AGP Executive Report

Housing & Finance: A Vermont workforce housing push is getting a boost from state low-interest financing, with a Brattleboro project citing a $4 million Invest in Vermont commitment to help unlock $9.5 million in new homes. Local Economy: The Northeast Kingdom’s development group says it’s moving ahead on buying Newport’s “Pit” site for $1.1 million, using a $1 million state grant to turn a long-stalled property into a future growth engine. Health Care Costs: Vermont’s Green Mountain Care Board approved smaller-than-requested 2027 premium increases for Blue Cross and MVP, aiming to keep commercial rates closer to national trends. School Infrastructure: Essex Westford is updating stormwater systems at multiple schools with Green Schools Initiative funding, part of efforts to reduce runoff into Lake Champlain. Public Safety: Milton police and transit officials renewed warnings to stop for school buses after reports of drivers passing stopped buses, saying violations are rising. Courts & Labor: A federal judge blocked the closure of the St. Albans Creamery for now after a union alleged retaliation tied to a 2025 strike. Traffic & Crashes: Vermont State Police reported a fatal crash in Waterford, and a separate Route 9 incident in Marlboro left lanes blocked due to a downed tree. Youth Wellbeing: New state data suggests Vermont students are seeing improvements in mental health and lower teen substance use.

Housing Finance: Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak says the state’s Invest in Vermont low-interest loan program has funded housing and jobs statewide, but Windham County has lagged—only a couple projects tapped the money. Homelessness & Public Space: Montpelier’s Homelessness Committee debated a “people deterrent” sound device on the Pavilion Office Building porch, tied to earlier Front Porch Forum posts and locker access concerns. Labor & Dairy Industry: A federal judge temporarily blocked idling of the DFA plant in St. Albans after Teamsters alleged the shutdown was retaliation; DFA calls the key memo a forgery. Health Care Costs: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital regulators questioned the hospital’s deficit plans as reserves shrink and losses mount. Public Safety: Burlington police arrested a Winooski man in a fatal downtown stabbing. Community & Culture: Bennington Museum’s free Fall Community Day will feature school-year activities and honor a local health leader. Youth Wellbeing: Vermont’s latest youth survey shows improved mental health and declines in vaping, alcohol, and marijuana use. Food & Local Business: Skinny Pancake is partnering with Vermont breweries for tap takeovers in Quechee and Burlington. Sports: U-32 teams chase state titles as local programs look to end long postseason droughts.

Housing & Finance: Fitch rated Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s $47.5M 2026 multiple-purpose bonds AA+, citing stronger mortgage-backed securities quality and stable cash flow. Local Public Safety: Burlington police are still investigating a weekend fatal stabbing and a nearby string of shootings and stabbings downtown, with detectives reviewing footage and speaking with neighbors. Health Care Costs: Vermonters are questioning hospital “facility fees,” part of a broader national pushback on charges that can add hundreds of dollars after routine visits. Statewide Health: Vermont health experts urge families to get back-to-school vaccinations up to date, noting rates remain high but disease outbreaks can still spread. Transportation & Jobs: Federal funding will help plan repairs or replacement of the East Alburgh rail bridge, a key step toward restarting Amtrak service to Montreal. Community & Business: The Lake Champlain Chamber is forming a Downtown Business Alliance to give merchants a stronger voice at City Hall amid concerns about foot traffic and public safety. Politics & Voting: New turnout data shows Essex Junction and Essex Town primary participation rose in 2026 compared with 2024. Arts & Culture: The Flynn’s “Playing Fields” returns with free outdoor performances for schools and communities, including a French troupe’s “Sea Fantasy: The Pearl.”

Burlington Violence: A man was fatally stabbed in Burlington early Saturday near the federal courthouse on Main Street, part of a weekend stretch that also included knife incidents and gunfire, as police continue searching for a suspect. Vermont Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a Sunday night shooting and assault at a home in Orleans County that left a man seriously injured and a woman hurt; investigators are asking for tips about an older green Subaru Forester with Massachusetts plates. Health Care Access: Dartmouth Health says it expects to end Tele-ICU and Tele-ED services, a move that could affect multiple Vermont hospitals that rely on remote specialist support. Maternal Health Policy: A new Senate proposal would expand WIC eligibility postpartum, potentially extending benefits for low-income mothers longer after birth. Local Business & Community: 802 Credit Union is marking 802 Day by donating $802 to Vermont nonprofits chosen by local branches. Consumer Safety: The FDA announced a recall of a Walmart soup kit over possible Listeria contamination. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Vermont averages about $4.12 per gallon, with Burlington near $4.13.

