long sleeves, repellent, and thorough tick checks after time in tall grass. Energy & Affordability: New research from Realtor.com argues that while new homes cost more upfront, buyers may save over the long run through lower energy bills and fewer major repairs. Politics: Bennington County small-business owner Lawrence “Spike” Whitmire announced a Republican bid for the Vermont Senate, pitching tax caps, education reform, and Act 181 changes. Local Notes: Colchester and Essex calendars are packed with upcoming events, and roadwork continues across multiple towns.

PCB Testing Standoff: Vermont Senate lawmakers are reconsidering ending the school PCB testing program, with a likely shift toward extending the 2027 deadline instead of scrapping it—leaving 171 schools still untested and families weighing costs after some districts have already spent millions on remediation. Local Housing Push: Fair Haven is moving from ideas to planning for a new housing project on town-owned land, with the board weighing two engineering proposals after a land donation tied to Reed Hampton’s Hubbardton Forge effort. Immigration Protest Crackdown: In Williston, four protesters were arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest during an action targeting ICE’s digital surveillance operations at a White Cap Industrial Park building. Energy & Environment: Dartmouth research finds New England rain is arriving in shorter, heavier bursts with longer dry gaps—raising both flood risk and “flash drought” conditions. Business & Community: Ann Clark Ltd. is expanding its Rutland-made baking mixes, while BDCC is offering free succession planning for food businesses.

Act 181 Fallout: Vermont’s working landowners are still pushing back in Montpelier, with lawmakers weighing changes that could ease Act 250 burdens for farm agritourism—so maple open houses, farm dinners, and seasonal events don’t get strangled by permits. Bottle Bill Shake-Up: A bottle bill overhaul moving toward the finish line could raise drink prices if redemption centers can’t cover rising costs; the proposal would shift some recycling costs to manufacturers and distributors to keep the system running. Energy & Rates: New England ratepayer advocates are challenging Eversource’s $385M transmission work in New Hampshire, arguing the utility misclassified the project to dodge scrutiny—an affordability flashpoint as power costs stay under pressure. Immigration Tensions: Another anti-ICE protest in Williston ended with four arrests for trespassing and resisting arrest. Public Health Watch: PFAS “forever chemicals” coverage ramps up with practical guidance on checking tap water and when home testing makes sense. Business & Community: Ann Clark is expanding its Rutland-made baking mixes, and the Brattleboro Regional Chamber hired Rachel Shields Ebersole as executive director.

Water Quality Enforcement: Franklin Foods (Enosburg Falls) agreed to pay the state $265,000 over alleged untreated wastewater releases, with a corrective action and revised waste plan required after violations tied to its pretreatment permit. Energy & Safety: Vergennes residents are raising alarms about a proposed battery storage facility near homes on Panton Road, while the project’s backers say it would improve grid reliability and peak-time costs. Transportation Costs: Gov. Phil Scott says he’s considered suspending Vermont’s gas tax as Trump floats a federal gas tax holiday, but warns it would hit the Transportation Fund and may not fully reach drivers. Local Governance: Rutland City School Board took a first step toward a policy governance model, shifting the board toward “ends” and monitoring while leaving day-to-day operations to the superintendent. Arts & Economy: Vermont’s creative sector is again in the spotlight, with new reporting highlighting its major economic footprint and community value.

Child Care Policy Fight: A new bill would reshape how Vermont licenses and recognizes early childhood educators, with supporters pointing to clearer career paths and providers/local officials warning it could add strain to an already tight system. Act 181 Aftershocks: Lawmakers are moving toward a partial repeal of Act 181’s most disruptive parts, and rural advocates are pushing for more Act 250 relief tied to farm diversification and agritourism. Water & Waste Enforcement: Franklin Foods will pay a $265,000 settlement with the state over alleged pretreatment permit violations at its Enosburg Falls plant, with required corrective steps. Housing Speed-Up: Vermont is testing “preapproved” home designs to cut planning delays, aiming to help towns approve builds faster. Tech & Privacy: Vermont’s AG Charity Clark is co-chairing a national coalition on AI, internet safety, and cyber privacy. Public Health: AG Brown joined a coalition urging the FDA to reverse draft guidance that would make flavored e-cigarettes easier to approve. Community & Growth: Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity plans a second ReStore in Berlin, while VCIA 26 will feature Disney innovation leader Duncan Wardle.

