AGP Executive Report

Local Media Ownership: The National Trust for Local News is buying Vermont Community Newspaper Group, taking over five weekly papers (including The Stowe Reporter, The Other Paper, Shelburne News and The Citizen) for a “nominal fee,” aiming to stabilize coverage as ad revenue pressures mount. Cybersecurity: Major law firms Quinn Emanuel and McDermott report separate data breaches tied to unauthorized access and social engineering, underscoring rising cyber risk for firms holding sensitive client data. Consumer/Antitrust: Vermont Attorney General Jeff Jackson joins a multi-state case accusing Amazon of secretly rigging ad auctions to overcharge advertisers by more than $20 billion since 2019, with Vermont included among the states. Energy & Power: The DOE cleared a $19 million Vermont long-duration battery project for installation, while other storage efforts continue to advance as the state weighs next steps for reliability and growth. Workforce & Growth: The Lake Champlain Chamber’s Hello Burlington launches a Regional Talent Attraction Initiative to help employers compete for workers with a shared strategy starting now, with deliverables expected in early 2027. Outdoor Economy: VOREC announced new community grants (about $275,000 statewide) to develop and market outdoor recreation, with awards from $7,500 to $50,000.

Amazon & Big Tech: Vermont is in the spotlight as federal and state regulators move against alleged deceptive ad pricing and secret ad surcharges at Amazon, with the FTC and multiple states suing over an alleged scheme that inflated costs for advertisers. Climate Superfund: Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak is touring flood-impacted communities while the state builds its assessment for a Climate Superfund—aimed at pushing fossil-fuel companies to help pay for disaster damage. Energy & Waste: Casella Waste Systems and Waga Energy started operations of a renewable natural gas facility at the McKean Landfill in Pennsylvania, a sign of how landfill gas is turning into a growing regional energy business. Local Economy & Growth: KeyBank named Mark Williams to lead New England business banking, covering Vermont and neighboring states, as banks compete for small-business and commercial customers. Outdoor Recreation: Okemo Valley Trails opened the Fletcher Farm Trail Network in Ludlow, expanding mountain-bike-friendly routes and beginner options. Business Costs: AAA reports Vermont gas averages $4.27/g, up week over week, while Burlington sits at about $4.24/g. Food Safety: Lundberg Family Farms expanded a white jasmine rice recall affecting major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. Policy & Work: States are still trying to fill the gap left by the lack of a federal paid family and medical leave law, with Vermont among the places watching outcomes closely.

Trade & Border Tensions: Vermont officials and businesses are pushing back hard on renewed U.S.-Canada trade friction, with Jay Peak leaders warning that tariff costs are only part of the damage—rhetoric and eroding trust are hitting bookings and revenue. Legal/Health Care: Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over a rule that would block Medicaid reimbursement for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth, effective Oct. 13, 2026. Energy & Environment: Maine regulators selected Clearway Energy for an 800-MW wind farm in northern Maine and Avangrid Networks for the transmission line to move power into the New England grid. Local Business & Growth: Master Plumbing & Heating opened a new Mount Holly facility, expanding service capacity and water-treatment areas. Community & Economy: The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its Nov. 7 ATHENA leadership awards, spotlighting women driving business and community leadership. Transportation: VTrans is testing the new diverging diamond at I-89 Exit 16 in Colchester via a driving simulator at the Champlain Valley Fair ahead of the traffic shift.

Amazon Antitrust/Consumer Protection: Vermont AG Raoul joins the FTC and 22 states in a lawsuit accusing Amazon of secretly inflating prices in its digital ad auctions via an undisclosed “secret ad surcharge” scheme, alleging tens of billions in revenue over more than seven years. Homelessness & Housing Ops: Vermont is tightening access to state motel vouchers as part of the Vermont Homeless Response Continuum—ending evening/weekend entry through 211 and requiring calls to the state during business hours, with fewer rooms and shorter stays. Local Business Growth: Skida is using NuOrder to reduce wholesale friction tied to its print-heavy product line and improve inventory flow. Workforce/Education: The Manufacturing Collaborative at Vermont State University’s Randolph campus is expanding advanced manufacturing training by matching students’ initiative with real industry problem-solving. Energy/Infrastructure: Maine regulators approved a major northern Maine wind farm and transmission project that could lower long-term power costs, though it faces potential federal review. Courts/Policy: A federal judge struck down New York’s $75B climate “Superfund” law as preempted by federal law, a major signal for similar state efforts. Vermont Community & Civic Life: Vermont Business Magazine highlights Constitution Day programming in Burlington focused on free speech and the press, plus local historic and business openings.

