AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Health Care: Howard Center is launching a Public Inebriate Program in Burlington, offering a supervised, voluntary alternative to the ER or jail for people who are intoxicated. Local Government: Gov. Phil Scott and North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein are backing a lawsuit challenging Trump administration moves to condition emergency preparedness funding on immigration and election demands, warning Vermont could lose help when disasters hit. Courts & Justice: Addison County’s only licensed state prosecutor is leaving next week, with the Attorney General’s office setting up a special prosecutor to oversee cases. Community Events: The Brattleboro Historical Society is teaming up for Creamery Bridge Day on Aug. 4 at the Creamery Bridge, with local history groups and programming. Business & Workforce: Crescent Manor in Bennington is recruiting four bachelor-prepared registered nurses from Mexico as part of a long-term care workforce strategy. Energy Costs: AAA says the national gas price average is steady at about $4.09 a gallon, with crude oil still elevated. Arts & Culture: Friends of Historic Memorial Hall is reactivating the venue as a performing arts hub for the Deerfield Valley.

Public Safety Clash in Burlington: Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and Democratic City Council leaders are sparring over a sweeping “Burlington Forward” public safety resolution, with the mayor asking for a delay and council Democrats pushing ahead toward committee review. Healthcare & Access: Vermont’s healthcare debate stays front and center as Gov. Phil Scott calls to move state healthcare policies “back into the mainstream,” while Brattleboro hospital finances remain strained and a Rural Health Transformation grant is in play. Substance Use Response: Howard Center says Burlington will now offer a Public Inebriate Program—voluntary, supervised care meant to reduce ER and jail use. Mental Health Expansion: Northeast Kingdom Human Services received a Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Center designation to expand mental health and substance use services. Higher Ed Pressure: Saint Michael’s College faces possible accreditation trouble tied to steep enrollment declines. Cost of Cannabis: Vermont weed costs about twice as much as Massachusetts, and officials point to market design and supply limits. Local Life & Community: Camp Farnsworth at Lake Abenaki is helping Girl Scouts fight loneliness through overnight camp experiences. Science Watch: New England researchers found a contagious melanoma in brown bullhead catfish, raising questions for ecosystems and future cancer research.

Public Safety: Gov. Phil Scott directed Vermont State Police to patrol downtown Burlington, a move Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak says she learned about via email rather than directly from the governor. Local Health & Community: Blue Cross VT will host free “Kayak Days” Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport, with free rentals, snacks, and a virtual photo challenge that supports Camp Exclamation Point. Workforce & Care: Crescent Manor in Bennington welcomed its first group of four bachelor-prepared registered nurses from Mexico as part of a pipeline to strengthen long-term care staffing. Sports: Middlebury’s Caroline Adams earned a NESCAC nomination for the DIII Commissioners Association Women’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year award after a standout lacrosse season. Soccer: Vermont Green FC heads to Michigan for the USL Two title match, facing travel fatigue and a home-field edge for the Flint City Bucks. Cannabis Policy: Vermont weed costs about twice Massachusetts, tied to Vermont’s craft-focused market design and ongoing discussions about possible interstate commerce. EV Policy: A new report says states are both pushing and pulling back on EV programs as utilities and lawmakers adjust to shifting support. Road Notes: Vermont State Police issued traffic alerts for crashes on I-91 in Norwich and I-89 in South Burlington.

Public Safety: Burlington is getting extra Vermont State Police patrols downtown for the next three weeks, with Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak saying she wished the governor’s office had notified her first. Flood Readiness: State rescue teams staged in Ludlow and Wilmington as heavy rain returns, with warnings aimed at preventing repeat damage from the 2023 floods. Homelessness Oversight: A tense Douglas County homelessness meeting ended with many residents agreeing the city-county plan should get closer review. Education & Special Needs: Vermont’s education system is facing renewed scrutiny after federal guidance flagged the state as needing improvement for students with disabilities. Healthcare Tech: CMS is shifting a Medicaid eligibility “Eligibility Made Easy” tool into the Federal Data Services Hub ahead of upcoming work requirements. Workforce & Care: Crescent Manor in Bennington is recruiting bachelor-prepared nurses from Mexico to help stabilize long-term care staffing. Community Health: National Life Group’s Do Good Fest raised $200,000 for Vermont youth mental health programs. Legal Accountability: The ACLU of Vermont filed federal claims against ICE over a March 11 South Burlington raid. Arts & Culture: Brattleboro’s Nu Mu Festival of Music and Art runs Aug. 7–21, with performances tied to the 250th anniversary.

