AGP Executive Report

UVM Health Job Cuts: UVM Health says it’s eliminating 142 positions, including 76 at Alice Hyde Medical Center and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, as it works to close a projected $300 million budget gap and “enhance access to affordable care.” Child Care Funding: Vermont awarded $264,500 to 20 infant and toddler programs through Make Way for Kids grants, including local support for The Learning Tree in Bennington and other providers statewide. Local Tax Debate: Bennington’s Economic Development Committee is weighing a local option tax that could raise about $1.8 million a year, aiming to reduce reliance on property taxes. Public Safety—Heat: Vermont health officials warn that June heat and humidity can trigger heat illness even at “only” moderate temperatures, urging hydration and caution for symptoms. Transportation Recall: Honda is recalling 880,514 vehicles in multiple states, including Vermont, over rear suspension/subframe corrosion that could lead to loss of control. Community Events: Vermont Mad Pride returns to Burlington July 11 for its 10th annual march and celebration focused on psychiatric survivor rights and disability justice. Rural Economy & AI: UVM’s Leahy Institute hosts the RISE Summit June 16, with a keynote on “AI and the Future Rural Economy.”

Maine Politics: Graham Platner won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary and will face Sen. Susan Collins in November, setting up a high-stakes race as Democrats weigh how much voters will tolerate a controversy-heavy campaign. Local Governance: Killington’s select board and town manager remain locked in a fight over budget cuts, with labor complaints filed and little agreement reached after another long meeting. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a Richford unlawful mischief case after a smashed apartment door, and issued a traffic alert for a crash affecting I-89 north near exit 16. Environment & Planning: Vermont DEC is updating wetland maps in more than 100 towns, with public meetings scheduled in June. Business & Jobs: UVM Health is cutting 142 positions amid restructuring pressures, while Vermont’s Community College of Vermont keeps tuition flat for next year. Community & Culture: Bennington’s Rooted Hands Project hosts Beneficial Insect Days and a ladybug release, and Vermont History Museum highlights never-before-seen copper images.

Maine Politics: Graham Platner heads into Tuesday’s Democratic Senate primary with national attention on a string of controversies, including allegations about sexually explicit texts and troubling behavior claims, as he tries to take on Sen. Susan Collins. Vermont Health & Public Safety: Vermont’s Recovery Friendly Workplaces program is expanding through a new partnership between the Department of Labor and a mental health and addiction recovery group, aiming to reduce stigma and help employers support workers in recovery. UVM & Science: UVM researchers report that menopause-related hormone changes can reshape brain activity patterns, framing midlife as a key neurological transition. Sports: Drew Kelleher returns to lead Vermont men’s lacrosse after Chris Feifs stepped away for a Virginia role, with the program looking to keep its championship culture. Community & Events: The Make-A-Wish Twin State All-Star Hockey Classic returns June 27 at UVM, with proceeds supporting wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Local Notes: Gondolas Snack Bar is starting its third season in Morristown, building a following with smash burgers and creemees at two nearby locations. Education & Workforce: Vermont State University says 188 apprentices graduated from its Level IV registered programs, including 133 electricians and 55 plumbers.

Health & Education: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with a ceremony for eight graduates, including a Burlington High School alum with Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes, highlighting real workplace rotations and growing independence. Leadership Change: The Village at White River Junction named Bethel’s Danielle Nickerson its executive director, bringing nearly a decade of Vermont senior-care leadership. Public Health: Vermont health officials urged residents to ease into hot weather after the first heat wave risk, warning about dehydration and heat illness and pointing people to cooling resources. State Politics: Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of H.727 on future large-scale AI data centers held after lawmakers fell short of a veto override. Local Schools: Rutland City Public Schools is preparing for education reform changes, including regional cooperative service areas and a required merger study with nearby districts. Science: UVM researchers found H1N1 and H3N2 use different routes to infect lung cells, a finding that could influence future flu treatments. Community & Culture: A roadside marker honoring Ann Story, the “Mother of the Green Mountain Boys,” was unveiled in Salisbury. Crime: A Bennington woman, Jessica Stratton, pleaded not guilty in federal court to trafficking cocaine and fentanyl.

