AGP Executive Report

Business Expansion: West Shore Home is opening a new office in Andover, aiming to grow in northern New England after strong demand in Massachusetts. Housing & Costs: A new look at VA refinance loans shows Oregon borrowers averaged $453,819 in Q1 2026, while broader affordability pressures keep showing up—especially with home insurance costs. Politics: A Beacon Insights poll finds moderate Democrat Jared Moskowitz leading Oliver Larkin by 37 points in Florida’s Democratic primary for the newly drawn 25th District. Community Events: Manchester is gearing up for its inaugural Food & Wine Festival, with a VIP preview Friday and a grand tasting Sunday featuring local producers and regional chefs. Public Safety Debate: A stalled surveillance bill highlights the ongoing fight between privacy and public safety, with backers saying the measure won’t move this session. Sports & Local Pride: Vermont State University Castleton held commencement for more than 400 graduates, and Essex is preparing Memorial Day parade changes including new food options and a shorter route.

Crime & Courts: A Massachusetts mother, Janette MacAusland, was charged after it was alleged she killed her two children and then tried to kill herself, with Vermont police called for a wellness check after she reportedly went to a Vermont relative’s home covered in blood. Public Safety: A Windham County man, Joshua P. Bedard, already facing federal drug and gun charges, is now hit with Vermont kidnapping and assault counts that could mean a life sentence. Health Watch: Tick bites are spiking, with ER visits for tick-related issues at their highest levels for this time of year since 2017, pushing Lyme risk higher in the Northeast and Midwest. Local Projects: In Glover, the Shadow Lake dam restoration is moving to the next step after phase three is complete, with engineers reviewing 12 rebuild designs. Community & Culture: Burlington hosts the Winooski Farmers Market kickoff and a Record Fair, while Burlington also gets a regional healthcare communications conference later this month. Lottery: Vermont Pick 3 evening numbers for May 17 were 0-6-9.

Rail Upgrade: Amtrak’s first new Airo trainset has arrived in Seattle, kicking off a nationwide rollout meant to replace aging cars on major routes—including the Amtrak Cascades line that runs through the Pacific Northwest. Northern Lights Watch: A stronger-than-usual aurora may dip farther south than normal this weekend, with Vermont and nearby states in the “maybe you’ll see a faint glow” zone. PFAS Pressure in Bennington County: Vermont officials and residents are responding to ongoing concerns about PFAS/PFOA contamination in South Bennington and Shaftsbury, including state support for well testing and talks tied to the shuttered ChemFab site. Health & Safety: Tick bite ER visits are rising, and Vermont is also moving ahead with a ban on the toxic herbicide paraquat. Local Business Gripes: Vermont small-business owners are speaking out about credit card fees that keep climbing, with some saying they’re forced to pass costs to customers. Weather: Expect summerlike warmth with mostly sunny skies and only brief, isolated shower chances.

Vermont Paraquat Crackdown: Vermont just became the first state to ban the toxic herbicide paraquat, with lawmakers passing a bill that requires licensing to use it by this fall and then phases it out completely by 2030. Weekend Weather: After a damp stretch, the forecast turns warmer for Saturday and mostly dry Sunday, with a few isolated showers possible and highs climbing into the 70s to near 80s. AI Power Strain: A Nevada utility told about 49,000 Lake Tahoe-area residents it’s redirecting most electricity to data centers—another sign of how the AI boom can squeeze everyday power access. Local Sports: West Rutland kept rolling, sweeping Poultney in softball with an 11-3 win, while Montpelier’s boys Ultimate team heads into a big tournament showdown this weekend. Burlington Business: The New England Society for Healthcare Communications is bringing its annual conference to Burlington May 27-29, with a “Craft of Connection” theme.

