AGP Executive Report

Vermont Politics: The Vermont Supreme Court has reinstated Gov. Phil Scott’s return-to-office order for state employees, overturning a Labor Relations Board decision that had blocked the mandate. AI and National Security: A coalition of 23 states, including Vermont’s AG, is urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules, warning that unchecked systems could threaten critical infrastructure and national security. Health Care: The Pines at Rutland has been selected for Rural Health Transformation funding to expand ventilator-capable nursing home capacity. Elections Watch: A new UNH poll shows Democrat Amanda Janoo narrowly leading Gov. Scott in the governor’s race, with the race described as a statistical tie. Public Safety: Vermont State Police issued traffic alerts for Route 104 in Fairfax, Route 35 in Athens, and I-89 Southbound, with at least some incidents later cleared. Local Life: Vermont Cider Lab in Essex earned national recognition in USA Today’s best-cideries reader awards. Labor: Support staff at UVM Medical Center are voting on whether to authorize a strike over pay and staffing concerns.

Vermont Politics: Gov. Phil Scott and challenger Amanda Janoo are both making affordability the centerpiece, but they’re split on the fix—Scott points to tighter budgets and tax relief, while Janoo argues for taxing the wealthy and prioritizing cybersecurity and protection. AI Oversight: Vermont’s U.S. Sen. Peter Welch is backing a proposal to create a federal regulator for frontier AI, as Vermont and other states push Congress to rein in risks tied to advanced systems. Education Reform: A debate over Act 170 and school consolidation is heating up, with critics warning merger study committees may be rushed without clear proof on costs or equity. Local Government: Milton launched a charter review that could put changes before voters as soon as March, including how ordinances are published and whether key posts stay elected. Health & Community: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is leading a regional effort to keep maternity and newborn care available, after a $3.1 million federal grant helped reverse a plan to close its birthing center. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a welfare concern involving missing 15-year-old Faith Baker, last seen in Granville, N.Y. Business & Transit: Tri-Valley Transit is marking 50 years with community food drives, including a collection in Montpelier tied to the Fall Festival.

Vermont Politics & Courts: Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark is facing backlash from fellow Democrats after her office took over prosecution of 13 anti-ICE protesters arrested during a July sit-in at White Cap Park in Williston; the defendants pleaded not guilty Thursday, and the cases are set to return to court Dec. 16, while Treasurer Mike Pieciak and Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale urged Clark to dismiss the charges. Public Safety: A crash is causing delays on I-89 south near Exit 2 in South Burlington, with one lane obstructed. Education & Community: A Vermont Business Magazine op-ed argues lawmakers are stuck on how to fix Act 73 and school consolidation—balancing cost pressures against the local civic role schools play in rural communities. Science & Health: UVM is coordinating a new $19 million NSF project to build a national observatory using ultra-high resolution imaging to study brain wiring and other life-science questions. Local Events: Montpelier’s first Porchfest drew neighbors onto porches for free music despite rain. Business & Energy: Tri-Valley Transit marks 50 years with community food drives, including a collection in Montpelier Oct. 3 for the Montpelier Food Pantry.

Vermont Politics: The race for governor is getting louder as incumbent Phil Scott ramps up TV ads and challenger Amanda Janoo pushes to reach voters across more channels, with Janoo raising far more money so far. Public Transit: A statewide Ride Public Campaign is underway, urging dedicated funding for Vermont transit and warning service cuts could trigger a “death spiral” for rural communities. Education & Community: A debate over school consolidation and Act 73 continues to split lawmakers, with critics warning forced mergers could weaken local civic life even as costs and enrollment pressures mount. Energy Costs: A new Vermont energy affordability report says fuel oil and gasoline prices remain sharply higher than last year, with fossil fuel costs driving most of the hit. Wildlife Policy: A federal endangered species rollback would let some activities like logging and development kill protected animals if the purpose isn’t killing them, drawing sharp criticism from conservation groups. Local Notes: Tri-Valley Transit marks 50 years with community food drives, and Vermont’s fire towers are set for safety upgrades this fall.