Violent Crime Update: Burlington Police say a 21-year-old Essex Junction woman, Haily B. Peacock, was arrested after an accidental gunshot early Sunday near College and Center Streets; she told police she was checking whether a firearm in her purse was loaded, and ballistic findings matched her account, with a court release condition barring firearms pending arraignment. State Police Investigation: Vermont State Police are probing a Sunday night shooting and assault in Orleans County’s Albany, where a man was seriously injured and a woman was hurt; investigators are asking for help finding an older green Subaru Forester with Massachusetts plates (numbers 4553). Court/Arrest Records: In Waterbury, VSP says a Colchester man, Nubian Mohammed, was held without bail after an alleged unlawful restraint and kidnapping incident involving household members; in Rutland Town, a 51-year-old Rutland City man was cited for unlawful trespass and disorderly conduct at Hannaford. Community & Culture: Vermont State historical sites offered free admission for Bennington Battle Day, and Queer Arts Fest expanded to two days at Millstone Hill with thousands attending. Sports: Sacred Heart women’s soccer beat Vermont 2-0, while Noah Kahan’s Rose Bowl show drew about 56,000 fans and included a surprise duet with Chappell Roan.

Meals on Wheels Fundraiser: Wilmington’s Blueberry Festival Car Show raised about $2,800 for Senior Solutions, with roughly 50 cars by midday and a bigger-than-expected crowd at Howe Farm Field. Community Build: Southshire WindowDressers is recruiting volunteers for a Bennington-area community build of insulating window inserts (Oct. 15–21) and is taking insert orders through August, promising draft reduction and potential fuel savings. Old Home Days: Rockingham’s Old Home Days in Bellows Falls drew an estimated 1,500–2,000 people, featuring live music, vendors, family activities, and a fireworks finale. Vermont Safety/Traffic: Vermont State Police reported a two-vehicle crash on VT Route 104 in Fairfax and a Waterbury traffic alert near 355 Little River Rd with both lanes blocked by downed power lines. Public Safety Arrests: VSP cited two Highgate residents in separate cocaine possession cases in Brattleboro and arrested a St. Johnsbury-area man for operating without owner’s consent/violating release conditions. Vermont Outdoors Policy: Vermont proposes updates to primitive camping rules, including no burning/cutting live wood and moving campsites farther from water to protect ecosystems. Statewide Construction: VermontBiz listed upcoming I-89 paving and bridge work affecting commutes, including lane closures and speed reductions.

Vermont Business Leadership: Vermont Gas Systems named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, tapping a longtime state leader known for economic development, housing, tourism, and flood recovery work. Local Community & Culture: Lyndon Historical Society hosted a zucchini festival with contests, historic recipes, and community cooking, funded through Vermont Humanities. Public Safety: Vermont State Police arrested Joseph Greenwood, 46, after an alleged car theft from a St. Johnsbury dealership; police found the vehicle in Lyndonville. Health & Consumer Safety: DOJ sued New York, Connecticut, and Vermont over in-state tuition for undocumented residents, arguing federal law bars such benefits. Food Recall: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,240 Marketside tomato bisque soup kits sold at select Walmart stores due to possible listeria contamination. Sports: Edgar May Stingrays won Division 5 at the Vermont State Meet, with multiple top-10 finishes across strokes and relays. Roads & Travel: VermontBiz listed ongoing I-89 paving and bridge work plus local closures, with lane restrictions and speed limits in effect. Weather: Old Farmer’s Almanac’s extended fall forecast calls for colder, wetter conditions than normal in New Hampshire, with similar patterns across parts of the Northeast.

