AGP Executive Report

Passenger Rail & Infrastructure: Sen. Peter Welch says nearly $4 million in federal funding will support a study and upgrades tied to the East Alburgh Bridge, aiming to fix slow speeds and improve reliability for Amtrak’s Vermonter. Wildlife & Environment: Vermont loons are rebounding to 117 nesting pairs, but lead poisoning and wake-boat disturbance remain preventable threats, with researchers urging anglers to avoid lead tackle and boaters to give birds space. Mental Health: Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital in Berlin cut three staff members and four beds amid a declining census, drawing pushback from workers and lawmakers. Public Safety: Burlington saw a fatal stabbing early Saturday, part of a weekend run of violent incidents involving knives and gunfire. Food Safety: The FDA issued a recall for Walmart-exclusive Marketside tomato bisque soup kits due to possible Listeria contamination. Community & Local Life: St. Albans launched an inaugural City Block Party in Taylor Park, while Norwich’s NBT Bank marked its 170th year with a concert and fireworks. Sports: UVM women’s soccer fell 2-0 to Sacred Heart, and the Lake Monsters wrapped a standout season.

Bennington Battle Day & Historic Preservation: Vermont is weighing about $40 million in repairs for the 130-year-old Bennington Battle Monument, with officials gathering public input as they study damage from water and plan next steps. Newport Redevelopment: After nearly a decade in limbo tied to the EB-5 scandal, Newport’s downtown “pit” is set to be sold for $1.1 million to the Northern Vermont Development Association, with cleanup and a future plan still to come. Public Safety (Orleans County): Vermont State Police are investigating a Sunday night shooting in Albany that left a man seriously injured and a woman assaulted; police are asking the public to watch for an older green Subaru Forester with Massachusetts plates (4553). Burlington Gunshot Incident: Burlington Police say a 21-year-old Essex Junction woman was arrested after an accidental gunshot downtown early Sunday; she faces reckless endangerment and is barred from possessing firearms pending arraignment. Tech & Privacy Backlash: Pennsylvania lawmakers are moving to add guardrails to automatic license plate cameras as Flock Safety shortens default data storage to seven days. Sports: The New Britain Bees won the Futures League championship with an 11-0 Game 3 win over the Vermont Lake Monsters. Community & Culture: Queer Arts Fest expanded to two days at Millstone Hill, drawing thousands, and Vermont offered free admission to state historical sites for Bennington Battle Day.

Immigration & Courts: A federal appeals court weighed whether a Salvadoran man who entered the U.S. without inspection must get a bond hearing, clarifying when mandatory detention applies. Local Public Safety: Vermont State Police issued updates on a crash in Fairfax (VT Route 104) and a Waterbury traffic alert near 355 Little River Rd with power lines down. Community & Energy: WindowDressers is gearing up for a Bennington community build of reusable insulating window inserts, with volunteer shifts in October and orders open through August. Local Events: Rockingham’s Old Home Days in Bellows Falls drew an estimated 1,500–2,000 people and wrapped with fireworks; Brattleboro marked Covered Bridge Week with a celebration at the historic Creamery Covered Bridge. Vermont Business: Vermont Gas named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, and VermontBiz posted the week’s I-89 paving and bridge work traffic impacts. Sports: The Vermont Lake Monsters forced a deciding Game 3 in their Futures League title series after a 1-0 win over New Britain.

Leadership Change: Vermont Gas named Lindsay Kurrle its next president and CEO, tapping a longtime Phil Scott administration leader who helped steer major economic development and flood recovery efforts. Public Safety: Vermont State Police arrested a man in connection with an alleged car theft in St. Johnsbury/Lyndonville area. Housing & Policy: State Sen. John Cavanaugh voted on multiple measures affecting affordable housing reporting rules and Medicaid waiver/health benefit changes. Sports: The Vermont Lake Monsters forced a decisive Game 3 after shutting out New Britain 1-0 in Game 2, with Sunday’s championship finale set for Centennial Field. Community & Culture: Lyndon held a zucchini festival at the town’s historic town house, celebrating local agriculture and historic recipes. Food Safety: Walmart recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Vermont, over possible listeria contamination. Immigration & Education: The DOJ sued Vermont and other states over laws offering in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. Economy & Energy: A new look at agrivoltaics highlights how solar panels over farms can produce energy while keeping food production going.