AI policy fight: Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar unveiled a sweeping bill to pause advanced AI and permanently ban “artificial superintelligence,” with a proposed cabinet-level Department of Artificial Intelligence to set rules and pull dangerous models. State politics & courts: In Bennington County Probate, attorney Jim Dingley will accept a GOP nomination after write-in votes set up a general-election race against incumbent Lon McClintock. Health costs: Vermont’s AGs are urging consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices, after preliminary court approval for payouts. Local government & services: Tri-Valley Transit marks 50 years with community food drives, including a Montpelier collection Oct. 3. Public safety & infrastructure: Vermont State Police reported a crash closing East Rd in Stamford with delays expected. Community & culture: Rutland Free Library launches a “Freedom to Read” book club starting Oct. 5, timed with Banned Books Week. Business & jobs: A Vermont task force will explore expanding employee ownership to help preserve local businesses as owners near retirement.

Education & Local Control: A new lawsuit challenges Vermont’s Act 73 education changes, with a religious school arguing the funding rules violate the First Amendment. Public Safety & Traffic: I-89 south near Exit 14 in South Burlington saw a multi-vehicle crash with lane closures and delays. Courts & Mental Health: A Vermont jury rejected Jason Eaton’s insanity claim in the 2023 shooting of three Palestinian students near UVM. State Government & Health: Vermont’s AG secured a legal victory protecting access to social services, blocking unlawful federal changes. Energy & the Economy: Vermont is part of a multistate push to stop Trump administration offshore wind buybacks that would redirect money to fossil fuel projects. Infrastructure: VTrans is seeking a new owner for the historic Burlington-Winooski Bridge ahead of its replacement. Community & Aging: Two rural Vermont adult day services face closure amid Medicaid reimbursement gaps. Local Life: Tri-Valley Transit’s 50th anniversary includes community food drives, and NOTCH plans to renovate a former DMV building in St. Albans for consolidated primary care.

Transportation & Safety: I-89 south near Exit 14 in South Burlington saw a multi-vehicle crash that blocked one lane; Vermont State Police later said the operator died from injuries. Local Government & Planning: The Bennington County Regional Commission approved an Act 181-updated regional plan, including future land-use maps and housing targets for 2030 and 2050. Courts & Public Policy: Vermont is among states suing the Trump administration over offshore wind lease buybacks, arguing taxpayer money is being used to cancel projects and shift investment elsewhere. Health & Community: Rutland state offices mostly reopened after asbestos testing; the top-floor State’s Attorney area stayed sealed for cleaning. Public Service & Local News: Press Forward Vermont is launching a grant program to fund collaboration between news outlets and community partners. Community Life: Tri-Valley Transit is marking 50 years with regional food drives, including a Montpelier collection tied to the Fall Festival. Sports & Recreation: Vermont’s ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting seasons begin Sept. 26, with daily limits and Harvest Information Program registration required.

Vermont Courts: A Burlington jury convicted 51-year-old Jason Eaton of attempted murder for the Nov. 25, 2023 shooting of three Palestinian college students near UVM, rejecting his insanity defense; Eaton faces up to life in prison and was held without bail pending sentencing. Public Safety: Vermont State Police say VT Route 9 is shut down in the Prospect Mtn area after a crash, with both lanes obstructed and long delays expected. Local Justice: In Berlin, Thomas J. Fallon, 33, was cited for violating conditions of release three times and is scheduled to appear in Washington County Superior Court on Sept. 22. Health Policy: Vermont AG Kwame Raoul joined a coalition pushing back on a proposed federal Medicaid rule that could threaten state funding and oversight. Community & Culture: Rutland Free Library is launching a monthly “Freedom to Read” banned-book club starting Oct. 5. Business & Education: Vermont State University students are working on tick-borne pathogen detection research, including a CRISPR-based approach, with hands-on lab mentorship.