Weather & Farming: UVM has opened the first station in a new statewide Vermont Mesonet, feeding real-time local data to the National Weather Service to better track floods and help farmers plan in rural areas where radar struggles. Health Insurance: BlueCross BlueShield is asking Vermont regulators for the smallest premium hike in five years—3.1% for small businesses and 5.2% for individuals—while MVP seeks higher increases. Public Health: Vermont overdose deaths fell 25% in 2025 (170 deaths), with fewer deaths involving xylazine. Local Governance: Derby selectboard debates how to stop repeat illegal dumping on Crawford Road, weighing cameras and possible road closure. Housing & Community: Habitat for Humanity’s Rutland ReStore is expanding with an indoor panel workshop to build year-round, and Bennington approved a 10-year tax stabilization deal for a luxury resort on the former Southern Vermont College campus. Tech in Schools: Vermont continues the push-and-pull over limiting classroom tech and distractions.

Workforce & Training: Vermont Construction Academy marks its first year in Winooski, expanding from a focused apprenticeship effort into a broader hub with pre-apprenticeship bootcamps and industry-led classes aimed at feeding Vermont’s construction hiring pipeline. Housing Moves Forward: Greenville’s Planning Board unanimously approved a 28-unit Spruce Street development by the Northern Forest Center, with construction already starting on water and sewer infrastructure. Resort Tax Deal: Bennington’s Select Board signed a 10-year tax stabilization agreement for a luxury resort on the former Southern Vermont College campus, fixing assessed values through the 2036-37 fiscal year as the project builds out. School Tech Debate: Vermont lawmakers are weighing whether to “pump the breaks” on classroom tech and phone use, with educators and education-policy advocates clashing over distraction and guardrails. Consumer Pressure on Tariffs: Vermont and other state fiscal leaders are urging more transparency in Trump’s tariff refund process—warning that businesses may get paid back while consumers still struggle to recover higher prices. Local Food & Culture: Neighborhood Noodle in Manchester keeps the ramen momentum going year-round, even as summer approaches.

Housing & Growth: Burlington City Council green-lit the first phase of a major South End redevelopment, a $100M plan with two six-story buildings and 205 apartments on a former parking lot—aiming for 20% affordability under inclusionary zoning. Local Land-Use Tension: In Barton, neighbors say a yurt permit may have been mishandled and allege water diversion, tree clearing, and septic/location issues—setting up another round of selectboard scrutiny. Food & Farming Momentum: Molly Stark Elementary’s Farm to School program is turning school grounds into a hands-on learning hub, with pollinator-focused landscaping and classroom activities. Public Safety & Health: A Families USA report warns hospital consolidation is driving big price gaps between “haves and have-nots,” while a former federal meat inspector criticizes USDA proposals to speed up slaughter lines. Tech & Disruption: A Canvas cyber attack has schools and universities scrambling after hackers demanded a settlement deadline. Vermont in the World: Vermont State University is advising Ghana on building a cannabis marketplace, using Vermont’s regulated model as a template.

Fiber Deal: T-Mobile is paying $2 billion for 50% ownership in a joint venture combining Greenlight Networks and GoNetspeed, a move aimed at pushing ultra-fast fiber and bundled wireless to millions—starting with Rochester and expanding nationwide. Manufacturing Pressure: Franklin County’s manufacturing base is taking another hit as Perrigo’s Georgia plant shutdown ramps up, with 162 layoffs already underway and more expected. Housing Costs & Risk: New York is backing an affordable-housing insurance “captive” with a $2M loan to blunt rising liability premiums—an issue that’s increasingly shaping whether projects pencil out. Tech & Privacy: Vermont’s AG Charity Clark is set to co-chair a national AI committee focused on consumer protections, while states keep moving on privacy and AI rules as legislatures wind down. Fuel Watch: Gas prices remain volatile; Windham County’s lowest regular hit $3.69 in the week ending May 2, but statewide averages are still higher. Local Industry Spotlight: The American Precision Museum in Windsor is nearing its $3M renovation goal for a STEM+M learning lab opening this December.

In the past 12 hours, Vermont coverage leaned heavily toward practical, on-the-ground issues—especially energy, environment, and public services. UVM opened the first station in a planned statewide Vermont Mesonet network, designed to provide localized, real-time extreme-weather data to improve preparedness and flood prediction. Related energy reporting also highlighted how electrification is changing when electricity demand peaks in New England, with ISO New England projecting rising winter demand as heating and transportation shift to electric power. On the environmental side, DEC and Forests, Parks & Recreation reminded Vermonters about backyard open-burning rules to reduce smoke impacts and wildland fire risk, while another report described a subsurface manure injection system that reduces odor and captures ammonia compared with surface spreading.