Flood Watch for Vermont and New England: Heavy rain is pushing into the region, with flood watches and flash-flood warnings affecting parts of eastern New York and southern Vermont, where rainfall could reach 1–2 inches per hour in the hardest-hit areas. Brattleboro Hospital Crisis: Brattleboro selectboard dropped a proposed municipal tax hike meant to keep the hospital’s birthing center open, after hospital leaders warned the plan could be divisive while the facility faces a multiyear budget deficit. Obamacare Enrollment Drop: A new analysis finds Obamacare enrollment fell in 49 states, with New Mexico the only exception, as enhanced federal subsidies expired. Vermont Public Safety/Health: Vermont Fish and Wildlife says it’s seeing more bear-human conflicts driven by fear of bears being killed, and urges residents to report minor activity. Local Arts & Community: Southern Vermont Arts Center opened “Active Objects” in Manchester, and a Londonderry artist is using harvested phragmites to create public artworks tied to local flooding and resilience. Campaign Money in Montpelier: A Democratic state Senate candidate in Chittenden-Central raised a record amount, fueling concerns about money’s role in Vermont politics.

Vermont Health Care: Vermont is dropping the federal AHEAD global-budget experiment after funding cuts and is shifting to a $195 million-a-year Rural Health Transformation Program for five years, aiming to keep long-term global budgets in view while reducing near-term administrative costs. Public Safety & Courts: A Burlington man accused of smashing a police van window and injuring a trooper during an ICE protest raid pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges in Chittenden County court. State Politics: Vermont voters will weigh two constitutional amendments on the November ballot, as the state’s political reset faces the electorate. Community & Culture: South Burlington animator Travis Van Alstyne was named the latest winner of The Vermont Prize, earning $5,000 for animated storytelling rooted in Vermont history and culture. Local Sports: The Lake Monsters extended their home streak with a 13-8 win over Westfield, while Essex’s Nico Caiano threw a no-hitter in the American Legion state tournament. Health & Wellness: Blue Cross VT announced free Kayak Days on Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport, with rentals, giveaways, and a virtual photo challenge benefiting Camp Exclamation Point.

Public Health & Community: Feeding Champlain Valley has taken over gleaning in Chittenden County, with volunteers cutting surplus greens at Burlington’s Intervale to stock local food shelves. State Health Care: Northwestern Counseling & Support Services in St. Albans earned Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Center status, aiming to better connect mental health, substance use care, crisis services, and physical health screening. Vermont Politics & Voting: Vermont’s Town Clerks are keeping a close eye on election ballots as the Aug. 11 primary approaches, with guides and candidate Q&As helping voters navigate the process. Local Events: Bennington’s 9th Annual Backpack Giveaway and Bennington Night Out returns Aug. 4 with free backpacks, food, and family activities. Crime & Courts: Vermont Attorney General prosecutors arraigned Joseph Berg of Lincoln on felony counts tied to sex offender registry obligations. Business & Lifestyle: Blue Cross VT’s free Kayak Days set for Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport offers rentals, safety gear, giveaways, and a virtual challenge benefiting Camp Exclamation Point. Roads: VT Route 100 near Greg Hill Rd in Waterbury has reopened after a crash closure.

Health & Community: Blue Cross VT is hosting free Kayak Days on Aug. 15 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Prouty Beach in Newport, with free rentals, snacks, giveaways, and a virtual photo challenge that supports Camp Exclamation Point. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a Sutton incident where Justin Stevens was cited for simple assault and unlawful mischief after vandalizing a vehicle and causing injury. Weather: The National Weather Service is warning of flash-flood risk in parts of southern Vermont and the North Country Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday, with the biggest concern for localized heavy downpours. Environment: Vermont will run its annual rabies vaccine bait drop starting Aug. 1, targeting wildlife across multiple counties as rabies cases remain elevated. Boating: Officials reminded boaters after a Lake Champlain boat fire near Valcor/Stave islands; two people escaped with life preservers. Sports: Vermont Green FC advanced in the USL League Two playoffs, and Vermont’s Mountaineers won major honors at the NECBL All-Star Game. Business/Policy: Vermont’s new data privacy law (VDPOSA) takes effect in stages, with compliance planning urged now. Lottery: Powerball and Gimme 5 results for July 27 were published.

