AGP Executive Report

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.

Meta Settlement & Teen Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $18 billion and add new child-safety limits on Facebook and Instagram, including nighttime blocks and default time limits for teens, plus changes like disabling “like” counts. Vermont Money From Meta: Vermont is set to receive $92.7 million under the multistate deal, with the state framing it as a “watershed moment” for teen protections. USPS Vote-by-Mail Fight: A coalition of states sued to block new USPS rules that would require states to overhaul mail-voting procedures on a tight timeline, arguing it risks disenfranchising eligible voters. Vermont Housing: Vermont’s Housing Improvement Program is getting steadier “base funding,” helping keep a rehab and small-housing pipeline alive after years of uncertain appropriations. Health Data Breach: A Baylor Genetics breach may have exposed sensitive medical data for about 2.8 million people nationwide, including 2,630 Vermonters. Cats Rescue: More than 100 cats were removed from a Vermont property in East Montpelier as the Central Vermont Humane Society continues trapping and placement. Local Life: Garlic Town USA returns to downtown Bennington on Sept. 5 with expanded food demos and family programming.

Vermont Public Safety: Vermont State Police say a Groton man, Nicholas Fortunati, was arrested after allegedly driving into a Ryegate home and leaving the scene; no residents were hurt, and Fortunati was held on $100 bail. Local Housing & Community Support: Charlotte Congregational Church in support of Cathedral Square’s Housing Incentive Program is donating $20,000 for a second year, building on last year’s $25,000 gift and hands-on involvement with participants. Land Use & Permitting: Rutland is making its first pitch for a new Tier 1A status that would shift Act 250 permitting to local control, with a hearing focused on compact growth and flood-hazard carve-outs. Transportation Planning: VTrans is gathering feedback on a proposed Route 116 roundabout in St. George aimed at reducing crashes, with construction not expected until 2030. Health Policy: Vermont Medicaid and Vermont Health Connect will roll out federally required changes starting Oct. 1, including restrictions for some immigrants, with more steps beginning Jan. 1. Around Town: Bennington’s Garlic Town USA returns Sept. 5 with expanded chef demonstrations, new vendors, and more family programming. Sports: Chittenden County girls soccer previews and preseason rankings are out, setting the stage for the season’s first games.

Mail-in Voting Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court lifted a procedural block on parts of President Trump’s mail-voting changes, while Vermont officials moved to clean up voter-roll errors, removing just shy of 900 people wrongly registered through DMV mistakes. Local Housing & Land Use: Rutland’s Land Use Review Board toured neighborhoods and the city’s TIF district as it weighs a possible Act 250 exemption tied to housing growth. Homelessness & Public Safety: Burlington City Council approved a resolution urging Gov. Phil Scott to step up help for downtown homelessness and drug use, including more police support and staffing at an inpatient care facility. Community & Culture: North Bennington’s Park McCullough will host “International Play Music on the Porch Day” Aug. 29, and St. Albans Town Forest opened the Jaybird Dream Trail in memory of Jason and Loli Berard. Arts & Education: Shelburne Museum plans a Norman Rockwell Day Sept. 26, and Colchester welcomed a new Union Memorial School principal, Colleen Birner.

Housing & demographics: Vermont’s housing squeeze isn’t just about population growth—reporting points to shrinking household sizes, with many Vermonters living alone or in smaller households, leaving more demand for the same housing stock. Civic education: Vermont’s “kid governor” program is back for a second year, giving fifth-graders statewide lessons in elections and government through a student vote. Homelessness & public safety: Burlington City Council unanimously approved a resolution urging Gov. Phil Scott to help expand shelter capacity, extend hotel housing, restore mental health services, and add state law enforcement support. Public health: Rutland’s Bardwell House is responding after Legionella bacteria was detected in the water system following cases of Legionnaires disease among residents. Justice & safety: A Colchester man accused of kidnapping his family faces felony charges after police say he was found with guns and body armor; he pleaded not guilty and remains held pending a hearing. Community support: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont announced a Sept. 15 grand opening for its new recovery center in Barre. Health research: Dartmouth Health researchers say alpha-gal syndrome may complicate some patients’ ability to safely receive certain blood transfusions. Local business/charity: Sunset Lake Cannabis in South Hero announced a $2,500 donation to the Vermont Foodbank.

