AGP Executive Report

Vermont Politics & Elections: A new University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll finds Gov. Phil Scott’s approval slipping to 48%—his lowest since 2022—while education remains the top issue driving both support and disapproval. Campaign Finance: Vermont’s Secretary of State reports that 1 in 5 candidates failed to comply with state campaign finance disclosure rules ahead of the August primary and November general. Health & Human Services: VNAs of Vermont has appointed Eric Covey as its executive director, putting a longtime health policy and regulatory advocate at the helm as Vermont’s home health and hospice system continues to shift. Environment & Public Policy: The Trump administration’s rollback of Endangered Species Act habitat protections is drawing pushback from states and wildlife experts who say states can’t realistically replace federal safeguards. Tech & Privacy: Chick-fil-A confirmed a data breach tied to credential-stuffing attacks on its Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, potentially exposing names, contact info, and partial payment details. Science & Vermont Waters: UVM-led researchers report a rare transmissible cancer in bullhead catfish from Lake Memphremagog, adding to the small list of known contagious cancers in nature. Housing & Cost of Living: Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced $25 million in new funding aimed at housing, jobs, and affordability—another sign housing remains the political center of gravity.

Vermont Elections: State officials are pushing turnout ahead of the Aug. 11 primary, with Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas pointing to low primary participation and urging voters to use the voter guide as key races like Chittenden County State’s Attorney and Sheriff are decided in the primary. Sheriff Races: In Franklin County, voters will choose among three Republicans—Andre LaBier, James Lynch, and Chad Miles—in a race that’s already drawing attention for its law-enforcement experience and priorities. Local Governance: Newport City Council admitted it violated Vermont’s open meeting law when it held a special meeting to interview city manager candidates in closed session, saying it was trying to protect candidate identities. Health Care & Policy: Vermont’s home health and hospice sector named Eric Covey as Executive Director of VNAs of Vermont, as the state’s health care transformation continues. Federal Impact on Vermont: A federal court ruling blocks the Trump administration from revoking already-awarded grants just because priorities changed—an outcome that matters for Vermont programs. Immigration & Courts: A Vermont federal case involving a border-smuggling plea deal highlights how prosecutors are tightening pressure on people tied to Migrant Justice organizer “Nacho.” Public Safety: Vermont State Police released synopses of internal misconduct investigations from 2025, with findings leading to trooper departures. Environment & Science: UVM researchers reported a rare, transmissible cancer in bullhead catfish from Lake Memphremagog, adding a new twist to local wildlife concerns.

Vermont Politics & Elections: The Democratic lieutenant governor primary is heating up ahead of the Aug. 11 vote, with three candidates—Molly Gray, Esther Charlestin, and Ryan McLaren—arguing over housing, healthcare, and education at a Vermont Public debate. State Government & Budget: A new look at Vermont finances raises alarms about spending growth outpacing taxpayers, with the biggest drivers flagged as Agency of Human Services and education administration costs. Housing Policy: Vermont is testing “gentle infill” approaches—using smaller, neighborhood-fitting development like duplexes/triplexes on vacant lots—to chip away at the housing shortage. Public Safety: Act 162 is reshaping Vermont’s forest fire warden system, automatically tying the role to local fire chiefs and changing how deputies and burn permits are handled. Courts & Immigration: A federal appeals court reversed a Vermont judge’s order involving pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi, reopening the door to possible re-arrest while immigration proceedings continue. Consumer Protection: Vermont’s policy momentum is echoed in Massachusetts’ move to cap ticket resale markups and fees, building on Vermont and Maine reforms. Local Community: The Estey Organ Museum in Brattleboro got a surprise gift to pay off its mortgage, keeping the site’s preservation work on track.