Leadership Change: Vermont Gas Systems named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, tapping a long-time Scott administration leader to succeed Neale Lunderville at the end of 2026. Public Health: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside Tomato Bisque soup kits sold in 29 states, including Vermont, after FDA flagged possible listeria contamination. State & Federal Policy: A Trump Justice Department lawsuit challenges in-state tuition for undocumented students in New York, Connecticut and Vermont, raising fears students could be forced to leave school. Vermont Agriculture: The Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees, including Westminster’s Paul Harlow, with honors spanning farmers, innovators and emerging leaders. Local Business & Community: A Burlington coffee shop, Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee, was named Vermont’s top coffee spot by Chowhound, highlighting its rotating single-origin menu and minimalist approach. Roads & Travel: Town and state crews reported ongoing bridge and road work in Bennington, including the Depot St. bridge reopening and lane restrictions around Main St. bridge replacement.

Vermont Leadership: Vermont Gas Systems named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, tapping a longtime Scott administration leader with experience in economic development, housing, tourism, and major flood recovery work. Public Safety & Courts: The Vermont Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal in the Tate Rheaume case, keeping an internal affairs report out of blame arguments for a fatal 2023 crash while leaving other issues for trial. Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrested at least nine people across Vermont in weekend operations that included workplace and commuting stops, raising concerns among advocates about profiling and a lack of state tracking. Health & Food Safety: Walmart Marketside tomato bisque soup kits were recalled in 29 states, including Vermont, over possible Listeria contamination; no confirmed illnesses reported. Community & Local Life: The Vermont Country Store marked its 80th year in Weston with a community celebration and plans for a Weston Village Fair and Jubilee. Everyday Living: Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Program hit its 50th anniversary, touting long-running savings and home safety upgrades for low-income households.

Vermont Politics: Amanda Janoo, a progressive political outsider, won the Democratic nomination for governor, setting up a general election matchup as Vermont voters also weighed affordability, healthcare access, and second-home tax questions. State Courts & Public Safety: The Vermont Supreme Court denied an appeal from a driver charged with murder in a police chase that killed a Rutland officer, keeping a lower-court ruling that blocked use of an internal affairs misconduct report at trial. Wildlife & Environment: A federal change to the Endangered Species Act loosens the definition of “harm,” raising concerns that Vermont’s vulnerable wildlife could face more habitat loss as federal protections weaken. Energy & Housing: Efficiency Vermont updated rebates for weatherization and heat pump upgrades to reflect new federal income rules, expanding extra help for low- and moderate-income households. Healthcare: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s finances are under scrutiny as state regulators question how the hospital will curb deficit spending after years of losses and leadership turnover. Consumer Alerts: Walmart shoppers in Vermont and 28 other states were told to return or dispose of recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits due to possible Listeria contamination. Immigration Enforcement: A Vermont sheriff’s deputy’s role in a federal border security program during a controversial traffic stop is again in the spotlight, raising questions about compliance with Vermont’s fair and impartial policing policy.

Vermont Politics & Elections: Vermont’s Aug. 11 primary drew 111,445 ballots (22% turnout), with Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas saying the state is in compliance with federal voting law after DOJ requests for unredacted voter files. School Governance: Washington Central Unified voters in Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex and Worcester approved a special-election change that lets the whole district decide whether to close small schools, shifting power away from the host town. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a death investigation after a 72-year-old man was found unresponsive in a vehicle at Charlotte Town Beach, ruled natural causes; separate reports include DUI-drugs arrests in Northfield and Swanton and a tractor-trailer crash on I-91 near Ryegate. Local Development: NVDA agreed to buy Newport’s “Pit”/Newport Development Block for $1.1 million, backed by a $1 million state grant, to jump-start redevelopment. Sports: The Vermont Lake Monsters forced a decisive Game 3 and advanced in the FCBL playoffs, while Bridgewater’s Little League run continues toward the World Series after beating Maine and Vermont. Community & Culture: Woodstock Community Food Shelf moved to a larger nearby location, cutting wait times for clients.

