EV & Charging Snapshot: Vermont’s EV market share rose to 5.55% in Q2 2026 (584 EVs sold) but still trails the national pace, and the state has 1,411 public charging outlets—about 14 EVs per port. Workforce & Manufacturing Training: Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center and partners are lining up events on registered apprenticeships, workforce models, and quality—aimed at helping manufacturers solve hiring and retention problems. Agriculture Tech & Farm Ops: NRCS Vermont and the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District host a free bedded pack manure management workshop Oct. 29 at Bartlett Family Farm, focused on livestock comfort, soil health, and cost math. Affordable Housing & Energy Upgrades: Vermont Gas Systems will fund geothermal ground loops for the Riggs Meadow affordable project in Hinesburg, using utility-owned underground infrastructure with in-home heat pumps. Industrial Power Resilience: GlobalFoundries in Essex Junction has brought about 6MW of solar and a 16MW/52MWh battery online for peak shaving and grid reliability. Community Development: Brattleboro Housing Partnerships celebrated congressionally directed funding for West Brattleboro Terrace redevelopment, targeting energy-efficient senior units after Tropical Storm Irene impacts. Public Safety & Local Infrastructure: South Burlington crews responded to a gas leak after construction work hit a line near the Blue Mall, prompting road closures. Higher Ed Pressure: Vermont colleges are adjusting to demographic and financial headwinds with enrollment tactics and cost cuts to stay afloat. AI & Jobs Anxiety: A new look at young workers shows interest shifting toward skilled trades, teaching, and health care as AI-exposed white-collar roles face pressure.