Housing & Development: Bennington’s Monument Place project in former Energizer buildings appears to clear a major Act 250 hurdle, with officials saying it may qualify for a priority housing exemption. Homelessness: Joshua House in Newport will expand its low-barrier warming shelter to run every night Nov. 1 through April 15, after an open house drew community support. Local Government & Roads: Colchester’s Exit 16 diverging diamond interchange is now open, with daily lane closures and traffic shifts continuing through Sept. 25. Arts & Community: The Vermont Community Foundation awarded more than $250,000 via its Arts & Social Cohesion grants to 25 projects statewide. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a Newbury DUI arrest and a Georgia identity-theft arrest, with court dates set. Courts: A Burlington jury rejected Jason Eaton’s insanity defense and convicted him in the 2023 shooting of three Palestinian men. Economy: Vermont unemployment held steady at 2.6% in August, with the state still reporting strong job openings. Education: VTSU Castleton President Sherry Kollmann previewed plans for the year ahead during homecoming. Health Access: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion-care capacity and patient support.

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 patient assistance. Education & Costs: U.S. public school spending hit a record $17,619 per student in 2024 even as enrollment keeps falling and satisfaction drops. Vermont Civic Access: Disability Rights Vermont says voting access for people with disabilities still has gaps, especially in primaries and local elections, and is pushing for improvements. Local Culture & Community: The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival returned for its 14th year at Shelburne Farms, drawing big crowds and spotlighting small-scale Vermont producers. Sports & Inclusion: Norwich University hockey players shared the ice with Vermont’s adaptive sled hockey team, the Central Vermont Pioneers, in a scrimmage aimed at expanding participation. Energy Assistance: Sen. Peter Welch joined a bipartisan push urging HHS to release LIHEAP funds quickly as winter nears. Housing & Real Estate: A new report says Vermont still needs about 28,000 more homes by 2030, with permit reform and financing key to progress. Public Safety: Vermont State Police issued citations in multiple recent cases, including negligent operation on I-89 and DUI drugs/arrest-on-warrant incidents.

Reproductive Rights: Vermont Business Magazine reports Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion access, funding equipment and supplies and offering patient financial help. Energy Assistance: Sen. Peter Welch joined a bipartisan push urging HHS to release LIHEAP funds quickly and fully, warning winter energy bills could hit low-income Vermonters hard. Border Privacy: A federal appeals court ruling expands border agents’ ability to search travelers’ cellphones without a warrant in NY, CT and VT, raising new concerns about digital privacy. Workplace Oversight: The Vermont Labor Relations Board is short-staffed, with labor leaders saying the lack of members slows union-related cases and protections. Housing & Community: Cornerstone Housing Partners held a first housing expo in Rutland County to connect renters and homeowners with financing and repair help. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a fatal Route 7 crash in New Haven and separate warrant and DUI-drugs arrests in Westminster and Williston. Local Life: Booktoberfest returns to Lawrence Public Library with adult reading events starting Sept. 30.

Fatal crash on Route 7: Vermont State Police say a 32-year-old Vergennes woman died after her car left the roadway, hit a telephone pole and overturned on Route 7 in New Haven. Two passengers, both from Ferrisburgh, were taken to Porter Medical Center and UVM Medical Center with suspected serious injuries; police said the driver wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and the crash remains under investigation. Vermont housing push: Cornerstone Housing Partners held its first housing expo in Rutland County, aiming to connect renters, homeowners and local businesses with practical help on repairs, financing and affordable housing solutions. Local community leadership: Vermont Community Leadership Summit at VTSU Castleton (Oct. 6) will offer workshops and a revised action guide focused on housing, childcare, civic life and community projects. Burlington waterfront music: Grand Point North continues this weekend with live acts on the Burlington Waterfront, benefiting Potter’s Grand Point Foundation. Sports roundup: VTSU Castleton shut out Maine Maritime 40-0; Eastern Connecticut beat VTSU Castleton women’s soccer 4-0. AI policy debate: Bernie Sanders is backing a bill to ban “artificial superintelligence” and pause advanced AI development. Border phone-search ruling: A federal appeals court says border agents can manually search travelers’ cellphones without suspicion.