Senior Care Leadership: Danielle Nickerson, a Bethel native with nearly a decade of Vermont healthcare leadership experience, was named executive director of The Village at White River Junction in White River Junction. Workforce Pathways for Disability: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with a June 3 ceremony for eight graduates, including a Burlington High School alum who gained real workplace experience and more independence. Local Sports: The Vermont Mountaineers earned their first win of the season, 3-1 over the North Shore Navigators, in a strikeout-heavy matchup. Make-A-Wish Hockey: Rosters and dates are set for the 34th annual (men) and 29th annual (women) Make-A-Wish Twin State All-Star Hockey Classic at UVM’s Gutterson Field House on June 27, with a skills competition June 26. Energy Debate: Vergennes residents are pushing back on a proposed battery energy storage site, arguing about safety and aesthetics as the company says the technology has a strong safety record. Courts & Condemnation: Colchester was ordered to pay $122,144.50 in legal fees after a ruling found the town acted in “bad faith” in eminent domain over stormwater infrastructure. Public Safety: Vermont State Police are asking for help locating missing 18-year-old Alek Deng in Newbury. Community & Culture: Montpelier’s Community Gospel Choir is kicking off Juneteenth concerts with free and ticketed events across June 5-14.

Workforce & Disability Services: UVM Medical Center wrapped up its Project SEARCH program with a June 3 ceremony for eight graduates, including a Burlington High School alum whose year-long rotations built workplace confidence and independence while managing Type 1 diabetes with less support. Public Safety: Vermont State Police are asking for help after a burglary at Dwyer’s State Line Beer and Wine in Pownal early Sunday morning; a man in dark clothing forced entry around 12:59 a.m. and left on foot about 1:38 a.m. Missing Person: Troopers also reported a welfare concern for 79-year-old Dale Ovitt, last seen June 6 on a blue UTV in Enosburg and Bakersfield, and still not located. Local Crime Charges: Vermont Attorney General’s Office says Robert Martineit of East Montpelier was arraigned on felony lewd and lascivious conduct plus alcohol/cannabis minor-enabling counts, with conditions of release while the case proceeds. Education: Community College of Vermont held graduation for nearly 500 associate-degree recipients, with students from across Vermont and beyond. Arts & Culture: Burlington’s Discover Jazz Festival closed with performances featuring Chris Potter and Julian Lage. Sports: Vermont high school playoff and spring-season results rolled in, including Gatorade naming BFA-St. Albans pitcher Megan Gonyeau softball player of the year. Lottery: Vermont Lottery posted June 6 Powerball and Pick 3 results, plus June 7 Pick 3 results.

Local Politics: Jessica Van Oort announced she’s running for state representative in the Rutland-Bennington district, citing rising costs and her work on Pawlet’s planning, zoning streamlining, and geothermal heating grant. Education & Workforce: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates building workplace skills through rotations, including support for participants managing conditions like Type 1 diabetes. Higher Ed Milestone: Community College of Vermont held graduation for about 500 students, including veterans and first-generation college graduates. Public Safety: A new Vermont law boosts penalties for oversized vehicles illegally traveling through Smugglers Notch, with fines rising sharply starting July 1. Health & Community: Vermont’s culvert “Culvert Crawlers” program is mobilizing volunteers to help towns prioritize maintenance as heavier rains increase washout risks. Vermont Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports Addison County’s lowest premium price at $5.19 for the week ending May 30, while diesel prices also eased in Washington County. Science & Health: UVM researchers report a flu finding that could improve prevention by showing H1N1 and H3N2 infect human lungs differently.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a Vermont bill meant to curb the worst impacts of large AI data centers, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and environmental groups who warned of higher utility bills and pollution. PFAS Crackdown: A fast-moving wave of state “forever chemical” rules is reshaping what ends up in products nationwide, with Vermont among states pushing disclosure or restrictions. Public Health & Environment: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, as officials say farmers are already shifting to alternatives. Courts & Food Aid: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from forcing states to follow Trump administration positions on gender and immigration to keep billions in funding, including food assistance. Local Safety: Vermont State Police reported a one-car crash in Woodford where a driver briefly fell asleep, hitting a fire hydrant; injuries were minor. Sports & Community: WCAX reports Neve Renwick’s late goal lifted Vermont Green women over New England Mutiny 2-1, and the Central Vermont Humane Society’s 34th Walk for Animals drew big crowds at the State House. Weather: Severe thunderstorm threats eased, with showers likely overnight and a warm, summer-like week ahead.