U.S.-Canada trade shock: Vermont officials and business leaders met at Jay Peak to warn that Trump’s renewed Canada tariffs are hitting sales and raising costs, with some firms scrambling to reroute equipment and protect cross-border relationships. Local economy & tourism: After the Quechee Gorge Bridge reopened to two lanes following repairs, nearby shops say traffic is back and business is improving heading into foliage season. Consumer & platform accountability: The FTC and a growing coalition of states—including Colorado—are suing Amazon over alleged manipulation of ad auctions and inflated ad prices, seeking injunctions and monetary relief. Environment & health risk: Vermont well owners filed a federal class action against Saint-Gobain, 3M and DuPont over PFOA contamination, seeking cleanup and medical monitoring. Housing safety net: Vermont is ending night and weekend intake for state-funded motel rooms, shifting access to daytime state calls as part of a revamped homelessness response system. Agribusiness continuity: Franklin County Cheese officially took over the Enosburg cheese plant, aiming to preserve local dairy processing jobs and operations. Regulatory watch: Vermont’s groundwater reporting and permitting rules for large withdrawals remain a key compliance issue for commercial and industrial users. Sports/arts community: Brattleboro School of Dance transitions to nonprofit management, and the Brattleboro Labor Film Festival returns with a Sept. 6 kickoff.

Big Tech Accountability: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general, including Vermont’s, sued Amazon over alleged “secret ad surcharge” practices, claiming the company manipulated its real-time ad auctions to inflate prices for more than 1 million advertisers, with costs potentially passed to consumers. Energy & Climate Policy: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion “climate Superfund” law, ruling it’s preempted by the federal Clean Air Act—an outcome that could chill similar state efforts. Vermont Business & Growth: Navitas says its Gen 5 GaNFast power chips will begin shipping from a U.S. manufacturing setup in Burlington, Vermont, via GlobalFoundries—aimed at strengthening the domestic supply chain for AI and critical infrastructure. Trade Pressure on Vermont: Sen. Peter Welch highlighted how tariff retaliation between the U.S. and Canada is hitting Vermont businesses, including at Jay Peak Resort, and said he’s drafting legislation to protect the economy. Local Economy Watch: Caliber expanded into New England by acquiring Key Collision, adding Vermont locations to its broader collision-repair network. Workforce & Community: Vermont Care Partners will recognize direct support professionals Sept. 9 at the State House lawn, spotlighting recruitment and retention challenges in the DSP workforce. Consumer Costs: GasBuddy forecasts Labor Day gas prices at $4.03 nationally and $4.23 in Vermont, the highest on record for the holiday.

Big Tech Accountability: The FTC and 22 states, including Vermont, sued Amazon alleging it secretly inflated ad prices for more than 1 million advertisers via “hidden surcharges,” potentially costing tens of billions; Amazon denies wrongdoing. Vermont Business & Community: The Peer Recovery Center of Addison County is holding a grand opening for its renovated permanent home in Middlebury, expanding free, peer-led recovery support. Local Economy & Growth: Jay Peak is reaching out to Canadians amid the latest U.S.-Canada trade tensions, urging policies that don’t drive neighbors apart as the ski season nears. Healthcare Watch: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned U.S. News “High Performing” ratings for multiple specialties, including diabetes care and major procedures. Workforce & Education: Vermont State Colleges highlights tuition-free community college progress through 802 Opportunity as employers struggle to find workers. Food & Safety: A roundup of 2026 recalls includes multiple high-risk items, including glass and listeria-related products. Business Spotlight: Bennington’s Abacus Automation showcases custom machinery built for industries from food to medical and aviation.

Vermont Politics & Elections: Vermont’s fall ballot is shaping up with statewide races plus two proposed constitutional amendments—one on labor rights and one on equal protection—while Gov. Phil Scott faces Democratic challenger Amanda Janoo amid his weakest approval ratings in a decade. Healthcare & Community: The White River Junction VA Healthcare System says the Brattleboro VA clinic will resume normal operations Sept. 1 after repairs, with veterans able to book through the clinic’s specialty, primary care, and mental health lines. Public Health: UVM is recruiting volunteers 65+ for a Phase 3 trial of an investigational vaccine aimed at preventing C. diff, a hospital- and long-term-care-associated infection. Business & Banking: KeyBank named Mark Williams New England business banking market leader, covering Massachusetts plus Maine, Vermont, and Connecticut. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports the cheapest premium gas in Chittenden County hit $4.99/g in the week ending Aug. 22, with Vermont’s premium average at $5.14/g. Trade & Local Economy: Sen. Peter Welch is hosting a Sept. 1 event near the U.S.-Canada border with Vermont businesses and farmers to push back on Trump’s trade war with Canada. Tech & Culture: Google Maps has started showing “Lake America” for U.S. users after Trump’s executive order, while Canadians continue to see “Lake Ontario.” Local Agriculture: Runamok, the Vermont maple brand, marks its 10th year by naming Ashley Wainer CEO and Kelly Murnaghan CMO.

