AGP Executive Report

Education & School Transportation: The Mill River Unified Union School District says it’s still running a reduced bus schedule, with the Tinmouth route canceled while it works to clear a driver, and it’s streamlined the Shrewsbury route to cut travel time. State Education Reform: Gov. Phil Scott urged merger committees and school leaders to focus on what students can gain in Vermont’s education affordability push, warning budgeting will be “brutal” and encouraging shared services. Health Care Access: Vermont doctors say weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic/Wegovy can be hard to get covered, but a new Medicare pilot may open a path for some patients. Public Safety: Vermont’s Division of Fire Safety is touring with an interactive trailer at the Champlain Valley Fair to prevent fire deaths, with more stops planned statewide. Environment & Research: U.S. Forest Service scientists in Vermont are testing whether Dutch elm disease can be beaten by injecting young elms with disease spores to study resistance. Housing: Highgate’s proposed 30-unit senior housing project is paused because a feasible public water system can’t be secured. Local Media: Vermont Community Newspaper Group is being bought by the National Trust for Local News, shifting ownership to a nonprofit model while keeping local editorial leadership. Crime: A Connecticut man has been sentenced to 30 years to life for the 2024 Northeast Kingdom murder of Kayla Wright.

Public Safety & Accountability: A Burlington editorial argues the city can’t rely on vague talk of “interrupting conditions” while drug markets, retail theft, and gun-and-knife incidents keep fueling violence. Local Politics: Vermont GOP has picked Milton software engineer Jace Laquerre as a “placeholder” candidate against progressive prosecutor Sarah George, with a plan to resign if elected so Gov. Phil Scott can appoint a replacement. Food Security: As SNAP benefits are cut for millions of kids, free school meals are also at risk, with advocates warning of a domino effect for students. Wildlife Management: Vermont expanded archery deer hunting starting Sept. 15 in targeted areas to reduce deer damage and collisions, with antlerless-only rules in the new zones. Environment & Land Use: The Nature Conservancy is funding projects to keep Vermont habitats connected as species shift north, aiming to prevent fragmentation. Community & Health: CCV dedicated the Lois McClure Atrium at its Winooski center, honoring the foundation’s long support for access to higher education. Sports & Outdoors: Jay Peak will host a trail running festival Sept. 5-6 and its first Cirque Series mountain race Sept. 26.

Medicaid fight over gender-affirming care: Vermont’s AG Dan Rayfield joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over a new rule that would block federal Medicaid/CHIP reimbursement for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth, with the rule set to take effect Oct. 13, 2026. Homelessness response changes: Vermont’s hotel-motel program now requires a health questionnaire and housing assessment when people call 211, aiming to connect guests to case managers but raising concerns it could make shelter harder to access. Women’s prison in limbo: Lawmakers say Vermont’s long-delayed plan to replace the aging Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility remains stalled after trouble finding a site for a new women’s prison. Local governance and schools: Milton’s selectboard and school board discussed district mergers and education reform plans as CESA boundaries and merger committees collide. Public safety: A Vermont man was arrested in Brattleboro after police said he had explosive devices in his bag. Food insecurity: After SNAP benefits lapsed for many, Vermont food shelves report continued higher demand, with some areas seeing record numbers of families. Voting access: Bernie Sanders says he’s “very concerned” about efforts to restrict mail-in ballots ahead of November. Community notes: Hartford is considering a stricter definition of “camping” in municipal lots, and Vermont’s new deer hunting regulation adds 16 archery days in targeted areas.

UVM Promise Expansion: UVM is raising its tuition-free “UVM Promise” threshold for Vermont students, expanding eligibility for fall 2027 to households earning up to $125,000, with tuition and comprehensive fees covered through grants and scholarships. Health Care Access: A new geriatric clinic in Rutland County is opening to provide specialized care for older adults with complex needs, with Community Health operating the Main Street facility. Criminal Justice Oversight: Lawmakers are scrutinizing Vermont’s policy of keeping some prisoners past their minimum sentences, after DOC expanded its “risk containment” approach. Elections & Voting Rights: Vermont Attorney General Nick Brown is co-leading a lawsuit challenging USPS rules tied to mail-in voting, arguing the Postal Service lacks authority over elections. Environment & Wildlife: Vermont is adding 16 days of archery deer hunting starting Sept. 15 in eight targeted areas to reduce deer damage and collisions. Community Events: Bennington’s Garlic Town USA returns Sept. 5 with expanded demos, 120+ vendors, and live entertainment as the festival marks its 31st anniversary. Public Safety Debate: A Burlington editorial argues the city needs more direct action against drug sales, not just talk of “interrupting conditions.”