Herbicide Ban: Vermont has become the first state to ban paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, with supporters calling it a major health win and noting many countries already outlaw it. State Politics: In Maine’s high-stakes Democratic Senate primary, Graham Platner says voters will back him despite fresh allegations reported by the New York Times, as progressives rally around “accountability” and “redemption.” Local Planning: South Burlington’s planning commission is moving toward initial zoning rules for data centers, aiming to get ahead of fast-moving proposals and their energy and water impacts. Workplace Inclusion: UVM Health hosted a Project SEARCH graduation ceremony celebrating eight participants, including a Burlington High School graduate who built real workplace skills and independence. Weather Watch: Strong storms are expected Saturday afternoon and evening in the region, with a risk of damaging winds and hail. Road Updates: Multiple construction projects are scheduled, including a long closure of the Depot St. bridge in Bennington, plus lane reductions and detours elsewhere. Public Safety: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is warning people not to disturb sea lamprey spawning in the Connecticut River.

AI & Energy Policy: Vermont lawmakers tried to override Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727, a bill meant to protect Vermonters from the costs and environmental impacts of large AI data centers, but Republicans blocked the override. Public Safety & Courts: Federal authorities say they arrested five out-of-state suspects tied to a $500,000+ wire fraud scheme targeting banks and credit unions across Vermont and the Northeast. Health & Science: UVM researchers report new findings on menopause that suggest the transition may also be a neurological phase, with brain activity differences tied to hormone shifts. Economy & Cost of Living: A new national look at residential electricity prices shows Vermont’s rates rose about 7.7% year over year, with grid and demand pressures driving increases. Community & Housing: HomeShare Vermont is hosting an open house in Brattleboro to explain homesharing as a way to support aging in place and expand affordable options. Arts & Culture: The Manchester Music Festival returns with “Sounding America: Music That Shaped US,” and Weston Theater Company kicks off its 90th season with a return of “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash.”

Education & Workforce: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including a Burlington High School alum with Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes, highlighting real workplace rotations and more independence. Community & Local Events: Essex’s Farmers’ Market kicked off at Sand Hill Park with new vendors, expanded music, and a Kid’s Day track for young entrepreneurs. Health & Research: UVM researchers say they’ve found a new potential path for flu treatment and prevention by studying how influenza viruses enter cells. Public Safety: Vermont State Police investigated a two-vehicle crash in Rockingham that left only minor injuries. Energy & Environment: Burlington Electric Department approved new hydro power purchase agreements, including output tied to Maine’s Skelton Hydro facility and a 10-year deal for Connecticut’s Wyre Wynd project. Recreation Rules: Vermont tightened wake-boat limits, adding a 500-foot buffer where wake sports are allowed and setting $300 fines starting June 11. Health Policy: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, a weedkiller under scrutiny for a possible link to Parkinson’s disease. Local Government Calendar: A slate of town and supervisory union meetings runs June 8–11, including SVSU-related sessions and planning commission meetings.

Health Care & Disability Employment: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including Juno (Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes), showing how structured workplace rotations can build independence and job-ready skills. Legislative Health Policy: Vermont lawmakers advanced a bill to speed up “reference-based” pricing tied to Medicare benchmarks, aiming to cut health costs, as Gov. Phil Scott faces pressure over whether to veto. Public Safety & Environment: Vermont State Police reported VT Route 100 shut down in Hyde Park due to a fire incident, while the Village of Barton secured permits to replace a damaged Pageant Park Road culvert this summer to better handle extreme flooding. Housing & Consumer Costs: A national report highlights renters paying non-refundable application and screening fees that don’t follow them if they’re rejected—adding friction to an already tight market. Politics & Accountability: Burlington officials defended police actions during an ICE operation after a review found alleged use-of-force violations “exonerated” or “unfounded,” with complaints still under scrutiny. Sports: UVM men’s lacrosse coach Chris Feifs stepped down after 10 years to become Virginia’s defensive coordinator/associate head coach. Agriculture & Community: Vermont’s Agricultural Hall of Fame named 2026 inductees, including Emerging Leader Courtney Banach and Innovator Heather Darby, to be honored at the Champlain Valley Fair.