Public Safety: An 11-acre brush fire in Englewood, Fla. is now fully contained, with crews still knocking down hot spots after neighbors reported smoke. Vermont Arts & Culture: Studio Place Arts is spotlighting Vermont farms in “Milk Cans, Bees, and Maple Trees,” while Opera Vermont brings “La Cenerentola” to Barre Opera House on May 23. Local Business: GlobalFoundries is seeking a buyer for its Williston campus, asking the town to broaden allowed uses to boost sale prospects. Health & Community: Vermont’s Lake Carmi is showing improvement after cyanobacteria treatment, with officials cautiously optimistic about clearer water. Politics: Democrats are trying a new red-state play—backing independents over their own nominees—in hopes of beating Republicans. Human Interest: Funeral services are set for two Wellesley children allegedly killed by their mother, as the case continues to draw national attention.

Lake Carmi Update: Six months after cyanobacteria treatment, Vermont’s Lake Carmi is looking clearer than it has since 1980, with officials calling the latest results “cautiously optimistic” after phosphorus in-lake was targeted to stop blue-green blooms. Statehouse & Schools: A late push to override Providence’s rent-stabilization veto failed, while Vermont education reform faces a new standoff as lawmakers drop forced school district mergers and Gov. Phil Scott warns he’ll block any bill without them. Health & Law: A federal grand jury subpoena tied to gender-affirming care at a major New York hospital is now the first known criminal probe in the area, and Vermont lawmakers are pressing for tighter limits on restraints for kids in state custody. Local Business & Growth: Middlebury College is moving to expand housing and jobs in the region, and Williston’s retail scene keeps adding momentum with a new J.Crew Factory store.

Women’s Soccer Boost: Vermont Works for Women is teaming up with the Vermont Green FC for the club’s inaugural women’s season, aiming to expand opportunities for female athletes statewide. Lottery Results: Vermont Lottery posted May 14 drawings, including Gimme 5 (02-05-08-26-37) and Pick 3 (Day 0-5-2; Evening 1-9-9). Music & Culture: Grace Potter announced her new album “Trespasser,” due Aug. 21, and she’ll be back in Burlington for Grand Point North. Local Sports Return: Vermont’s WPSL team is back after a year off as the Vermont Wild, with a new name and owner, and a familiar home at Applejack Stadium. Community Planning: Essex Junction’s Connect the Junction transit-oriented development plan won a Notable Project Award at the Vermont Walk/Bike Summit. Health & Safety Watch: Parents are raising alarms after testing found multiple pesticide compounds near playgrounds in Illinois, as Vermont moves toward phasing out paraquat.

ICE Protest in Williston: Four people were arrested Thursday during a protest against ICE operations at a Williston business park tied to a digital surveillance center, with protesters blocking entrances and police charging them with unlawful trespass and resisting arrest. Statehouse Watch: Vermont Senate lawmakers are reconsidering the school PCB testing plan—likely extending the 2027 deadline instead of ending the program—after only a portion of schools have been tested and remediation costs have climbed. Local Government: Barre City manager Nicolas Storellicastro says he’s leaving for a deputy city manager job in South Burlington, prompting anger over how the news spread after an email announcement. Sports & Community: Montpelier’s boys ultimate team rolled past Burlington 15-3 in wet conditions, while Vermont Green’s women’s soccer side is back for its first full season ahead of the summer campaign. Business & Health: Burlington hosts a regional healthcare communications conference later this month, and Vermont’s AG Charity Clark is taking a national role on AI and online safety.