Reproductive Rights & Health Care: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion access by funding medical supplies and adding patient financial assistance. Civic Life & Community Support: MENTOR Vermont’s new “Mentoring Mindset” initiative is training trusted adults—like coaches and librarians—to help close gaps for youth who say they’re missing a supportive connection. Housing & Local Economy: A new Vermont Business Magazine look at development finds progress on rentals is slow, but the state still needs about 28,000 more homes by 2030 as costs and financing remain tough. Local Government: St. Albans City Council approved buying the historic Central Vermont Railroad headquarters at 2 Federal Street for $1.125 million, with plans likely headed toward mixed-use. Arts & Culture: The Latin American Connection Celebration returns to Burlington’s City Hall Park with a parade, performances, and food trucks. Sports & Community Events: The 16th Annual Champlain Valley Buddy Walk is set for Oct. 18 in South Burlington.

Reproductive Rights: 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. State Politics: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch voted “no” on the GOP Farm Bill, saying it falls short for Vermont farmers, rural communities, and nutrition programs. Public Safety & Courts: Vermont’s AG coalition won a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from demanding a database of sensitive driver information from states. Housing & Health Care: After UVM Health Network job cuts, some workers say employer housing could be lost, raising fears of eviction in a tight rental market. Local Government: Rutland’s Asa Bloomer Building is set to mostly reopen Monday after asbestos testing, with the State’s Attorney’s office cleanup continuing. Community & Culture: Burlington-area duo Cricket Blue releases “Sweet Animal,” a concept album exploring death and grief. Weather: Heavy rain and flash-flood risk are flagged for Saturday morning into early Saturday, with showers easing Sunday. Traffic/Infrastructure: Statewide highway work includes I-89 paving and bridge rehabilitation, with lane closures and speed reductions.

Reproductive Rights: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion access, funding clinic equipment and supplies and offering patient financial help. Border & Privacy: A federal appeals court upheld suspicionless cellphone searches at the border, a ruling that could affect travelers entering via Vermont and nearby states. Public Health: Eggs are being recalled in California and Vermont due to separate Salmonella outbreaks, and the CDC reports measles cases are rising again, with Vermont among the jurisdictions seeing infections. Law Enforcement Tech: ICE is considering buying Boston Dynamics “Spot” robot dogs, drawing protests outside an ICE processing center in Burlington. Consumer & Cost Pressures: As the Iran war keeps energy prices high, heating oil users in the Northeast face steep winter increases. Local Safety: Police say a Hartford man died in a car fire, and Bennington police allege a neighbor dispute on South Stream Road included a rifle shot. Community & Culture: Oktoberfest returns to Burlington’s South End, and the Patriots Foundation awarded Burlington’s King Street Center $10,000 for volunteer work.

Reproductive Rights: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion care by funding clinic equipment and supplies and offering patient financial help. Elections & Privacy: A federal judge rejected the DOJ’s bid to seize Vermont voter rolls, ruling state officials don’t have to provide voter information. Education: Preliminary Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program results show modest K-12 gains, but proficiency gaps remain wide for historically marginalized students. Public Safety: In Burlington, Jason Eaton’s attempted-murder trial continued with prosecutors arguing he was legally sane; Eaton also tried to fire his attorneys midtrial. State Politics: Gov. Phil Scott’s team says a potential new budget would keep spending tight while pursuing tax relief. Community & Civic Life: Young Vermonters were honored at the Statehouse for completing the Good Citizen Challenge, with a record 190 kids finishing more than 1,800 activities. Environment: Vermont proclaimed Sept. 28–Oct. 4 as Food Waste Prevention Week, launching a Scrap Food Waste Challenge.