Rabies Prevention: Vermont’s annual wildlife rabies vaccine bait drop is set to start Aug. 1, with about 915,700 vaccine baits planned across 10 Vermont counties (plus parts of NY and NH) as officials report rising rabies activity. Local Traffic: VT Route 100 near Greg Hill Rd in Waterbury is closed both directions after a crash, with heavy delays expected. Vermont Economy: The state unemployment rate held at 2.6% in June, while Vermont businesses added an estimated 3,200 jobs in the early summer hiring season. Public Safety Leadership: Vermont State Police released its watch commander schedule for July 27–Aug. 2. Housing & Community: The Vermont Statewide Housing Conference announced its 2026 keynote speaker, Shane Phillips, ahead of the Nov. 18 event. Health & Wellness Event: Blue Cross VT’s free Kayak Days returns Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport, with rentals, snacks, and a virtual challenge benefiting Camp Exclamation Point. Arts & Fundraising: Dorset Theatre Festival gears up for its biggest fundraiser, the 5th annual Dance Party Ball on Saturday. Politics Beyond Vermont: Vermont’s AGs are among a coalition suing over alleged FEMA/DHS grant conditions tied to voter data and immigration enforcement.

Health & Community: Blue Cross VT is hosting free Kayak Days Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport, with rentals, snacks, giveaways, and a virtual photo challenge that raises money for Camp Exclamation Point. Local Health Care: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital leaders are set to brief the Select Board about a possible community vote for one-time funding to keep the Birthing Center open. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a DUI drug arrest in Ferrisburgh and a separate Brookfield crash that shut down I-89 SB near exits 5 and 4 for a tractor-trailer accident. Sports: Essex and Lyndon stayed unbeaten in the Vermont American Legion state tournament, while Franklin and Addison County advanced in elimination games at Fair Haven. Science/Research: UVM researchers reported a transmissible cancer in catfish, adding to the growing list of contagious cancers known to science. Business/Tech: The UVM-led V-GaN Tech Hub opened a new test and characterization facility in South Burlington to speed microelectronics from lab to manufacturing.

Vermont State University: NBC5 reports new VTSU president Sherry Kollmann is focused on boosting enrollment, expanding workforce partnerships, and building a statewide model after the Castleton–Northern Vermont–Vermont Tech merger. Public Safety: Vermont State Police say a Chelsea crash led to an arrest for DUI, false reports, and disorderly conduct. Traffic: River Rd in New Haven was briefly shut down after a crash, with both lanes obstructed near house 730. Local Schools: Parents in Washington Central Unified want a special vote to change how towns handle decisions on closing small schools, potentially shifting power from individual towns to districtwide voters. Bennington Incident: Police are investigating a multi-car crash where a driver with a gunshot wound was found after the Subaru hit parked vehicles; a person of interest is in custody. Conservation: The Upper Valley Land Trust secured a $100,000 grant to permanently conserve Houghton Hill in Thetford. Tech & Economy: UVM highlights the V-GaN Tech Hub open house and its new Test and Characterization Facility in South Burlington. Planning: The Vermont Planners Association named 2026 Annual Planning Award winners, including Chittenden County and Bennington’s town plan.

Vermont Politics & Courts: A Biden-appointed majority on the First Circuit refused to lift an injunction against President Trump’s election-integrity executive order in 23 states, keeping blocks on DHS citizenship-list distribution and USPS mail-ballot changes for elections before Nov. 3, 2026. Public Safety: Vermont State Police arrested Fabian Barup, 56, of Hyde Park, for DUI after a stop on Route 100 near Guptil Rd; he’s set for Washington County Court Aug. 13. Health & Community: University of Vermont Extension’s EFNEP program is helping Vermonters manage food and nutrition, including hands-on cooking classes aimed at healthier eating. Local Sports: Vermont Green FC advanced after a 4-0 win over Asheville City SC and will face Laredo Heat in the USL2 national semifinal Sunday night on WYCI and 3NN. Business & Tech: UVM’s V-GaN Tech Hub held an open house for its new Test and Characterization Facility in South Burlington to speed up commercialization of gallium nitride chips. Roads: Vermont Business Magazine listed major highway work for the week of July 27, including I-89 and I-91 paving and lane closures. Recreation: Blue Cross VT’s free Kayak Days returns Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport, with rentals, snacks, and a virtual photo challenge.

