AGP Executive Report

Reproductive Rights & Health Access: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion care, funding clinic equipment and supplies and offering patient financial help. Clean Water Planning: The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking public comment on draft Tactical Basin Plans for the Missisquoi Bay and Lamoille River basins, with hybrid meetings scheduled in late September. Brownfields Funding: The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission launched a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund, backed by an EPA grant, to help clean up contaminated sites and turn them into housing and community facilities. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA is forecasting a G1 geomagnetic storm that could intensify, with a chance for northern lights visible across northern U.S. states tonight. Local Food & Community: The Charlotte Food Shelf is distributing school backpacks and fall produce donations, while a separate sock drive partnership is sending warm Merino socks and support to agencies serving low-income families. Arts & Education: Ilsley Library in Middlebury reopened after 18 months of renovation, and Middlebury College’s Emily Chan has joined as executive vice president and provost.

Reproductive Rights & Access: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion care by funding medical supplies and equipment and providing direct patient assistance. Local Government & Infrastructure: Orleans village trustees approved a temporary $975,000 bridge credit line with Community National Bank to replace the Barton River pedestrian bridge while awaiting FEMA and Vermont Department of Public Safety reimbursement. State Politics: The lieutenant governor race is in full swing as Democrat Molly Gray and incumbent Republican John Rodgers lay out competing plans on health care and housing. Education Funding Fight: Barre Unified Union School District budget defeat number three is triggering new debate over cuts to sports and extracurriculars, with lawmakers and residents questioning whether Vermont’s school funding system is broken. Community & Culture: Tunbridge’s 154th World’s Fair returns as a town-wide tradition, while a new Green Mountain Academy program highlights the history of Southern Vermont art and the idea that great art should be accessible to all. Health Care Workforce: UVM Health announced nearly 200 job eliminations or changes across its system, saying the moves are part of longer-term expense reductions. Business & Environment: Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission launched a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund to help clean up contaminated sites and turn them into housing and community facilities.

Flood Recovery: FEMA has approved $33.2 million for at least 90 Vermont flood buyouts, with properties bought and then torn down so land can become green space—an effort state officials say has been stuck for years. AI Regulation: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon are again sharing the stage to push Congress for stronger AI guardrails, warning rapid development could bring surveillance and job disruption. Happiest States: Vermont ranks No. 22 in WalletHub’s 2026 happiest-states report, up seven spots from last year, scoring especially well on sleep, sports participation, and safety. Apple Season & Orchards: Vermont growers are adapting to new threats to iconic apples, including fire blight and apple scab, using integrated pest management and new tech. Local Notes: The Ron Hance Memorial Golf Classic in Rutland raised more than $45,000 for local nonprofits, and Middletown Springs volunteers moved the town library to a larger new home ahead of its Sept. 20 reopening.

Local Transportation Planning: Essex is asking residents for input on a proposed master transportation plan as Green Mountain Transit’s Route 4 is expected to end in March 2027, with a Sept. 19 fall festival set to gather feedback. High School Sports: The Vermont Principals’ Association moved the 2026 fall field hockey and soccer championship games off UVM, shifting them to high schools statewide, including Burr and Burton Academy for field hockey finals on Nov. 1. Immigration Enforcement Standoff: Brattleboro police say they won’t collaborate with ICE and would ask agents to leave if they tried to stage operations at the police station, after residents pressed the selectboard for clarity. Mail Voting Legal Win: Vermont officials hailed a Supreme Court decision blocking USPS changes that would have required federal approval for ballot and return-envelope designs, keeping vote-by-mail rules in place for the Nov. 3 midterms. Healthcare Layoffs: UVM Health is cutting about 199 jobs and closing two patient care units, while Dartmouth Health announced layoffs and canceled positions across its network. PFAS Research Funding: Landmark College is set to lead Vermont research under a $7.9 million NSF PFAS Environmental Research Network, aiming to track “forever chemical” contamination in groundwater and soil. Community Events: Putney is starting a $120,000 window restoration at historic Town Hall, and Wardsboro is launching “Wardsboro Turns Up” with a Sept. 17 dinner and brainstorming sessions on schools, jobs, recreation, and housing.