Several other last-12-hours items focused on Vermont’s day-to-day infrastructure and community life. State inspectors tested gas pumps statewide to ensure accurate fuel dispensing, emphasizing tight tolerances so drivers get what they pay for. In agriculture, the subsurface injection story underscored how newer techniques are being adopted to reduce odor and environmental runoff. Community and local governance coverage included Barre Town officials thanking selectboard chair Norma Malone for her service while preparing for a new public works facility project, and a separate piece on how GreenUp’s Earthfest was forced indoors after sudden snow but still drew attendees and used solar-powered event equipment.

The last 12 hours also included a mix of consumer and cultural stories that, while not “industry” in the narrow sense, reflect Vermont’s broader economic and social ecosystem. Coverage ranged from local food and tourism—like Cold Hollow Cider Mill’s ongoing cider and donut draw—to health and wellness trends, including a report on the resurgence of Tae Bo via TikTok and a piece examining how “protein” marketing is shaping consumer behavior. There was also attention to regulation and risk: one article discussed rodenticide policy failures in Vermont’s legislative process (H.326 not crossing to the Senate), and another described how a non-directed kidney donation conversation at a campfire led to real outcomes for two people.

Looking beyond the most recent window, earlier reporting provided continuity on Vermont’s policy and preparedness themes. In the 12-to-24 hour range, Vermont environmental groups warned that proposed rules could threaten wetlands, and UVM also appeared again with weather-monitoring expansion coverage. In the 24-to-72 hour range, the state’s broader data-and-regulation posture showed up in items like Vermont’s weather monitoring station activation and discussions of ticket resale price caps and public transit concerns (under-investment and crisis risk). The older material is richer on national policy context, but the most recent Vermont-specific evidence is strongest around extreme-weather monitoring, energy demand planning, and environmental/public-safety compliance.

In the last 12 hours, Vermont coverage leaned heavily toward public-facing community and health items, plus a few business/energy signals. UVM opened the first station in a planned statewide Vermont Mesonet network, aiming to fill gaps in extreme-weather prediction and give more localized lead time for events like flooding or blizzards. Separately, state and local guidance and prevention themes showed up in stories on preparing for tick season and on backyard open-burning rules meant to reduce air-quality impacts and wildland fire risk. Health and safety also appeared in a national “Leapfrog” patient-safety update, which reported improvements across multiple hospital safety measures (with continued variation by hospital).

Several other last-12-hours items were more “community life” than policy, but still reflect local priorities. A Brattleboro story described how a campfire conversation about non-directed kidney donation helped spur at least one donor decision. Cultural and civic programming also featured prominently: an interactive “Murder in the Mountains” dinner-theatre return at the Wilburton Inn, a Manchester Energy Fair described as a free drop-in event with home “pressure test” guidance and heat-pump information, and multiple arts/community listings and reviews. There were also consumer/market-facing pieces, including discussion of personalized grocery pricing pushback and a Vermont-related business/industry item about Perrigo laying off 161 as it moves toward closure of a Vermont site (with the provided text focusing on the Georgia layoff/closure process).

Energy and environmental development continued into the most recent window, with additional emphasis on practical implementation rather than broad theory. The Manchester Energy Fair story framed near-term, hands-on support for homeowners and renters (including efficiency resources and heat-pump education). In the same general timeframe, a Vermont Renewable Gas update described an executed memorandum of understanding with Vermont environmental regulators for a proposed Lyndon renewable energy facility, outlining compliance and oversight conditions (air/water/stormwater permits, testing requirements, and feedstock sourcing under a forestry plan).

Looking slightly farther back for continuity, the coverage reinforces that Vermont’s weather, climate resilience, and risk-management efforts are building out in stages: earlier reporting also described UVM’s Lyndon weather station and the broader goal of denser monitoring to reduce prediction gaps. Meanwhile, policy and regulatory themes—such as efforts around data privacy, ticket resale caps, and wildlife protection (including rodenticide regulation)—appear across the broader week, suggesting ongoing legislative and regulatory activity rather than a single discrete event. Overall, the most recent 12 hours were dominated by implementation-focused updates (weather monitoring, local health guidance, and community events), while older items provide context for the state’s longer-running regulatory and resilience agenda.