Amazon Ad Lawsuit: The FTC and 22 states, including Vermont, sued Amazon alleging it “rigged” ad auctions with hidden surcharges that inflated prices for advertisers by tens of billions. Local Back-to-School Support: In Milton, the Family Community Center handed out backpacks and supplies to a record 132 students, aiming to ease the financial stress of starting school. Public Safety & Courts: Vermont State Police reported a Wells domestic assault case where a suspect resisted arrest and was taken into custody. Education & Families: A Middlesex town select board hired a new full-time town administrator, Liam Abbate, starting Sept. 14. Wildlife Management: Vermont Fish & Wildlife announced expanded archery deer hunting days starting Sept. 15 in targeted areas to reduce deer damage and collisions. Community Events: Bennington’s libraries teamed up for a single summer reading program, and Brattleboro’s Windham County Humane Society set its Walk for Animals for Sept. 12. River Cleanup: Source to Sea marks 30 years of Connecticut River cleanups, with the Sept. 18-19 effort drawing volunteers statewide.

Big Tech Accountability: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general, including Vermont, sued Amazon over alleged “secret ad surcharge” schemes that they say inflated prices in online ad auctions for more than a million businesses, potentially extracting tens of billions. Higher Education in Vermont: Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Elizabeth Mauch argues the system is proving higher ed’s value by expanding affordability, including tuition-free community college through 802 Opportunity. Addison County Recovery: The Peer Recovery Center of Addison County is holding a grand opening for its permanent home in Middlebury, offering free, confidential, peer-led recovery support. Public Safety: A Rutland woman was charged after police say she brandished a 9mm handgun at a runner; she pleaded not guilty. Community & Culture: Cabot’s Cheese and Culture Festival returns Sept. 26 with cheesemakers, fermented-food producers, tastings, workshops, and music. Local Life: “Pancakes for the People” in Barre continues serving free Sunday breakfasts to help stretch budgets.

Amazon Ad Lawsuit: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general, including Vermont, sued Amazon alleging a “secret ad surcharge” scheme that inflated prices for more than 1 million advertisers by over $20 billion since 2019. Local Courts & Public Safety: Vermont GOP named Milton software engineer Jace Laquerre as a “placeholder” challenger to Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George, while Montpelier’s police chief search moves forward after multiple departures. Healthcare Policy: Vermont’s reference-based pricing rollout is set to standardize hospital services under Act 68, aiming to cut costs by fiscal year 2027. Health & Science: New migraine prevention guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society expand options, including newer CGRP-targeting drugs. Community & Services: Addison County’s Peer Recovery Center is holding a grand opening for its new permanent home in Middlebury. Weather & Safety Notes: A winter forecast map tied to a strengthening El Niño suggests mostly mild conditions with colder pockets in parts of New England; Vermont State Police also reported a single-vehicle crash in Fletcher with minor injuries. Consumer Alert: A white rice recall expanded to a dozen states, including Vermont—officials warn not to eat the affected Lundberg products.

VA clinic reopening: The Brattleboro VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic will resume normal operations Sept. 1 after a February closure for repairs, with patients directed to call specific specialty, primary care, and mental health extensions. Local housing for homelessness: St. Johnsbury is moving to expand emergency shelter capacity, with Rural Edge under contract to convert a former Moose Lodge into a 40-bed low-barrier shelter, then repurpose the current site for families. Fire safety and leadership: Four Vermont volunteer departments received State Farm Good Neighbor grants for firefighter safety gear, and South Burlington Fire Chief Steven Locke was sworn in as president and board chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Health care dispute: A Mt. Ascutney Hospital urologist says he was fired weeks after getting approval to open a stand-alone surgery center, with the hospital citing a “different approach” needed for operations. State politics and national ripple: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026. Community events: Winooski launched its first Friendship Festival, featuring student performances, food, and activities celebrating the district’s diversity. Public safety notes: Vermont State Police issued DUI-related releases and court dates, and a Randolph crash temporarily obstructed lanes on I-89.