Transportation & Construction: Sunderland officials field questions about a culvert replacement on Route 7 that will fully close a stretch between Exit 3 and Exit 2 for about two weeks, starting Sept. 19, with a detour routed through Routes 313 and 7A. Education & Local Governance: In Washington Central Unified Union School District, voters in five towns approved changes to the district’s articles of agreement, making future school-closure decisions more districtwide instead of town-by-town. Public Health: Hartford is responding to elevated E. coli levels at the Quechee Wastewater Treatment Plant discharge, urging people to avoid swimming and other contact with affected areas until testing shows levels are back down. Courts & Privacy: Vermont is among states sued by the Trump administration over in-state tuition for noncitizens without permanent legal status, as DOJ targets multiple states in a broader legal push. State Politics & Accountability: Vermont’s Auditor’s Office is raising concerns about the accuracy of performance data reported by agencies, including programs that may not even collect performance measures. Community & Culture: The Green Mountain Birthing Center plans to open a full-service birth center in Waterbury by 2028, aiming to expand maternity options after local hospital maternity services closed. Sports: Bridgewater Little League is one win from the Little League World Series after advancing to the New England Regional championship game against Maine in Bristol, Conn.

Vermont Politics: Vermont Democrats rallied behind economist Amanda Janoo after she won the Democratic primary for governor, setting up a fall matchup with Gov. Phil Scott and framing her win as a contrast on taxes and universal primary care. Local Wildlife Management: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reminded hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed in state waters before the first Saturday in September, and that “claiming” locations with signs isn’t enforceable. Bear Research: Vermont’s bear management program got a $3,042 donation from the Vermont Bear Hound Association to buy two GPS collars for tracking female bears and improving data on reproduction and population dynamics. Healthcare & Community: A Vermont-focused piece argues healthcare transformation will hinge on hard shared decisions, not just funding and policy. Sports: UVM women’s soccer opened the season with a 2-2 draw against Merrimack.

Vermont Politics & Elections: Vermont’s Democratic primary results are set: Amanda Janoo won the governor nomination over Aly Richards, and Molly Gray won lieutenant governor over Ryan McLaren, setting up November matchups with Gov. Phil Scott and Lt. Gov. John Rodgers. Courts & Public Safety: Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George fended off a Democratic primary challenge from Bram Kranichfeld, while voters also decided the county sheriff race, with Dan Gamelin holding off Kevin Bloom. Healthcare & Technology: A KFF Health News report spotlights rural patients’ skepticism as federal leaders push AI “avatars” and AI nurses, even as critics say outcomes data is thin. Wildlife & Outdoors: Vermont Fish & Wildlife reminded hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed on state waters before the first Saturday in September, and must be removed by set deadlines. Community & Culture: Highgate’s Summer Sounds Festival returns Aug. 22 with family activities and a main-stage set by Staircase 24. Business & Local Economy: Vermont’s bear research gets a boost: the Vermont Bear Hound Association donated $3,042 for new GPS tracking collars to study reproduction and population dynamics. Sports: The Vermont Lake Monsters fell in Game 1 of their playoff series, and the Vermont State Fair kicks off Tuesday in Rutland.

Vermont Politics: Economist Amanda Janoo won the Democratic primary for governor, beating Aly Richards, and will face Gov. Phil Scott in November; the race was framed as an anti-establishment challenge with Janoo promising “free healthcare” and a major rethink of how Vermont taxes and plans for housing and childcare. Vermont Elections: Vermont also set its Democratic slate for statewide offices after Tuesday’s primaries, including Molly Gray for lieutenant governor and Tim Ashe for state auditor, with Phil Scott running unopposed on the GOP side. Local Law Enforcement: Chittenden County Sheriff Daniel Gamelin defeated Kevin Bloom in the Democratic primary, keeping the sheriff’s seat in the hands of an incumbent with a long career in the department. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a fatal crash in Mt. Tabor on Aug. 10 involving a 17-year-old driver and a 17-year-old passenger, with one fatality and other injuries. Wildlife & Outdoors: Vermont Fish and Wildlife reminded hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed before the first Saturday in September, and must be removed by set deadlines—Feb. 15 for Lake Champlain, May 15 for other waters. Arts & Environment: Three Vermont artists are using foraged materials like leaves, grapevines, and clay to make eco-prints and natural-dye works, turning local land into studio supplies.