Refugee Resettlement Debate: Brattleboro is set to resettle 50 white South Africans under a Trump-linked refugee program while the broader U.S. refugee pipeline remains paused, fueling local backlash and questions about fairness. Lieutenant Governor Race: Ryan McLaren’s 2017 ski accident left him paraplegic—and now he’s using that experience to argue for change as he seeks the Democratic nomination in the Aug. 11 primary. Dem Party Honors: Vermont Democrats held the Obuchowski Awards for retiring Rep. Mollie Burke and longtime advocate Mary Gerisch, spotlighting transportation, health, housing, and climate work. Trade and Tariffs: Vermont manufacturers are bracing for Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, while Canada’s PM Mark Carney says talks will intensify and warns of broader fallout. Climate Court Fight: Vermont and New York are suing EPA over a rule weakening hydrofluorocarbon phaseout deadlines, arguing it violates the AIM Act. Housing Finance: Vermont expanded low-interest lending through the Invest in Vermont program, adding $25 million for housing and job projects. Local Public Safety: Pownal’s deputy patrols ended after a Bennington County Sheriff contract impasse. Cannabis Policy: Royalton voters will decide in November whether to allow retail cannabis, and Vermont’s new higher purchase limit is aimed at steering buyers away from the black market. Education & Inclusion: A federal report finds more students with disabilities spend more time in mainstream classrooms, but warns oversight may weaken as special education functions shift. Turtles and Wildlife: Vermont continues tracking released pond slider turtles after the state ban, as pet “buyer’s remorse” threatens native species. Immigration Courts: A federal appeals court ruled Mohsen Mahdawi’s release was improper because his case should go through immigration court first, raising the odds of re-arrest.

Vermont Politics & Elections: Four Democrats are vying for three Vermont Senate seats covering Washington County and the towns of Braintree, Orange, and Stowe, with incumbents Ann Cummings, Andrew Perchlik, and Anne Watson facing newcomer Gabriel Lajeunesse in the August primary. Campaign Events: Democratic gubernatorial candidates Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo will debate at a public Milton forum Aug. 5 ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Public Safety & Courts: Border Patrol arrested FBI “most wanted” fugitive Nitish Kaushal near the U.S.-Canada border in Alburgh after a disabled vehicle report and a home-break-in call. Health & Policy: UVM Medical Center earned an ANCC Well-being Excellence Credential for an employee-driven wellbeing model. Tech & Regulation: Vermont passed a chatbot mental health law that raises concerns about therapists rubber-stamping AI advice. Energy & Legal Fight: States are preparing to sue the Trump administration over offshore wind buyout deals. Education & Workforce: Champlain College Online and Georgia’s Technical College System signed a transfer agreement allowing associate grads to apply up to 90 credits toward online bachelor’s degrees. Local Notes: Montpelier police honored two officers with life-saving awards after a June 24 motorcycle crash.

Vermont Election Integrity: Vermont AG Charity Clark and Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas pushed back on President Trump’s renewed election-integrity claims, reiterating that Vermont elections are “free, fair, accessible, and secure.” Public Safety & Law Enforcement: The FBI’s Most Wanted list suspect, Nitish Kaushal, was arrested in Alburgh after Border Patrol found an abandoned car and later received a report of a break-in attempt; he faces serious charges including murder and firearms allegations. State Government & Civic Engagement: Copeland Hanzas launched Vermont Civic Connect, offering businesses and nonprofits nonpartisan election and civic-engagement toolkits, with “Champions” committing to workplace support like paid time off to vote. Local Government Watch: Brighton is moving ahead with Ten Mile Square bridge replacement after FEMA-code culvert work; Barton Electric ratepayers are reacting to a proposed 14.73% electric rate increase tied to power costs and a hydro upgrade bond. Health & Consumer Alerts: Vermont reported no linked cyclosporiasis cases tied to a national lettuce recall, even as New Hampshire logged infections. Energy & Infrastructure Planning: The Vermont Bond Bank released “Town Highway Disaster Reserve Benchmarks” to help towns set aside funds for extreme-weather road and bridge costs. Education & Faith: The Catholic Diocese of Burlington asked bankruptcy court approval to sell Rice Memorial High School to a new nonprofit to avoid liquidation ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Agriculture Policy: Sen. Peter Welch reintroduced bills targeting farm consolidation and agricultural worker protections, including safer conditions and fairer labor rules.