Leadership Change: The Brattleboro Regional Chamber of Commerce has named Rachel Shields Ebersole as its new Executive Director, bringing more than a decade of experience in community building and regional economic development. Health & Accountability: Northeast Kingdom Human Services will pay Vermont $65,335 to settle Medicaid overbilling and neglect allegations, with required reforms focused on how supervisors handle adults with developmental disabilities. Local Education & Community: Essex Westford students and younger peers planted trees at Hiawatha Elementary as part of an Arbor Day effort aimed at supporting wildlife and combating hotter conditions. Politics Beyond Vermont: A House Appropriations panel voted to block federal marijuana rescheduling funding, even as the Trump administration moves forward. Business & Growth: UVM is facing a projected 15% freshman drop and a $12 million budget deficit, while Burlington’s local economy keeps adding new projects and hires.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE plans to deploy about 330 officers and staff to cities across more than 40 states, with federal purchasing records pointing to rented office space—not detention facilities—while the White House signals a more visible enforcement push. Education & Health: Pittsburgh-area kindergarteners sit just under measles herd-immunity targets as vaccination rates slide, even with no cases reported locally this year. Local Schools: Rutland City School Board is moving toward a policy governance model, shifting the board’s role toward “ends” and monitoring while day-to-day operations stay with the superintendent. Politics & Policy: Vermont lawmakers advanced a constitutional amendment for equal protection, sending it to voters in November. Community & Business: Barton is getting a new multi-use community space in a former bank building, aiming to blend a cafe, makers market, co-working, and events under one roof. Sports: Mill River Unified rallied past Rutland, with Kent Osborne scoring 40 to punch a second straight trip to state semifinals.

Recycling Push: Vermont is expanding a battery drop-off network under the Battery Stewardship Program, adding more retail stores and municipal sites so people can safely recycle single-use and lithium-ion batteries under 25 pounds. Court & Public Safety: A Massachusetts man and another suspect face federal kidnapping charges tied to an alleged interstate abduction and torture of an adult woman, with the case moving from Vermont custody to New Hampshire federal court. Statehouse Strain: Vermont’s ethics office is warning lawmakers that piling on new duties without more staff is breaking the system. Local Business Buzz: PopUp Bagels is set to open its first Vermont location in downtown Burlington. Agriculture & Environment: A new statewide weather-station network (Vermont Mesonet) is getting underway to improve flood and farm planning data. Community & Culture: Burlington’s UVM women’s basketball has a new coach, and the state’s arts scene keeps rolling with new grants and performances.

Local Sports: Quincy’s girls soccer team grabbed its second straight Big 8 title with a 9-1 win over Maple Valley, while Coldwater was shut out 8-0 at Parma Western. Disaster Relief: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for New York small businesses and nonprofits hit by drought and excessive heat, with Vermont counties Addison, Bennington, and Rutland included. Statehouse & Environment: Vermont lawmakers are moving toward a first-in-the-nation ban on paraquat, a toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, with a licensing requirement by this fall and a full ban targeted for 2030. Community & Culture: GNAT-TV is hosting a June 3 fundraiser to keep local government coverage and community storytelling going. Weather: A soaking rain system is set to roll through Vermont and the North Country Wednesday into Thursday. Business/Workforce: The Vermont Construction Academy marks its first year, expanding from apprenticeship training into a broader hub for recruiting and supporting new trade talent.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE is opening co-working-style offices in more than 40 states, with about 330 agents and staff planned—one employee is headed to Fort Snelling, Minnesota—signaling a broader push beyond detention facilities. Animal Welfare Fight: New Hampshire lawmakers are moving toward tougher rules for dog shelter violations, and advocates warn contracts could be forced to change or end. Vape Crackdown: Connecticut AG William Tong led a coalition urging the FDA to drop draft guidance that would ease approvals for flavored e-cigarettes, arguing it worsens youth addiction. Local Development: Burlington City Council green-lit the first phase of a major South End redevelopment, with two six-story buildings and 205 apartments planned on Lakeside Avenue. Health Workforce: UVM Health is launching its first surgical technologist apprenticeship cohort, supported by federal funding. Environment & Climate: A new USGS assessment flags possible lithium deposits across Maine, New Hampshire, and eastern Vermont—but geologists stress it’s early and uncertain.