Vermont Economy: The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.6% in July, according to the Vermont Department of Labor. Youth Mental Health: A new Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows teen sadness/hopelessness is down to 23% from 31% in 2019, but long therapy waitlists remain a major problem. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a Derby-area shooting with injuries; the investigation is ongoing and tips are being sought. Housing & Community Support: Cathedral Square received a $20,000 donation from Charlotte Congregational Church to support its Housing Incentive Program, which helps people transition out of homelessness. Local Government: Pittsford selectboard is gathering details on a possible 1% local option sales tax, including how to keep revenue tied to the town. Cannabis Regulation: New federal rules are expected to significantly affect Vermont’s cannabis and hemp market. Arts & Culture: Shelburne Museum plans a Norman Rockwell Day on Sept. 26 with curator tours, artmaking, and a talk on Rockwell’s photography.

House leadership: Essex Junction Rep. Lori Houghton is lining up to become Vermont’s next House speaker after Jill Krowinski said she won’t run again, with lawmakers citing her ability to listen, communicate, and hold a divided caucus together. Postal problems: Vermont’s congressional delegation pressed USPS leadership over worsening delivery shortfalls, saying many Vermonters get only one or two drops a week or none for stretches. Public safety: Bennington police are investigating vandalism at the Vermont Veterans’ Home, where someone wrote over a granite memorial slab. Traffic & crime: State police say speed and alcohol were factors in a Fairlee motorcycle crash that left a driver with life-threatening injuries; separate reporting says a man was dropped off after being shot multiple times in northern Vermont. Politics & policy: Gov. Phil Scott highlighted $190 million in tax refunds from last year’s tax break package, while Democrats argue for added taxes on top earners. Community & culture: Nightmare Vermont canceled its 2026 Haunted House season. Sports: UVM men’s soccer started 2026 with a 4-1 win over Colgate.

Vermont Public Power: VPPSA General Manager Ken Nolan was elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, a regional leadership role for Vermont’s municipal utilities. Public Safety: Vermont State Police are asking for help after a 59-year-old Derby man was dropped off at North Country Hospital in Newport with multiple gunshot wounds; his condition is stable and investigators say key details are still missing. Local Crime: Police are investigating vandalism at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, where honor roll monuments were defaced with messages including “F— War” and “F— America.” Community & Health: The Vermont Museum of Natural History at the Pool Nature Center named Julia Menges its new executive director, starting Sept. 1. Civic Reminder: The Vermont secretary of state is urging voters to update mailing addresses before ballots go out after Sept. 1. Outdoors & Trails: VSP is seeking information about theft of trailhead signs in Waitsfield, Fayston and Warren. Business & Events: Navy Week returns to Vermont with a first-of-its-kind visit starting Monday, with demonstrations and tours across the region.

Endangered Species: A Trump administration rule change narrows what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, raising alarms in Vermont that habitat damage from drilling, mining, and logging could proceed unless animals are directly injured or killed. Tariffs & Border Trade: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and Sen. Peter Welch criticized new 50% tariffs on Canada after failed talks, warning the “tax” will raise costs for families and strain a long-running economic relationship. Veterans Home Vandalism: Bennington police are investigating overnight vandalism at the Vermont Veterans Home, where honor roll monuments were defaced with red and white paint and slurs; volunteers helped clean the memorials. Public Safety: Essex Junction reported no injuries after a Saturday apartment fire started on the first floor near an electric stovetop. Health Policy: Vermont Medicaid agencies say a federal model for covering weight-loss drugs is too costly, joining other states that opted out. Community & Culture: Burlington’s Intervale Center hosted the First African Landing Day commemoration, and New Haven unveiled a honey-bee pollinator mural. Sports: Mount Mansfield’s Aly Dorman is set to join UVM women’s basketball in 2027-28.

Vermont Veterans Home vandalized in Bennington: Bennington Police are investigating overnight graffiti that defaced honor roll memorials at the Vermont Veterans Home, including messages painted in red and white. Volunteers and veterans groups cleaned the monuments after the incident, and police say the investigation is still in its early stages, asking anyone with information to call. Public safety updates: Vermont State Police cited two men after a June 17 Swanton shooting where target practice sent a round into an 84-year-old woman’s home; both face reckless endangerment-related charges. In Berlin, troopers also cited people tied to an underage drinking party. Local traffic and community services: A crash shut down US Route 5 S in Fairlee for several hours, and multiple roadwork projects are scheduled across the region. Community events and culture: Veerio launched a Chittenden County pilot to help residents find local events in one place, and Bennington’s Bennington 250 committee announced a 250 for 250 year-end gala. Agriculture and economy: Fewer farmers are showing up at Vermont markets, with shoppers noticing more craft vendors as growers weigh costs against profits.