Vermont Politics & Policy: State Sen. John Cavanaugh backed Nebraska’s LB839, a bill that changes affordable housing reporting rules, and also voted Yes on LB958, which reshapes Medicaid waiver rules and crisis assistance limits. Democratic Presidential Strategy: The DNC approved an early 2028 primary calendar that puts South Carolina first, then Nevada, with New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia following—aimed at testing candidates with Black and Latino voters and union members early. Vermont Agriculture: Paul Harlow of Westminster was named a 2026 inductee in the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement category. Local Business Spotlight: Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee in Burlington earned top honors in a national “best coffee in each state” roundup. Public Safety & Health: USDA began dropping 1.1 million oral rabies vaccine baits across Vermont, New Hampshire and New York to curb rabies spread in wildlife. Road & Community Notes: Depot St. bridge is now open, with other short-term road work continuing; and Bennington Battle Day plans are set for Aug. 16.

Vermont Politics & Policy: Vermont’s 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar is set, with early states planned to prioritize Black and Latino voters and organized labor, as the DNC moves to lock in a broad, early coalition. Public Safety & Courts: The Vermont Supreme Court rejected a bid to use a Rutland Police internal affairs report to argue a fatal crash wasn’t the defendant’s fault in the Rheaume case, though the defense may still challenge officer testimony at trial. Healthcare & Labor: At UVM Medical Center, a union contract for support staff and technical professionals expired, triggering rolling pickets and renewed pressure over safe staffing and job protections. Transportation & Infrastructure: Sen. Peter Welch announced nearly $4 million in federal funding to upgrade Amtrak’s Vermonter corridor bridge work, aiming to improve service reliability and frequency. Community & Housing: Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity’s Williston ReStore is set to reopen after months of fire and smoke repairs, with proceeds supporting local homebuilding. Business & Local Life: Vermont Country Store marks its 80th anniversary with a community celebration in Weston.

Vermont Business & Growth: Vermont Gas named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, tapping a long-time Scott administration leader known for economic development, housing, tourism, and flood recovery work. Local Culture & Education: Bennington launched the Bennington Rural Renaissance Initiative with Smithsonian Rural Initiative partners, aiming to connect local schools, libraries, and community groups with Smithsonian programming. State Politics & Governance: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott made the case for stronger constitutional federalism at a bipartisan National Governors Association town hall, arguing disaster recovery and elections are testing the balance of power. Public Safety: Hartford police arrested a man accused of intentionally flooding his apartment to force an eviction, displacing residents and causing thousands in damage. Health Policy: Massachusetts issued an emergency order targeting kratom products, citing largely unregulated sales and serious health risks. Vermont Arts & Music: Slow Magic, the masked Vermont electronic artist, plays Higher Ground in South Burlington Saturday to celebrate his new album, “Emotion Engine.” Community & Events: Galley at the Vault in Springfield hosts wildlife photographer Steve Costello’s exhibit “An Illusion of Proximity,” with a reception Friday.

Newport Development Deal: NVDA has agreed to buy Newport’s “The Pit” block for $1.1 million, with a $1 million Rural Industry Development Program grant helping fund the purchase while a federal judge gives final approval. Local 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; officials said it appears to be natural causes. DUI and Drugs: Troopers arrested a Northfield driver on suspicion of DUI-drugs after a reported fight and found suspected cocaine; in Swanton, a single-vehicle crash on I-89 led to an arrest for DUI-drugs. Traffic Alerts: Lower Plains Rd in Salisbury was closed in both directions near Gracie Ln after a crash, and I-91 northbound near Ryegate saw a tractor-trailer rollover with one lane closed. Politics & Community: Vermont’s Democratic primary produced a narrow win for Amanda Janoo over Aly Richards, setting up a tough general-election matchup against Gov. Phil Scott. Arts & Events: Lawrence’s dinosaur-themed pancake party and bookstore romance day are among weekend picks. Business Notes: McNeil & Reedy bought Burlington’s MK Clothing, keeping both brands while expanding tailoring options.

Privacy & Immigration: Connecticut AG William Tong joins a coalition suing the Trump administration to stop demands for sensitive personal data from millions of CDL drivers, arguing federal agencies are violating privacy laws and threatening funding. Local Government & Public Works: Lawrence, Kansas says the crews that repainted streets without city approval were from KDOT, and blamed a map mix-up that sent them to the wrong location. Mental Health & Tech: Dartmouth researchers report early clinical results for a generative-AI chatbot used as part of therapy, raising big questions about whether “AI therapists” can be safe and responsible. Housing & State Policy: Vermont Treasurer Pieciak seeks input on a state-led off-site housing construction program to cut costs and speed affordable home building. Health & Consumer Safety: Vermont marks the 50th anniversary of its Weatherization Assistance Program, while Massachusetts expands abortion access up to birth and Vermont moves to restrict kratom statewide. Vermont Community: DREAM Program wins a $375,000 AmeriCorps award to expand mentoring and after-school support for underserved youth across Vermont. Sports & Arts: Southern Vermont Arts Center debuts an inclusive “unified theater” camp, and local girls soccer matchups highlight a new season ahead.