Vermont Politics: In the Democratic lieutenant governor primary, Molly Gray and Ryan McLaren are sparring over who has the right “experience” to deliver results, with housing work and past roles taking center stage. Prison & Justice: A Hawaii case highlights a national problem with compassionate release—people granted early release can still be stuck because long-term care facilities won’t take them. Public Safety & Health: A new mapping app, SAFE MApp, is being promoted to help livestock and poultry farms plan for disease prevention and emergency response. Courts & Elections: A D.C. Circuit stay lets the U.S. Postal Service move forward with a mail-in ballot rule tied to citizenship verification while lawsuits continue. Local Governance: In Hinesburg/CVU turf field fallout, the selectboard deferred discussion after public pushback over a privately financed artificial turf plan. Environment & Economy: The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast says Finch Paper’s decision to stop buying low-grade wood could hit Vermont and the region’s forest economy hard. Agriculture: UVM Extension named Rail View Dairy in New Haven the 2026 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year.

Maine Senate Race: Troy Jackson is locking up delegates to replace Graham Platner and face Sen. Susan Collins, as Bellows drops out and Jackson’s slate wins most delegate slots—setting up a high-stakes, labor-rooted showdown. Progressive Push in Michigan: Bernie Sanders and AOC rallied for Abdul El-Sayed, framing the primary as “the billionaire class” vs. working people, while AIPAC’s record spending on Haley Stevens keeps the race intensely polarized. Vermont Federal Funding: FEMA approved over $6 million for Vermont to reimburse disaster recovery and strengthen resilience, including bridge and rail repairs tied to 2024 flooding. Vermont Governance & Schools: Vermont’s new education law that pays districts to merge is drawing scrutiny over whether it will deliver real savings and accountability. Public Safety & Justice: The FBI arrested alleged gang operative Nitish Kaushal in Vermont and prosecutors seek pretrial detention. Nonprofit & Local History: A Dorset historian is recording Vermont veterans’ stories for the Library of Congress before they’re lost. Tech, Finance, and Risk: EY says stolen tax data moved through a helpdesk platform, with Vermont among states notified. Climate & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to drive air-quality alerts across the region.

Federal Funding & Resilience: FEMA approved nearly $7M in New England disaster-recovery and hazard-mitigation money, including more than $6M for Vermont to reimburse flood repairs like bridges in Lyndon and rail damage in Barnet. Vermont Research Under Threat: A sweeping OMB proposal could reshape how federal grants are reviewed, putting Vermont’s research funding—from UVM projects to rural hospital support—at risk under a ban on “unlawful DEI practices.” Data Centers vs. Property Rights: As AI drives a data-center boom, Americans oppose new sites and power lines; when landowners refuse, companies increasingly lean on eminent domain—raising the question of what counts as “public use.” Dairy Economy Pressure: VTDigger reports Vermont dairy farms are falling behind as processing closures and consolidation squeeze margins, with Vermont’s costs exceeding sales by the biggest gap among compared states. Public Safety & Courts: Federal prosecutors seek pretrial detention for alleged Punjab gang operative Nitish Kaushal, arrested near the Canadian border in Alburgh, Vermont, after prosecutors say he tried to flee and used a fake identity. Climate & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to trigger air quality alerts across the Northeast, including Vermont, as storms loom and haze persists.

Federal Disaster Aid: FEMA approved nearly $7 million in New England recovery funding, including more than $6 million for Vermont Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects tied to 2024 flooding and storm damage. Vermont Civic History: The Vermont State Archives announced a free summer speaker series marking the state’s 250th anniversary, with talks on the Revolution’s legacy and the history of the Vermont State Hospital. Public Safety & Health: The DEA boosted security at its Bedford, Mass. office with new fencing and a guard booth, while wildfire smoke continues to trigger air quality alerts across the Northeast and Midwest, including Vermont. Crime Crackdown: The FBI arrested alleged Punjab gang associate Nitish Kaushal in Vermont near the Canadian border as part of “Operation Hard Ball,” with prosecutors seeking to keep him jailed pending trial. Election Administration: A federal appeals court cleared the way for USPS to proceed with a proposed rule tied to voter list submissions and serialized barcodes for mail ballots, at least while litigation continues. Energy Policy Neighbor Watch: New Hampshire signed a law allowing plug-in balcony solar without utility approval or extra fees, setting statewide standards.

