AGP Executive Report

Homelessness & Services: Vermont 211 says it will stop handling intake for the new Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum after 4:30 p.m. weekdays and on weekends/holidays, with emergency housing screening shifting to the state’s Economic Services Division during business hours. PFAS Research: Landmark College and partners won a $7.9 million NSF grant to build a PFAS “forever chemicals” research network, with students collecting field data alongside researchers at Bennington, Middlebury, UVM and state agencies. Mental Health Care: Burlington’s new Asha Clinic opens as a specialized outpatient suicide-care program led by Dr. Craig Bryan, aiming to expand access to therapies proven to reduce suicide attempts. Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a Granville house explosion that killed two people and injured three; officials say the preliminary investigation doesn’t indicate the blast was suspicious. Transportation: AOT/partners announced a Better Connections Grant Program with $200,000 available for 2027 planning grants for municipalities outside Chittenden County. Road Work: The state posted its weekly construction update, including paving and bridge work affecting I-89 and other routes.

Suicide Care Expansion: UVM Health Network and the Four Pines Fund opened the Asha Clinic in Burlington, a specialized outpatient program focused on suicide care led by Dr. Craig Bryan, aiming to connect patients with therapies proven to reduce attempts and improve quality of life. Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a house explosion in Granville that killed two people and injured three; officials say preliminary findings don’t suggest the blast was suspicious. Immigration Protest: Seven Vermont clergy were arrested in Williston while protesting ICE targeting at a National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center site, with charges tied to unlawful trespass. Local Law Enforcement: In Bethel, VSP reported an arrest on multiple warrants for Robert G. Cappiallo; in St. Johnsbury, VSP said a traffic stop led to cocaine possession charges against Amber Labrecque. State Policy & Outdoors: Vermont expanded archery deer hunting with 16 additional days starting Sept. 15 in designated areas to address deer damage and collisions. Business & Research: Landmark College is part of a $7.9 million NSF PFAS Environmental Research Network to study “forever chemicals” in Vermont groundwater and soil. Community Events: Plymouth’s Folk and Blues Festival kicks off, and Mount Independence marks its 250th anniversary with a living history weekend.

Mental Health & Health Care: UVM Health and partners are expanding specialized suicide care in Burlington with the new Asha Clinic, led by suicide care researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and designed to connect patients to proven, expert-led treatment. Public Safety & Wildlife: Vermont is adding 16 days of expanded archery deer hunting starting Sept. 15 in eight designated areas, aimed at reducing deer damage and collisions. State Policy & Community Planning: Wardsboro is launching “Wardsboro Turns Up,” a three-month community process with meetings Sept. 17, Oct. 15, and Nov. 5 to set priorities and build action plans. Business & Local Economy: VEDA announced staffing changes, including appointing Kim Highter as a new agricultural loan officer, while VEDA’s Renée Grzankowski joins the Vermont AI Economic Task Force. Transportation & Infrastructure: The state posted its weekly construction schedule for Sept. 7, with paving and bridge work affecting I-89 and I-91 routes. Community Events: The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber announced an Oct. 3–4 Fall Foliage Train and Pop-Up Fall Festival in Ludlow.

Universal Vote-by-Mail: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas is urging voters to make a voting plan as ballots head out automatically under Act 60, with four options to return or vote in person in November. Mental Health Care: UVM Health Network and partners opened the Asha Clinic in Burlington, a specialized outpatient program focused on suicide care, led by Dr. Craig Bryan and designed to expand access to proven treatments. PFAS Research: Landmark College is part of a $7.9 million NSF-funded PFAS Environmental Research Network to track “forever chemicals” in Vermont groundwater and soil. Public Safety & Elections: Vermont’s AG Nick Brown and a coalition of states won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS rules that would have forced new ballot-envelope designs and tracking steps before the election. Local Culture & Community: Capital City Concerts begins a new chapter with Jillian Reed and Tyler Emerson taking over leadership for its Sept. 12 opening program. Business & Infrastructure: Vermont’s Better Connections Grant Program will offer $200,000 for two towns outside Chittenden County to plan multi-modal transportation and water-quality improvements.

Corrections Oversight: Lawmakers are scrutinizing a Vermont Department of Corrections policy that keeps some prisoners past minimum sentences, while a new women’s prison plan stays stuck in limbo. Northeast Kingdom Health Care: St. Johnsbury’s Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital has opened a larger, modern emergency department after years of capacity strain. Mental Health Access: UVM Medical Center’s new Asha Clinic in Burlington is now officially open, offering specialized outpatient suicide care led by Dr. Craig Bryan with support from the Four Pines Fund. Housing: Burlington marked a milestone with 38 new affordable apartments downtown, including units set aside for people exiting homelessness. Local Justice & Protest: A Williston ICE protest led to arrests of a local priest and others, as state police report related trespassing charges. Education Contract Fight: Tensions are rising in the Blue Mountain Union School District as teachers start the year without a contract and a labor complaint is filed. Traffic & Safety: Crashes and road closures are affecting travel, including an I-89 South lane reduction in Bolton and a Route 14 closure in Williamstown. Business & Grants: Vermont’s Better Connections grant program is opening for 2027 planning projects, and a new PFAS research network is funded with $7.9 million.

Local News & Public Safety: Police responded to an overnight standoff in St. Johnsbury on Costa Avenue, with no threat to the public reported; the road was closed near the scene as tactical gear was staged. Media & Democracy: Vermont Business Magazine and partners are hosting a free Constitution Day event in Burlington focused on the First Amendment and the future of free speech and local journalism. Education Leadership: Washington Central is weighing options for an interim superintendent after a consultant-led search stalled when top finalists withdrew. Cyber & Privacy: Two major U.S. law firms, including McDermott and Quinn Emanuel, reported data breaches involving sensitive client and personal information. Vermont Community News: The National Trust for Local News is buying the Vermont Community Newspaper Group, keeping staff in place while aiming to stabilize coverage. Health: Updated migraine prevention guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society expand options, including CGRP-targeted therapies. Arts & Culture: Indie rocker Lily Seabird is promoting her new album with a “Portal to the Past” theme, with Vermont shows planned later this year.

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.