AI & Politics: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon are set to share a stage in Washington pushing for tighter human control over AI, as lawmakers face mounting public unease and Trump continues to dismiss regulation as a “hoax.” Health Care Costs: Vermont regulators again approved hospital budget cuts, with UVM Medical Center and UVMMC hit hardest, while VAHHS says hospitals are delivering affordability savings through an “Affordability Action Plan.” Cannabis Enforcement: Vermont Lt. Gov. John Rodgers agreed to pay a reduced $2,500 fine to settle a violation tied to cultivating about 200 cannabis plants at an unlicensed site in West Glover. Public Safety Debate: Burlington city councilors reviewed two controversial downtown public safety plans, including Burlington Forward, as residents argued over discrimination concerns and the need for stronger services and accountability. Opioid Harm Reduction: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” is planned for Sept. 24 in Barre, offering free naloxone and overdose prevention info. Schools & Leadership: Washington Central Unified Union School District is awaiting state approval on an interim superintendent plan after a leadership gap. Local Arts & Community: Burlington’s South End Art Hop is bringing more fall programming, alongside community events and fundraisers across the region.

AI Regulation Pressure: A newly public warning from an Anthropic researcher has Congress scrambling for action, with Sen. Bernie Sanders convening a private briefing and Gov. Maura Healey calling for federal “guardrails” before it’s “too late.” Immigration & Public Benefits: States and cities, including New York and a coalition of 22 states, are suing to block a DHS “public charge” rule that would let immigration officials weigh use of Medicaid, SNAP and other benefits against green-card applicants. Vermont Politics/Disclosure: Rep. Laura Sibilia says Koch-linked Americans for Prosperity may be violating Vermont campaign finance and lobbying disclosure rules, asking the attorney general to investigate. Local Governance & Safety: Lincoln residents are pushing back on a proposed 900-foot airstrip at Beta Technologies CEO Kyle Clark’s home, arguing safety and wildlife impacts weren’t adequately addressed. Public Health & Community: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” in Barre will distribute naloxone and harm-reduction info, while Vermont Special Olympics fall games drew about 200 athletes to St. Albans. Courts & Justice: A Burlington road-rage defendant facing new charges tied to a motorcycle crash goes back to court, and Orleans County sentenced Brownswell Cedano for the 2019 Barton murder. Business & Economy: A free Economic Insights webinar in Montpelier will unpack the Federal Reserve decision and what it means for Vermont employers. Made in Vermont: Wayfarer Bakers in Danville is spotlighted for rotating international bread recipes.

Public Safety & Justice: The trial begins in Burlington for Jason Eaton, accused of shooting and wounding three Palestinian college students in November 2023; prosecutors say he confronted the men on North Prospect Street and fired at least four rounds, while the defense argues he was insane at the time. Health & Community: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” in Barre will hand out naloxone and overdose-prevention info, with a traveling Into Light portrait exhibit sharing stories of Vermonters lost to overdose. Workforce & Business: Runamok marks its 10th anniversary with new leadership—Ashley Wainer named CEO and Kelly Murnaghan chief marketing officer—as the maple producer expands culinary partnerships and food service offerings. Education & Affordability: UVM is expanding tuition discounts for New England students in 31 high-demand majors, aiming to boost enrollment and feed Vermont’s workforce needs. Environment & Tourism: UVM researchers explain how fall color depends on weather and tree chemistry, and what extreme conditions could mean for leaf-peeping this year. Local Culture: Burlington’s Pride parade drew hundreds downtown, with a new organizing coalition stepping in after the Pride Center of Vermont stepped back. Roads: Route 7A in Shaftsbury is bracing for heavy detour traffic during a planned Route 7 closure from Sept. 19 to Oct. 3. Business & Kids: Kinney Drugs is rolling out a “Find Flemy” scavenger hunt tied to flu-season vaccination comfort, with weekly prizes and no purchase required. Sports: Rutland shuts out Hartford 14-0 in its home opener.

Vermont Cannabis Enforcement: Vermont regulators say Lt. Gov. John Rodgers agreed to a $2,500 settlement after an inspection found 200 cannabis seedlings in an unapproved greenhouse site; the state says only two growing locations are allowed and paperwork for the Daniels Pond Road greenhouse wasn’t submitted. Route 7 Detour: Shaftsbury residents are bracing for major traffic impacts from a two-week Route 7 closure (Sept. 19–Oct. 3), with officials warning Route 7A could see triple today’s traffic as drivers reroute through the town. Public Health, Harm Reduction: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” is set for Sept. 24 in Barre, offering free naloxone and overdose-prevention resources, plus a traveling exhibit of portraits from Into Light. Community & Aging: Central Vermont Council on Aging’s “Hit the Trail” fundraiser returns Sept. 27 along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, with options to run, walk, or bike and a raffle that includes an e-trike. Education Milestone: Vermont Adult Learning held a graduation ceremony in Brattleboro honoring 15 graduates overcoming barriers to earn diplomas/GEDs and other credentials. Climate & Culture: UVM experts weigh in on how extreme weather and climate change could affect Vermont’s fall foliage season. Tech & Politics: Nationally, President Trump pushed back on calls from AI leaders to slow development, as Democrats seize on the debate ahead of midterms.