Local Health & Outdoors: Vermont beaches are seeing cyanobacteria alerts this weekend, with low warnings at Oakledge Park South Cove in Burlington and Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans, plus higher-risk closures at Black Bridge and the St. Albans Boat Launch, and at Wrights Bay Road Beach in Milton and the Shelburne Pond Boat Launch. Community Events: Burlington City Arts’ Festival of Fools returns July 31–Aug. 1 with 70+ free performances downtown. State & Local Infrastructure: A week of Vermont road work includes paving and lane closures on I-89 and I-91, with overnight ramp shutdowns and speed reductions in multiple areas. Vermont Economy & Innovation: UVM’s V-GaN Tech Hub held an open house for its new Test and Characterization Facility in South Burlington, aimed at speeding up commercialization of gallium nitride semiconductors. Caregiving & Retirement: New EBRI/Greenwald research finds unpaid caregivers report more financial strain and lower retirement confidence than non-caregivers. Maine Politics (regional impact): Maine Democrats chose Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner and face Susan Collins in November, after a chaotic nomination process.

Public Health: Mosquitoes collected in Montpelier tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting reminders to wear long sleeves, remove standing water, and keep screens tight. Local Debate: A proposed turf field at Champlain Valley Union High School is drawing pushback from residents worried about PFAS “forever chemicals” and microplastics, with supporters pointing to weather reliability for practices and classes. State Policy & Housing: Vermont is set to submit maps for federal Opportunity Zones, including sites across much of the state, to unlock tax incentives for development and multi-unit housing. Agriculture: UVM Extension named Rail View Dairy in New Haven the 2026 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year, citing herd management, land stewardship, and innovation. Community & Outdoors: Blue Cross VT’s free Kayak Days returns Aug. 15 at Prouty Beach in Newport, with rentals, snacks, and a virtual photo challenge benefiting Camp Exclamation Point. Safety & Courts: Vermont State Police arrested 12 people in Williston on trespassing charges after a protest at a building housing federal agencies. Business/Tech: UVM’s V-GaN Tech Hub opened a new Test and Characterization Facility in South Burlington to help move advanced semiconductor work from lab to manufacturing.

Community Health & Outdoors: Blue Cross VT is hosting free Kayak Days on Aug. 15 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Prouty Beach in Newport, with free rentals, flotation devices, giveaways for the first 50, snacks, and a summer virtual photo challenge that donates $5 per post to Camp Exclamation Point. Public Safety & Justice: Vermont AG says Scott Barr of Guilford was sentenced to zero-to-two years (all suspended) and five years’ probation for possession of child sexual abuse material, with sex-offender programming and restrictions on internet and contact with children. Local Nonprofit Fundraising: Northshire Coalition for Neurodivergent Adults will hold its inaugural “Triple Threat Throwdown” fundraiser Aug. 1 in Manchester, featuring skateboarding, cannonball, and foul-shot contests plus a raffle. Vermont Tech & Industry: UVM’s V-GaN Tech Hub opened its Test and Characterization Facility in South Burlington to help companies move advanced gallium nitride semiconductors from lab to manufacturing. Sports & Community: Burlington City Arts’ Festival of Fools returns July 31-Aug. 1 with 70+ free street performances across Church Street and City Hall Park. Traffic: Stebbins Rd in Cambridge has both lanes blocked near Stone Hill Rd due to a crash, expected to last 1-2 hours.

Local Media Funding: Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order directing Vermont agencies to prioritize local news outlets in state advertising, saying community papers and broadcasters are trusted and help reach rural Vermonters. Housing & Public Safety: Montpelier City Council picked DEW Properties LLC for the Country Club Road housing project, moving a former golf-course plan forward while also approving other public-safety items. Health & Caregiving: A new national survey finds unpaid caregivers report more financial strain, worse mental health, and lower retirement confidence than non-caregivers. Environment Watch: Scientists report a rare transmissible cancer in brown bullhead catfish from Lake Memphremagog, with researchers studying possible links to water-quality changes. Business & Jobs: Vermont’s home health and hospice network named Eric Covey as executive director of VNAs of Vermont. Crime & Courts: Vermont Attorney General Todd Graves was arraigned on child sexual abuse materials charges after a VT-ICAC investigation. Sports: Vermont golfers advanced at the Junior Amateur, with match-play wins in multiple divisions.