Privacy Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from getting a database with sensitive personal data on more than 17 million commercial drivers, including Social Security and license numbers, pausing a Homeland Security subpoena while the case plays out. Health & Safety: Vermont and 13 other states were hit by an FDA-linked recall of compounded glutathione injections after elevated endotoxin levels were found, with reports of fever, chills, severe headache and allergic-type reactions. Winter Costs: With war in Iran adding volatility to global oil markets, Vermont heating fuel prices have swung from above $3 earlier this year to just under $5 a gallon, leaving families unsure whether to prebuy now or wait. Local Government: Burlington is forming a graffiti abatement committee and partnering with PaintCare to offer free paint for residents to help cover tags. Environment: The Nature Conservancy awarded nearly $400,000 to keep Vermont habitat connected for species shifting north as the climate warms. Arts & Culture: Grace Potter returned to Burlington to celebrate her new album “Trespasser,” including stops at local venues and an acoustic set. Sports: The Vermont Mountaineers hired Brian Murphy as field manager for their 25th anniversary season.

Vermont Veterans: Vermont veterans and military families are urging Gov. Phil Scott and lawmakers to back the “Defend the Guard Act,” which would require review of orders that send Guard units into federal active duty—after the 158th Fighter Wing was deployed for eight months straight. Healthcare & Costs: Vermont This Week highlights growing concern over hospital bed and staff cuts at Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital, alongside other state tensions. Utility Merger Watch: Vermont is among New England states opposing a proposed NextEra–Dominion utility merger, warning it could give the combined company “unprecedented leverage” over regional infrastructure. Mail Service Pressure: Vermont’s congressional delegation says it has received more than 2,000 complaints about USPS delivery, pushing the Postmaster General for answers after reports of missed mail and reduced service. Energy Prices: As heating oil remains volatile, Vermonters are renewing price-cap plans while bracing for winter costs that could be higher than last year. Local Government Calendar: A slate of meetings is set for Aug. 24–28, including Bennington Select Board and a Vermont Veterans Home executive committee session.

Public Safety & Health: Vermont fire departments will share $10,000 State Farm grants through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, with Barnet, Barre Town, Fair Haven, and Sutton among the recipients. Education: A push to bring back recess time is gaining momentum nationwide, with new research tying more play to better student outcomes. Transportation: Vermont’s new car inspection rules, approved by a legislative panel, loosen requirements for issues like brake rust, tire cracks, and certain dashboard lights, aiming to improve affordability for drivers. Housing & Finance: A Central Vermont housing finance discussion spotlights how state-backed low-interest lending can unlock workforce projects when conventional borrowing costs stall them. Community & Recovery: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont is holding a grand opening for a new recovery center in Barre, expanding peer recovery support for people and families affected by substance use. Local Business: Navy Week in Vermont will connect small businesses with Navy and Marine Corps contracting opportunities in Burlington. Sports: Vermont opened its soccer season with a 2-0 win over George Mason.

Housing & Finance: A Brattleboro workforce housing project at Winston Prouty is getting a boost from Vermont’s Invest in Vermont program, highlighting how “capital” financing tools can make new homes possible when conventional borrowing costs stall projects. Public Safety & Health: Vermont’s Digital Evidence Portal will get software updates Aug. 24, and the state also warns about scams targeting drivers; separately, a Hannaford recall raises questions about how salmonella can still sicken people even in cooked foods. Education & Connectivity: The FCC is reevaluating the E-Rate program that helps fund broadband for Vermont schools and libraries, putting leaders on alert for possible service cuts. Local Government Watch: Washington Central’s superintendent search collapsed when both finalists withdrew, forcing the board to rethink next steps. Community & Culture: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont will open a new Recovery Center in Barre Sept. 15, and the Malone Fly-In Festival returns this weekend with live music, vendors, food trucks, and aircraft rides. Environment & Land Use: Vermont has sued a Shaftsbury landowner over alleged encroachments on Shaftsbury State Park, including tree cutting.

Health Care Costs: Green Mountain Care Board cut Vermont’s ACA marketplace premium increases, but rates will still rise 1% to 6% next year for about 67,000 people. Public Safety: A 14-year-old died in an ATV crash in Weston; police say the investigation is ongoing. Local Politics: Charlotte voters turned out for primary voting, with residents describing housing costs as a top concern. Navy Week: Burlington will host the first-ever U.S. Navy Week in Vermont, with events across the Lake Champlain region Aug. 24–30. Labor & Agriculture: Sen. Bernie Sanders joined St. Albans Creamery workers as a federal judge temporarily paused the plant’s closure after a Teamsters lawsuit. Community & Recovery: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont announced a Sept. 15 grand opening for its new recovery center in Barre. Arts & Youth: Sandglass Theater received a commission to remount “Rock the Boat,” a touring puppet show for young audiences about refugees and inclusion.