Vermont VA Update: The Brattleboro VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (71 GSP Drive) will resume normal operations Tuesday after a February closure for repairs, with veterans supported in Keene, NH; Greenfield, MA; virtual care; and travel to the White River Junction campus. Energy & Regulation: Maine regulators revived a major Aroostook County wind-and-transmission plan, handing the 1,200-megawatt line to Avangrid’s parent, drawing fresh Republican cost concerns even as the project is pitched as a jobs and ratepayer-benefit driver across multiple New England states. Local Food Supply: Sodexo’s “Vermont First” innovation grant is open for $10,000–$15,000 awards to help Vermont farmers and producers enter or scale in institutional dining supply chains (applications due Oct. 30). Higher Ed Leadership: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026. Tech/Trade Ripple: Google Maps is changing “Lake Ontario” to “Lake America” for U.S. users, reflecting a Trump executive order tied to the U.S.-Canada tariff fight. Real Estate Signals: ATTOM reports the U.S. vacancy rate held at 1.3% in Q3, with “zombie” foreclosures slipping slightly to 3.3%.

Vermont Health Care: The White River Junction VA Healthcare System says the Brattleboro Community-Based Outpatient Clinic will reopen Sept. 1 after a February closure for repairs, with specialty, primary care and mental health lines available at 71 GSP Drive. Energy & Reliability: Green Mountain Power invites customers to an in-person Open House Sept. 1 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) at its Westminster service center, with a Facebook Live virtual session Sept. 2. Higher Education Leadership: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026, after her Massachusetts climate chief and EPA roles. Rural Farm Economy: Sen. Peter Welch met with Vermont farmers to discuss the rural economic crisis, including how federal agriculture support can be slow and hard to access. Tech & Privacy: Bernie Sanders renewed his push to target Flock Safety and AI mass surveillance, joining a broader backlash against automated license plate scanning. Vermont Business Climate: Landmark College and Antioch University expanded a partnership, adding a third master’s option for students using Landmark’s learning-differences training credits. Cross-Border Trade Tension: Trump’s “Lake America” renaming order is driving new friction with Canada and even changing how Google Maps labels the lake for U.S. users.

Meta Settlement for Vermont Teens: Vermont is set to receive $92.7 million from Meta’s landmark child-safety deal, with new restrictions aimed at limiting minors’ use and tightening protections on Facebook and Instagram. Surveillance Cameras Pushback: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders says he’ll introduce legislation targeting Flock Safety, arguing AI-powered license-plate tracking is sliding toward mass surveillance. Lake Ontario Renaming Fallout: Trump’s “Lake America” order is drawing bipartisan backlash, including Vermont Gov. Phil Scott calling it “petty,” while Indigenous leaders and Canada’s Doug Ford publicly reject the change. Local Business & Housing: Start-Up Rutland is relaunching its accelerator model to help tech companies stay and grow locally, and Claremont, N.H. approved 27 affordable apartments via adaptive reuse. Public Safety & Health: The Brattleboro VA clinic is reopening after repairs, and Montpelier police report a man accused of assaulting medical staff and a police officer. Infrastructure Watch: Vermont’s weekly construction schedule flags ongoing I-89 paving and bridge work affecting travel.

Meta Settlement in Vermont: Vermont is set to receive $92.7 million from Meta’s landmark teen social media settlement, with changes aimed at limiting nighttime use for minors, capping daily time, adding “school mode,” tightening age verification, and turning off like counts and beauty filters. Surveillance Cameras Pushback: Sen. Bernie Sanders says he’ll introduce legislation to stop Flock Safety’s “AI mass surveillance,” arguing the company’s AI cameras and data matching could enable broad identification. Local Business & Housing: Rutland’s “Start-Up Rutland” is being retooled to help new companies stay and grow locally, shifting programming toward customer-building and business fundamentals. Claremont approved 27 affordable apartments via adaptive reuse of a historic mill. Vermont Economy & Infrastructure: Killington leaders secured a $3.48M tax anticipation note to stabilize cash flow and keep projects moving while addressing state concerns about its TIF district. Public Safety & Health: Brattleboro’s VA clinic will reopen Sept. 1 after repairs, and Montpelier police report an alleged assault on medical staff and a doctor. Research & Education: UVM researchers report new Nature findings on bat genes tied to longevity and cancer resistance.