Community Media Fundraiser: GNAT-TV is hosting “Hats Off to Summer” June 3 to keep local government coverage and youth media training going as local news budgets tighten. Local Governance & Land Use: Barton selectboard hears allegations of permit violations over a proposed yurt, including claims about water diversion, septic type, and setbacks. Public Safety: Vermont State Police identified a woman in a Norwich suspicious-death investigation and says the case remains open. Health Care Workforce: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch-backed funding is expanding surgical technologist apprenticeships at UVM Health, aiming to grow local “earn-while-you-learn” pipelines. Education & Technology: A cyberattack shut down Canvas for Wisconsin schools and universities, with attackers demanding a settlement. Arts & Culture: The Lawrence Public Library and The Raven Book Store are running free experimental theater events, including a discussion tied to Richard Foreman. Sports: Mount Greylock dedicated its baseball field to Hall of Fame coach Steve Messina, then rallied to beat Lee.

Local Politics & Education: The Senate Education Committee is testing support for H.955, a major education overhaul that would create new Cooperative Education Service Agencies and require districts to study whether consolidation makes sense—without automatically merging. Health Workforce: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch-backed federal funding is helping UVM Health launch a surgical technologist registered apprenticeship, an earn-while-you-learn pipeline aimed at expanding Vermont’s health-care workforce. Local Community & Environment: Hinesburg’s selectboard voted to send a stern letter to the CVU school board over a proposed $5.5 million artificial turf field, citing worries about PFAS runoff and impacts to downhill water. Sports & Community Life: Rutland’s Gradyn Bellomo is set to chase a long-jump record that broke a 49-year mark. Business & Broadband: T-Mobile is moving ahead with a $2 billion deal for 50% ownership in Greenlight and GoNetspeed, setting up faster fiber access and bundled wireless service in Rochester and beyond.

In the past 12 hours, Burlington Daily Sun coverage (as reflected in the provided articles) has been dominated by Vermont-focused policy and community developments. The Vermont Senate gave initial approval to a landmark bill that would ban the highly toxic herbicide paraquat, with the measure now needing House concurrence before going to Gov. Phil Scott. The reporting frames the vote as a potential “first in the nation” moment tied to health concerns including Parkinson’s disease. In parallel, the paper also highlighted political activity in Vermont’s Washington-4 Democratic House primary, where Pelin Kohn and Jared Duval have joined the race alongside incumbent Kate McCann, with the filing deadline noted for the August 2026 primary.

Several stories also reflect institutional and civic change in the state. Middlebury College coverage included the renaming of its student organization from Hillel to “The Jewish Association at Middlebury (JAM)” after an attempted disaffiliation effort, while another Middlebury-related piece described Provost Michelle McCauley’s impending step down after three decades. On the public-facing side, UVM opened the first station in a planned statewide “Vermont Mesonet” weather monitoring network, intended to fill gaps in localized data for flood prediction and extreme-weather preparedness. Community life and local services also showed up in coverage, including a Page One Literacy book swap that exchanged more than 1,000 books and a Green Up Day recap emphasizing volunteer cleanup efforts.

Beyond Vermont, the most prominent “national/international” thread in the last 12 hours is political accountability and conflict-related scrutiny. Multiple articles describe a congressional probe into whether President Trump’s pardons and commutations followed “pay-to-play dynamics,” citing letters seeking records from clemency recipients. Another major item involved Democratic senators pressing U.S. Central Command about Israel’s broad “evacuation zones” in Lebanon and Iran, alleging potential violations of international law. These items suggest the paper is tracking both domestic political fallout and foreign-policy legal questions, though the evidence provided is largely headline-level rather than a deep local impact analysis.

Looking slightly further back for continuity, the coverage includes additional context on Vermont’s infrastructure and governance themes—such as ongoing discussion of weather monitoring and renewable energy approvals (including a Vermont Renewable Gas agreement tied to agricultural soil protections). It also shows that community and public-health concerns remain steady across the week, with earlier reporting touching on Vermont’s housing and care crisis and on environmental regulation debates. Overall, the most recent evidence is rich on Vermont policy momentum (paraquat) and institutional transitions (Middlebury/UVM), while broader national stories appear more episodic in the provided set.