AI Policy in Vermont’s Orbit: Sen. Bernie Sanders is urging a pause on advanced AI development and a ban on superintelligence, calling for a treaty between the U.S. and China to slow “frontier” progress before it’s too late. Tech Industry Tension: The debate is heating up after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei backed an AI slowdown and third-party safety checks, with other major tech leaders weighing in. Public Safety—Rail: Vermont hazmat teams and Rutland firefighters responded to a propane rail car derailment near Park Street; officials say there’s no leak, no tank compromise, and no threat, but residents should avoid the area while crews rerail the car. Health & Community: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” in Barre will offer free naloxone (Narcan) and overdose-prevention resources, plus a local showing of portraits from the Into Light project. Local Events: Rutland’s Whoopie Pie Festival drew bakers from across New England, and Burlington Airport held a mock plane crash exercise to help first responders practice. Business & Banking: KeyBank named Mark Williams to lead New England business banking, while the BankChain Alliance aims to help banks build shared payments tech.

Public Health: Vermont officials say Leaping Bear Farm in Windsor County has voluntarily recalled eggs after Salmonella Enteritidis was found in eggs and environmental samples; the recall covers cartons dated June 1 through Sept. 5, and health officials linked 14 Vermont illnesses to the strain, urging people not to eat recalled eggs and to clean surfaces that may have touched them. Emergency Response: Rutland City crews responded to a propane rail car derailment near the Park Street crossing; officials say there’s no leak and no tank compromise, and residents should avoid the area while the car is reracked. Addiction Prevention: Central Vermont Prevention Coalition will host Central Vermont’s first Save a Life Day in Barre on Sept. 24, offering free naloxone (Narcan) and overdose prevention resources, plus a traveling Into Light portrait exhibit. Community & Aging: Central Vermont Council on Aging’s Hit the Trail fundraiser returns Sept. 27 along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, with a 5K, music, food, and a raffle supporting CVCOA’s free programs. State Watch: VermontBiz also posted a weekly roundup of highway and interstate construction impacts, including I-89 and I-91 paving and bridge work. Local Culture: Chimney Point State Historic Site in Addison hosts its 31st annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship Sept. 19, with an atlatl-making workshop the day before.

Public Health: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” is coming to Barre on Sept. 24, offering free naloxone (Narcan), overdose prevention info, and harm-reduction resources, plus a traveling Into Light Project portrait exhibit from Vermonters lost to overdose. Housing & Taxes: Vermont has nearly 50,000 “seasonally vacant” homes, about 14% of the state’s housing stock, and a new education tax on certain second homes is raising questions about how those properties are defined and what they mean for the broader housing crunch. Community & Aging: Central Vermont Council on Aging’s fifth annual “Hit the Trail” fundraiser is set for Sept. 27 along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, with a 5K run/walk/bike options, music, food, and a raffle including an e-trike. Food Safety: Leaping Bear Farm in Reading is recalling eggs after Salmonella was found, linking 14 Vermont illnesses; officials warn people not to eat or compost recalled eggs and to clean any surfaces that may have touched them. Fall & Outdoors: UVM experts weigh in on how extreme weather and climate change could affect Vermont’s fall foliage, and a guide highlights pick-your-own apple orchards across the state. Local Government: Barre residents are pushing back after the town removed a basketball court from the Upper Graniteville playground, saying it was taken out despite community concerns.

Public Safety & Health: Central Vermont Prevention Coalition is hosting Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” in Barre on Sept. 24, offering free naloxone (Narcan), overdose prevention info, and harm-reduction resources, plus a traveling Into Light portrait exhibit. Aging & Community: Central Vermont Council on Aging’s fifth annual “Hit the Trail” fundraiser is set for Sept. 27 along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, with a 5K run/walk/bike options, music, food, and a raffle including an e-trike. Local Government: Essex Junction approved a new stop sign at Pine Court and West Street after resident concerns about speeding, with installation timing still to be set. Statewide Watch: Vermont National Guard marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 at the 158th Fighter Wing in South Burlington, honoring victims and responders. Business & Growth: Rutland’s Diamond Run Mall permitting process has begun for a new Walmart supercenter, with local officials citing environmental and safety concerns about the site. Education & Labor: Blue Mountain Union School District teachers declared an impasse in contract talks, triggering mediation after the board said it can’t afford proposed raises. Sports & Culture: Vermont Farm & Foliage Festival returns Oct. 3 at Kimberly Farms with live music, kids’ activities, and local food vendors. Data Privacy: National law firms say they’re investigating potential class actions tied to U.S. Bank and Ascent Global Logistics data breaches reported to Vermont’s attorney general.