Meta Settlement & Digital Safety: Vermont is set to benefit from a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta deal aimed at curbing addictive features on Instagram and Facebook for kids, with Vermont’s AG touting major protections like limits on minors’ use and improved age verification. Public Services & Reliability: Vermont’s congressional delegation is pressing USPS for answers after continued mail delays, citing thousands of complaints and impacts ranging from bills to prescriptions. Energy & Customer Engagement: Green Mountain Power is hosting a customer open house Sept. 1 in Westminster, with a virtual option Sept. 2, as it continues work under its multi-year regulation plan. Higher Ed Leadership: Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts’ first climate chief, has been named president of Vermont Law and Graduate School, starting Dec. 1, 2026. Local Economy & Community: Burlington businesses are again calling for action on downtown disorder as the mayor meets with the business community. Infrastructure Updates: Vermont’s weekly construction report flags ongoing I-89 paving and bridge work, with lane closures and speed limits affecting commutes. Health & Research: UVM researchers are part of a Nature study linking bat immune-system gene changes to longevity and cancer resistance.

Vermont Education & Policy: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026, after her run as Massachusetts’ first climate chief. Higher Ed Expansion: Landmark College bought 264 acres near its Putney campus, boosting its footprint to about 400 acres for future development. Workforce & Health: A new UVM-led Nature study links bat genetics to longevity, immunity, and cancer resistance—an angle that could matter for human health research. Local Business & Community: Garlic Town USA returns Sept. 5 in Bennington with expanded chef demos and family programming. Public Safety Tech: The Flock surveillance debate keeps spreading, with more cities and states weighing bans or contract changes over privacy and misuse concerns. Environment & Waste Rules: Vermont regulators are among the first to draft depackaging rules for organics, aiming to improve recovery without contaminating compost and digesters. State Budget: Gov. Phil Scott is pushing agencies toward a lean FY2028 budget to make room for tax relief. Food & Consumer Safety: Vermont is among states affected by a federal recall of nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products tied to an inspection lapse. Housing Market: A new report finds “zombie homes” are down slightly, but overall vacancy remains tight, keeping pressure on prices.

Meta Settlement for Vermont Teens: Vermont is set to receive $92.7 million from Meta as part of a multistate deal tied to teen social media addiction claims, with new child-safety restrictions aimed at Facebook and Instagram. Workforce & Health Care: UVM Medical Center outpatient staff staged pickets across three sites over a contract dispute, arguing management proposals would weaken safe staffing and job protections. Local Education Planning: Harwood school leaders are exploring whether Cabot Creamery’s Waitsfield headquarters could be repurposed as an elementary school as they consider consolidating seven schools into three. Food Safety: FSIS issued a Class I recall of frozen buffalo chicken products shipped into Vermont and other New England states after officials found they were produced without federal inspection. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Vermont joins a wider national fight over Flock-style automated license plate readers, as lawmakers push bills to restrict or curb AI mass surveillance. Trade & Cross-Border Tension: Trump’s “Lake America” order escalated a Canada dispute that’s already spilling into business uncertainty for the region. Rural Economy: Sen. Welch met with Vermont farmers to discuss the rural economic crisis, including barriers to services and farm viability.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Vermont is set to receive $92.7 million from Meta as part of a nationwide $17.1 billion multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook teen harms, with new protections for users under 18 including daily time limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime access blocks, and stronger age-assurance and content controls. Public Health & Food Safety: Nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products were recalled across five states, including Vermont, after the items were produced without federal inspection marks. Local Housing & Flood Recovery: Montpelier’s Development Review Board approved demolition of a flood-damaged historic building at 144 Elm Street, clearing the way for at least six housing units and requiring a historical record before teardown. Climate & Outdoor Economy: UVM and partners won $5.9 million from the National Science Foundation to build a northern New England snow monitoring system, linking better snow data to water resources and the region’s winter recreation economy. Energy Storage & Grid Reliability: A Vermont long-duration energy storage project advanced to Phase 3 after receiving U.S. Department of Energy authorization, aiming to improve where and when power is available. Community & Nonprofits: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice added three new board members, including a health policy expert with experience across Vermont’s health reform agencies.