Lake Ontario rename ripple: Google Maps says U.S. users will now see “Lake America” instead of “Lake Ontario,” following President Trump’s executive order tied to the Canada trade fight; Canada and New York say they won’t follow the change, and Google says Canadian users will still see “Lake Ontario.” Health care access in Vermont: The Brattleboro VA clinic will reopen Sept. 1 after closing in February for repairs, with patients directed to call specific extensions for primary care, specialty care, and mental health. Local school budget fight: Barre Unified Union School District is set to vote again Sept. 15 after voters rejected budgets twice, leaving the district without a voter-approved plan as the school year starts. Childcare affordability: A ConsumerAffairs analysis ranks Vermont near the top for what families need to earn to afford full-time toddler care. Public safety court case: A Newfane man pleaded not guilty after an ATV crash injured him and a 4-year-old passenger, with the defense calling it an “egregious lack in judgment.” Agriculture funding delays: Vermont farmers say federal farm-support money is bogged down in paperwork and arrives late, if at all. Food recall: Lundberg Jasmine white rice is recalled in multiple states, including Vermont, over possible foreign material contamination. Power and reliability: Green Mountain Power invites customers to an open house Sept. 1 in Westminster, with a virtual option Sept. 2.

Vermont & Health Care: The White River Junction VA Healthcare System says its Brattleboro Community-Based Outpatient Clinic will resume normal operations Tuesday, Sept. 1 after February repairs, with veterans directed to specific specialty, primary care, and mental health extensions at the Brattleboro site. Science & Local Impact: UVM researchers report in Nature that bat genes tied to immune responses may help explain bats’ long lifespans and unusual cancer resistance. Energy & Reliability: Green Mountain Power invites customers to a Westminster service-center open house Tuesday, Sept. 1 (5:30–6:30 p.m.) and offers a Facebook Live virtual option Wednesday at noon. Courts & Voting Access: A federal judge temporarily blocked a USPS mail-voting rule that would have required federal approval and new tracking portal steps for state systems ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a Bethel domestic assault case with charges including 1st-degree aggravated domestic assault, plus separate incidents in St. Johnsbury and Rockingham involving unlawful mischief and disorderly conduct. Community & Culture: Theatre at the Mount is holding auditions for “White Christmas” in early September, and Burlington Parks & Recreation is protecting snapping turtle nests at North Beach with orange netting as eggs hatch.

VA Health Access: The Brattleboro VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic will reopen Sept. 1 after a February closure for repairs, with patients directed to call (802) 295-9363 for primary care, specialty care, and mental health. Leadership Change: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026, after her work as Massachusetts’ first climate chief and prior EPA service. Power & Reliability: Green Mountain Power invites customers to an in-person Open House Sept. 1 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) in Westminster, with a Facebook Live virtual option Sept. 2 at noon. Research & Health: UVM researchers report in Nature that bat genes tied to immune responses may help explain bats’ long lifespans and low cancer rates. Local Traffic: A weekly state highway construction update lists paving and bridge work across I-89 and other routes, with speed limits and lane closures affecting travel. Digital Privacy: A Vermont lawmaker backs the Meta settlement, arguing Vermont should use part of the $92.7 million to build a privacy and digital protection unit in the Attorney General’s office. Downtown Planning: Lyndon is in the final stretch of pursuing Step 3 Center designation under Act 181, aiming for more state support for downtown revitalization. Sports: Vermont opens its fall field hockey season with a road trip to Quinnipiac on Sunday.

VA Health Care: The White River Junction VA says its Brattleboro community outpatient clinic will reopen Sept. 1 after repairs, with veterans directed to call specific extensions for primary care, specialty care, and mental health. Leadership Change: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026. Power & Community: Green Mountain Power invites customers to an in-person open house Sept. 1 in Westminster, with a Facebook Live virtual open house Sept. 2. Local Government & Finance: Killington officials say they’ve secured a $3.48 million tax anticipation note to stabilize cash flow and answer state questions about its tax increment financing district. Public Safety & Health: White River Junction VA notified veterans of an unintentional data breach involving unencrypted communications between June and July. Business & Education: Landmark College and Antioch University expanded options for neurodiversity training credits toward a master’s degree. Weather & Planning: Fall foliage forecasts point to early color in mid-September, with peak timing varying by region. Sports: UVM field hockey opened with a 5-2 win over Northeastern; Vermont State University Castleton notched a 7-0 women’s tennis home sweep.