FBI Crackdown in Vermont: Federal court filings say alleged Punjab gang member Nitish Kaushal—aka “Lala”—was arrested July 16 near the U.S.-Canada border after days of evading agents, abandoning a tracked phone, and using a fake New Jersey driver’s license; prosecutors argue he’s tied to a transnational syndicate accused of murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling. Federal Funding & Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved nearly $7 million for New England, including over $6 million for Vermont public assistance and hazard mitigation tied to 2024 flooding repairs and infrastructure protection. Election Rules Fight: A D.C. appeals court cleared the way for USPS to move forward with a proposed mail-ballot rule requiring state voter-list submissions and serialized barcodes, while litigation continues and some local blocks remain. Vermont Policy Watch: Vermont’s vehicle inspection rules are changing to focus failures on immediate safety risks, with nonsafety issues handled differently starting Aug. 1. Health & Safety: New Hampshire reported five confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in 2026, with no links to nationwide outbreaks yet. Politics & Party Tension: National reporting highlights Democrats splitting over Israel policy, with internal pressure rising as candidates critical of Israel face primary challenges.

Election Security Clash: Vermont’s top election officials pushed back on President Trump’s election-security claims, saying Vermont elections are “free, fair, accessible, and secure,” and that the state works with local clerks and volunteers to protect every eligible vote. Federal Funding for Resilience: FEMA approved nearly $7 million for New England recovery and hazard mitigation, including more than $6 million for Vermont projects tied to 2024 flooding repairs. Vermont DMV Update: Vehicle inspections will get less burdensome: inspectors will fail cars only for immediate safety risks, while nonsafety issues are handled differently under updated standards. Public Safety in Vermont: A man was taken into custody after a reported family assault in Groton, with police saying there’s no danger to the public. Border Patrol Arrest: U.S. Border Patrol captured FBI Most Wanted fugitive Nitish “Lala” Kaushal in Alburgh near the Canadian border, tied to a transnational RICO case. Local Business & Policy: Vermont’s new small-brewer distribution law took effect July 1, letting breweries self-distribute up to 3,000 barrels a year. Health & Food Safety: New Hampshire reported five confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in 2026, with no links to outbreaks yet. Justice System: A judge denied motions to dismiss and move venue in a North Hero manslaughter case.

Air Quality Watch: Canadian wildfire smoke is keeping air unhealthy across parts of the Midwest and Northeast, with alerts reported in Vermont and neighboring states and health risks flagged for kids, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions. Israel and Party Tensions: Sen. John Fetterman says Israel support is his “red line,” warning he’d leave the Democratic Party if it turns formally anti-Israel. Election Integrity Clash: Trump’s primetime claims about election “vulnerabilities” and a Chinese plot drew sharp Democratic backlash, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders calling it a threat to constitutional freedoms. Local Infrastructure: Northfield has begun demolition of the historic Cross Brothers Dam on the Dog River, aiming to improve water quality, habitat, and public safety. Public Safety and Crime: The FBI arrested Indian national Nitish Kaushal in Vermont after he was named Most Wanted, tying him to an alleged Punjab-based transnational organized crime syndicate. Civic Engagement: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas launched Vermont Civic Connect to help businesses and nonprofits share nonpartisan voting information and encourage election-day participation. Environment Policy: The Trump administration’s Endangered Species Act change is drawing criticism for weakening protections tied to habitat harm, with concerns for Vermont’s protected lands. Water Systems Accountability: A national push highlights how hard it is for the public to track aging water pipes—just as major federal funding and lead-line replacement rules roll out.