9/11 Remembrance: Vermont Air National Guard pilot Gen. Daniel Finnegan recalled flying above Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001, seeing fire trucks and first responders from 20,000 miles up, as the Guard held a remembrance ceremony at South Burlington. Community Memorials: Stowe and other Vermont, northern New York, and Upper Valley towns planned events marking the 25th anniversary, including bell ringing, wreath-laying, and story-sharing. Public Health & Harm Reduction: Central Vermont Prevention Coalition will host Barre’s first “Save a Life Day” with free naloxone (Narcan) and overdose-prevention resources, plus Into Light Project portraits. Local Business/Health: Kinney Drugs is rolling out a kid-focused “Find Flemy” flu mascot scavenger hunt tied to a “comfort vaccination experience.” Economy & Costs: A Southwestern Vermont Chamber survey finds businesses still optimistic but squeezed by rising costs and workforce shortages. Transportation/Family Life: A Cox Automotive steering-column piece tests a 2027 Chrysler Pacifica after a Vermont-to-Georgia road trip, focusing on what matters for families beyond showroom features. Sports: Week 2 Vermont high school football coverage includes schedules and results.

Public Health & Harm Reduction: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” is set for Sept. 24 in Barre, offering free naloxone (Narcan), overdose prevention info, and Into Light portraits from Vermonters lost to addiction. Education: The Vermont Agency of Education released preliminary 2025-26 statewide assessment results, showing modest proficiency gains but persistent gaps for historically marginalized students. Environment & Fisheries: Smugglers’ Notch is removing two old dams on the Brewster River to reconnect about 10 miles of trout habitat and improve water quality and flood resilience. Broadband & Reliability: Fidium Fiber reported a major outage affecting customers in Vermont and across New England, with service restored for many within about an hour. Local Business & Community: Runamok in Fairfax is reshuffling leadership—new CEO Ashley Wainer and chief marketing officer Kelly Murnaghan step in as founders Eric and Laura Sorkin move to strategic roles. Statewide Sports: USA TODAY/AVCA released Week 2 regional girls volleyball rankings, with Vermont included in Region 1 (no poll this week).

AI & Politics: A federal judge blocked Vermont AG Charity Clark’s probe tied to “Planet Hank” AI political satire, while lawmakers nationwide are rattled by an Anthropic researcher’s warning that AI could “kill us all” by 2030, sparking fresh calls for regulation. Courts & Public Safety: Jury selection begins for Jason Eaton’s trial over the 2023 triple-shooting of three Palestinian students in Burlington. Housing & Infrastructure: Highgate’s planned 30-unit subsidized senior housing project was halted after the town couldn’t provide a public water source, highlighting how basic infrastructure can derail rural development. Health: The CDC reports 19,595 lab-confirmed Cyclospora cases this season, tied to iceberg lettuce, with thousands more pending or unconfirmed. Weather & Economy: NOAA’s El Niño-driven winter outlook points to warmer, wetter conditions for Vermont. Community & Culture: Burlington’s South End Art Hop and Pride events kick off a busy arts weekend, and Miss Vermont 2027 registration opens.

School & community planning: Barre Unified School Board is making the case for a $57.1 million budget in a single-issue special election after two prior failures, with voters deciding whether the district stays the only one in Vermont without a voter-approved budget. Education mergers: Rutland City School Board appointed a representative to the Act 170 regional merger study committee, with a March 2028 vote possible if a merger is recommended. Public safety court case: A Waitsfield man, Joshua N. Brackett, faces attempted murder and burglary charges after a shooting in Barre Town, with prosecutors seeking to keep him held without bail. Local development: Bennington’s Historic Preservation Commission reviewed Putnam Block Phase 2 plans, including a four-story mixed-use project with 65 housing units and a physician training and medical offices anchor. Energy & resilience: Pawlet is moving ahead with a geothermal system for town hall and the library after receiving about $444,000 in a state grant, aiming for long-term heating and cooling savings. Food access: Vermonters Feeding Vermonters marks one year, using state support to expand fresh local produce access across all 14 counties. Environment & policy: Vermont’s attorney general is part of lawsuits challenging federal Endangered Species Act rollbacks, arguing the changes weaken habitat protections. Business & culture: Kinney Drugs is rolling out a kid-focused “Find Flemy” scavenger hunt to make flu-season vaccination visits feel less intimidating. Sports: UVM men’s soccer settled for a scoreless tie with Boston University.