Vermont Politics: Vermont Democrats head to the polls Tuesday to pick who will challenge Gov. Phil Scott, with economist Amanda Janoo and former child-advocacy CEO Aly Richards competing for the governor nomination, plus races for lieutenant governor and state auditor. Legal Fight Over Home Costs: A coalition of state attorneys general, including Vermont’s William Tong, sued the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to block rules that would let big banks keep interest on mortgage escrow accounts. Immigration + College Tuition: The U.S. Justice Department sued Vermont, Connecticut and New York over in-state tuition policies for undocumented students, arguing federal law bars states from prioritizing “illegal aliens.” Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a fatal crash in Mt. Tabor on Aug. 10, with a 17-year-old driver and a 17-year-old passenger injured and a 17-year-old passenger fatally hurt. Community + Housing: Rutland celebrated the ribbon cutting of Maplewood Commons Apartments, adding 30 permanently affordable homes with services for residents. Environment + Wildlife: Vermont Fish & Wildlife reminded hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed before the first Saturday in September and must be removed by set deadlines. Health + Food: Taylor Fresh Foods expanded a jalapeño-related salmonella recall affecting prepared products sold at major retailers.

Vermont Primary Results: Vermont’s 2026 Democratic primary is complete, with voters choosing candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, auditor, and contested legislative races—plus a reminder that Vermont has no party registration, so voters pick the ballot they want. Election Day Logistics: State election officials prepared for primary day turnout, with polling underway and results rolling in across the ballot. Federal Immigration Fight: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Vermont (along with Connecticut and New York) over in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students, escalating a broader multistate legal push. Healthcare Access: Vermont Care Partners says four more agencies have been certified as CCBHCs, bringing Vermont’s total to six and expanding coordinated community-based mental health and substance-use services. Public Safety: Waitsfield officials reviewed dog-safety concerns after two recent attacks, with residents pressing for stronger rules. Environment & Research: Vermont’s bear management program is getting new funding for GPS tracking collars to study female bear reproduction and population dynamics. Business & Community: Assort Health named Dr. Sunny Eappen its first chief medical officer, and VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region launched an online auction to support home health and hospice care.

AI Regulation: Sen. Bernie Sanders is pressing OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta to “stand by your words” and pause AI development, warning that companies can’t control systems that keep going rogue. State Policy Under Federal Attack: The U.S. Justice Department has sued Vermont (along with New York and Connecticut) over in-state tuition rules for undocumented students, arguing the programs violate federal law. Public Safety: Fair Haven is still waiting on next steps after a roof collapse at 15 Main St. left the building structurally unsound and evacuated. Courts & Accountability: In Bennington, a woman charged with child sex abuse-related offenses pleaded to a suspended sentence with probation and restrictions; in Poultney, a man faces animal cruelty charges after police say he intentionally shot a dog. Health & Food Alerts: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño-linked salmonella recall affecting major retailers across multiple states. Environment & Wildlife: Vermont is removing loon nesting rafts as the population rebounds, and the state is also funding new GPS bear tracking collars to study reproduction and survival. Local Tech/Services: Vermont Digital Evidence Portal software updates are scheduled for Aug. 11, and the Orleans County courthouse is temporarily closed to the public.

Vermont Health & Care Access: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has signed a lease for a new outpatient clinic in South Burlington, aiming to expand primary care plus mental health and specialty services for more than 56,000 Veterans, with construction targeted to finish by fall 2028 and first patients in spring 2029. Community Mental Health Expansion: Vermont Care Partners says four more agencies have been certified as Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Centers, bringing the state total to six and boosting access to coordinated services close to home. Public Health & Food Safety: Major grocery chains including Target, Walmart and Whole Foods are issuing recalls tied to a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños, with prepared meat and poultry products among those pulled after hundreds reported sick. State Police Update: Vermont State Police are investigating a death of a man found unresponsive in a vehicle at Charlotte Town Beach; officials say it does not appear suspicious. Local Environment & Community: Franklin County’s Natural Resources Conservation District is marking 80 years of conservation work supporting farms, forests and waterways, while Burlington’s Dragonheart Boat Festival returned for its 20th year to raise money for breast cancer patients and survivors. Politics Beyond Vermont: Bernie Sanders is urging Democrats to ban super PAC involvement in primaries, calling it corruption, as progressive-versus-establishment fights heat up in Minnesota and Wisconsin ahead of Tuesday elections.