Vermont Education Watch: The U.S. Department of Education says Vermont’s special education system “needs intervention,” warning the state could lose up to $2.4 million a year if it doesn’t improve within two years, with critics pointing to leadership gaps and a top state post left vacant since January. Public Records Clash: Norwich’s Selectboard voted to end a Public Records Act fight by turning over the requested emails unredacted and free of charge, aiming to put an end to a Vermont Supreme Court lawsuit over redactions and fees. Health & Safety: Rabies has been confirmed in wild animals in the region, including a beaver on Lake George and cases involving raccoons and a bat in Washington County, prompting exposure guidance for residents. Caregiver Strain: Springfield Hospital will close its adult day program Sept. 30, citing financial unsustainability and leaving fewer respite options for caregivers. Vermont in the News Beyond State Lines: A Poultney man was arrested in New York for DWI and illegal weapons possession after a traffic stop found a handgun and high-capacity ammo. Ben & Jerry’s Fallout: The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation says it will shut down by year-end after its corporate parent cut funding and evicted staff, a move tied to an ongoing governance dispute. Ticket Scalping Push (Neighboring States): Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey unveiled a “Great Divide Act” capping resale ticket prices and fees and banning speculative “ghost tickets,” with Vermont native Noah Kahan backing the plan. Local Vermont History & Culture: Vermont State Archives and Records Administration announced a free summer speaker series marking the state’s 250th anniversary, using archival records to explore Vermont’s revolutionary-era legacy and later history.

CDC Confirmation Fight: Senators grilled CDC nominee Erica Schwartz on vaccines and whether she’d resist political pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with Schwartz refusing to commit to removing vaccine–autism content from the CDC website. Press Freedom vs. DOJ: The New York Times asked a court to quash subpoenas served on journalists tied to reporting on security concerns about the new Air Force One, arguing the move targets sources and chills coverage. Vermont Road Safety: Vermont police training expanded to better spot cannabis-impaired driving, citing rising crash counts involving drivers with only cannabis in their system. Vermont Primary Politics: Killington’s select board challenged a library event tied to a board candidate, raising questions about use of town facilities for political activity ahead of Aug. 11 voting. Healthcare Cost Pressure: A Vermont editorial argues S.190 wasn’t a real fix for hospital costs, criticizing the bill’s approach as regulator-capped pricing rather than true competition. Local Governance & Community: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s birth center fight continues as parents and staff warn closure would hit the region hard. Data Privacy Fallout: Multistate AGs announced settlements with 23andMe over the genetic data breach, with state recoveries limited by the bankruptcy estate. Ben & Jerry’s Foundation: The Vermont-based foundation says it will suspend operations unless a judge restores funding after its corporate parent cut support.

Vermont Politics & Elections: Killington’s select board pushed back on a candidate using the Sherburne Memorial Library for a meet-and-greet, citing town policy on political use of facilities, though the event proceeded. State Government & Courts: A Burlington judge denied a man accused of shooting three Palestinian college students a new lawyer, clearing the way for trial jury selection Sept. 10. Federal Watch: Vermont Sen. Peter Welch joined other senators pressing DOJ officials over subpoenas to New York Times reporters tied to coverage of security concerns on Trump’s Air Force One. Health & Safety: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital faces mounting pressure as residents rally to keep its birth center open, warning closure would hit the region hard. Consumer & Privacy: Vermont’s AG Liz Murrill announced a multistate 23andMe settlement over the 2023 genetic data breach, with limited recovery from the bankruptcy estate. Community & Housing: Newport residents staged a campout after the city removed benches and tables from the boardwalk, arguing it targets people experiencing homelessness. Environment & Wildlife: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is investigating an illegally killed black bear dumped in the Connecticut River. National Policy: A major U.S. science body is set to release a climate attribution report as Republicans challenge the work and push back on climate-linked lawsuits. Business & Culture: Ben & Jerry’s Foundation says it will suspend operations unless a legal ruling restores funding after its corporate parent cut support.