Elections & Voting Access: Vermont’s attorney general says a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking USPS’s new vote-by-mail rule, calling compliance “practically impossible” and warning it could disenfranchise voters. Public Safety & Health: A new Vermont survey finds teen mental health is improving and vaping, alcohol, and marijuana use are down, even as some students still struggle. Housing: Northern Forest Center broke ground on a $12.5 million, 24-unit affordable housing project in Greenville, aiming to support year-round residents and long-term newcomers. Arts & Community: Suzy Haner is taking over daily operations as interim executive director of the Monument Arts and Culture Center in Bennington. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Green Mountain Power plans a customer open house Sept. 1 in Westminster, and a weekly construction update outlines upcoming I-89 paving and bridge work affecting traffic. Sports: U-32’s football program is being framed as a “team of the future” after graduation losses, with a young roster ready to build.

Vermont & Science: A new Nature study led by UVM researchers says bats’ DNA changes after pathogen exposure help explain their long lifespans and unusual resistance to cancer. Vermont & Education Leadership: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026. Vermont & Fall Plans: AccuWeather is forecasting vivid fall foliage across Vermont and New England, with the best color tied to healthy trees plus sunny days and cool nights. Vermont & Local Economy: Mascoma Community Development secured $15 million in New Markets Tax Credits to help Meister Cheese expand and modernize operations. Vermont & Culture: Singer-songwriter Francesca Blanchard’s new song “Quit Music” draws on recorded voice memos from her father. Vermont & Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a fatal crash on Route 7 in Ferrisburgh involving a DUI with death resulting, and separate sexual-assault and domestic-assault cases with arrests and court dates. Vermont & Food Safety: USDA recalled frozen buffalo chicken products shipped to Vermont after inspection marks were found to be false. Vermont & Sports: Area high school soccer and field hockey preseason coverage continues, with multiple teams previewed for the 2026 season.

Mail-in Voting Fight: The USPS is moving ahead with a Trump policy that requires states to send voter rolls to the federal government and limits mail ballots to voters matching federal citizenship data, even as Democratic states and voting-rights groups keep challenging it in court. Reproductive Health Legal Battle: Minnesota and other states have sued to block new Title X conditions that would force clinics to follow political rules tied to family planning funding. Big Tech Child-Safety Settlement: Meta is reaching a massive multistate deal over alleged teen social media harms, with Vermont set to receive $92.7 million and new limits aimed at reducing addictive features on Instagram and Facebook. PFAS in Drinking Water: A class action was filed over PFOA contamination in Bennington and Shaftsbury, where hundreds of wells have tested positive. Vermont Education Overhaul: A new CESA structure is taking shape as superintendents begin planning shared services and possible mergers under Act 73/170. Public Safety: A Lamoille County man was sentenced to 100 months for child pornography possession. Weather Watch: Severe storms and flash-flood risk are expected across parts of the Northeast, including Vermont. Science & Health: UVM researchers report new Nature findings on bat genes linked to longevity, immunity, and cancer resistance.

Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $18B and add child-safety limits on Facebook and Instagram, with Vermont set to receive $92.7M as part of a nationwide teen social-media addiction case. Public Safety: A motorcyclist died after being rear-ended on Route 7 in Ferrisburgh; Vermont State Police charged the driver with DUI with death resulting, plus reckless endangerment. Food Safety: Nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products were recalled after being made without federal inspection; shipments included Vermont. Elections & Voting Access: Vermont AGs are among states suing USPS over new mail-ballot rules, arguing the changes are unconstitutional and could disrupt voting. State Politics & Money: A report highlights corporate cash flowing into Vermont political campaigns, including donations tied to online prediction markets. Health & Youth: A new Vermont youth survey finds improvements in mental health and declines in vaping, alcohol, and marijuana use. Environment & Water: UVM Extension is expanding “Test & Protect” soil-sampling help to reduce lawn and garden runoff into Lake Champlain. Community: Burlington police arrested a Colchester woman accused of taking a 3-year-old child without the parent’s knowledge.