Vermont Politics: Amanda Janoo won the Democratic nomination for governor, edging Aly Richards in a race driven by voters’ frustration with inequality and big-tech power, and she’ll face Gov. Phil Scott in November; Local Elections: Molly Gray captured the Democratic lieutenant governor nod, while incumbents largely held statewide and legislative seats in Tuesday’s primaries; Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a suspected DWI crash in Plainfield, N.H., that left three seriously hurt, including a life-threatening injury; Agriculture & Food: Sen. Peter Welch visited a Vermont dairy farm as small farmers warned Congress that rising costs and monopoly power are squeezing the industry, pushing changes to the Farm Bill; Wildlife & Outdoors: Vermont Fish and Wildlife reminded hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed before the first Saturday in September and must follow strict removal deadlines; Community & Business: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation named Executive Director Adam Grinold a VermontBiz Influencer for his work supporting southern Vermont’s businesses and workforce.

Vermont Politics: Vermont’s Democratic primary results are in, with Amanda Janoo winning the governor nomination and set to face Gov. Phil Scott in November; Molly Gray cruised to the lieutenant governor nod; Tim Ashe won state auditor; and Chittenden County voters re-elected Sheriff Dan Gamelin while choosing Sarah George for state’s attorney. Local Governance: Brattleboro has named SerahRose Bissell as its new finance director, filling a vacancy that’s been open since early 2025. Housing & Affordability: A new take on Vermont’s housing debate argues the state’s real problem is affordability, not a lack of homes, pointing to rising home values and stubborn gaps between pay and prices. Sports & Schools: The Vermont Principals’ Association is pushing “No White Shorts,” aimed at keeping girls in sports by addressing period-leak and uniform-related barriers. Outdoors & Community: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is reminding hunters about waterfowl blind rules, including when blinds can be placed and when they must be removed. Arts & Culture: Southern Vermont’s Pikes Falls Chamber Music Festival returns Aug. 18–22 with admission-free concerts and programs.

Vermont Politics: Amanda Janoo won the Democratic primary for governor, edging Aly Richards and setting up a November rematch with Gov. Phil Scott. Local Elections: In Chittenden County, Sheriff Daniel Gamelin defeated Kevin Bloom in the Democratic primary, while Molly Gray won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. Statewide Results: Tim Ashe captured the Democratic nomination for state auditor, and Gerald Malloy won the GOP primary for Vermont’s U.S. House seat, advancing to face Becca Balint in November. Primary Vibes: Voters across Essex said affordability and education were front and center, with some also weighing national politics as they cast ballots. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a fatal crash in Mt. Tabor on Aug. 10, with one teen passenger killed and others injured. Wildlife & Outdoors: Vermont Fish and Wildlife reminded hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed in state waters before the first Saturday in September, and must be removed by set deadlines. Arts & Community: Local artists are using foraged materials like leaves and clay for eco-prints and other nature-based work, reflecting a growing “make with what’s around you” trend.

Childcare & Local Economy: Alburgh’s new Family Clubhouse childcare center is nearing its first year in operation, with enrollment growth and ongoing adjustments as state and federal funding models roll out. Housing: Rutland City celebrated ribbon-cutting for Maplewood Commons Apartments, adding 30 permanently affordable homes with resident services and vouchers for low- and moderate-income families. Public Safety: Bennington police say a Bennington man accused in an attempted murder case is in New York custody pending extradition after a shooting tied to a multi-car crash. Weather & Cleanup: Storms hit Franklin County with heavy rain, wind damage, and power outages, prompting cleanup crews and tornado warnings in parts of the region. Sports & Community: Vermont State Police reported a fatal single-vehicle crash in Manchester involving a 17-year-old passenger; officials also shared local sports and school updates. Environment & 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. Politics & Voting: Burlington-area coverage highlights that Vermont primary voters are focused on issues like property taxes and health care, not just party labels.