Disability Employment: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with a June 3 ceremony for eight graduates, including a Burlington High School alum who gained real workplace experience and more independence managing Type 1 diabetes. Youth Justice: Vermont is moving to expand in-state treatment for justice-involved youth, proposing a Green Mountain Youth Center in South Burlington for ages 12–18 with 24-hour, clinically intensive support. Northern Lights: NOAA issued a strong G3 geomagnetic storm alert for June 4–5, with a better-than-usual chance of auroras reaching far northern Vermont and other northern states. Special Olympics: The Vermont Special Olympics Torch Run heads to St. Michael’s College in Colchester on June 5, with a public opening ceremony and summer games for athletes statewide. Local Privacy Fight: A Manchester commentary argues license plate readers threaten privacy and security, citing concerns about access beyond local police use. Education & Sports: MVU named Class of 2026 high achievers with top GPAs, while Equinox Lacrosse’s U10 girls won an overtime championship at the Equinox Shootout. Community & Culture: Hildene announced Pulitzer historian Doris Kearns Goodwin as the featured speaker for its July 8 Legacy Gala.

Workforce & Disability Services: UVM Health hosted a Project SEARCH completion ceremony Wednesday, celebrating eight graduates who spent a year rotating through real workplace roles and building independence and job skills, including managing health needs with less support. State Parks Access: Vermont is seeking more flexible, “dynamic” pricing for state park access, aiming to better match rising maintenance costs and parking demand without automatically raising fees. Education & Safety: Vermont schools were hit by a wave of fake bomb threats Wednesday, triggering evacuations and lockdowns in multiple districts; Vermont State Police and the FBI are investigating. Public Safety (Local): Tunbridge Central School’s art classroom fire on June 2 was ruled accidental, caused by combustible materials placed too close to a pottery kiln. Community & Local Government: Websterville’s water system won a best-tasting surface water award, and the select board recognized volunteer operators and staff for keeping the system running smoothly. Health Policy (National): A new analysis warns Social Security benefits could drop about $500 a month on average if the trust fund runs out in 2032. Arts & Culture: Burlington musician Lara Cwass is drawing attention with recent gigs, while Newport City Elementary students will perform “Bully No More” Friday to address bullying through music and leadership.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Vermont is among seven states suing the Trump administration over a $928 million deal to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing the Interior Department violated federal law and that the move will undercut clean-energy goals and jobs. Housing & Development: Burlington’s South End Coordinated Redevelopment Project is moving forward, with city sign-off and funding commitments aimed at adding hundreds of apartments on Lakeside Avenue. Energy Storage Debate: Vergennes residents and officials are weighing concerns about a proposed battery storage facility, including fire risk and pollution, ahead of a public hearing. Public Safety: False bomb threats tied to a statewide swatting incident disrupted schools across Vermont, with evacuations and investigations underway. Environment & Wildlife: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is urging landowners to delay mowing to protect grassland birds like bobolinks. Local Business & Culture: Burke Mountain Resort is preparing to open its bike park for the season, and Make Music Vermont is inviting performers and venues for a statewide June 21 celebration.

Offshore Wind Lawsuit: New York and six other states, including Vermont, sued the Trump administration over a deal that paid TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases—arguing it was illegal and would cost jobs and undercut climate and energy goals. Local Politics: Molly Gray, a former Vermont lieutenant governor, is running to reclaim the job, pitching her experience and work with the Vermont Afghan Alliance as she campaigns through Brattleboro. State Government & Economy: Vermont’s EV market keeps climbing, with nearly 21,000 electric vehicles on the road—driven by higher gas prices, cheaper used EVs, and discounted charging rates. Environment & Lakes: The Vermont Lakes and Ponds Program is urging shoreland owners to use best practices—like native plantings and rain gardens—to protect water quality and habitat. Business & Community: Brattleboro is set for a June 24 grand opening of a new Amtrak station with level boarding and accessibility upgrades. Sports: Rutland girls lacrosse snapped a playoff drought with a 9-1 win over Milton, while Castleton softball coach Eric Kraut announced his resignation. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a Bristol-area crash on Monkton Road where a driver was cited for DUI.