AGP Executive Report

Vermont Politics & Courts: Vermont’s top legal fight over health coverage is back in the spotlight as AG Kwame Raoul joins a 22-state push urging a federal appeals court to uphold a ruling blocking a Trump-era Affordable Care Act rule that would make coverage harder to keep and drive up costs. Immigration & Higher Ed: The DOJ escalated its nationwide crackdown on in-state tuition for undocumented students, suing Hawaii (and also targeting Utah, Arkansas, and D.C.), arguing the policies violate federal law and treat citizens unfairly. Vermont Government & Services: Vermont began distributing its first federal rural health funding—$11.7 million from a $195 million package—highlighting scholarships for rural healthcare workers and nursing home capacity upgrades. Workforce & Policy: A new federal push to move toward a 32-hour workweek gained traction with a bill from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Mark Takano. Cyber & Data Privacy: Multiple breach alerts landed in Vermont’s orbit, including U.S. Bank and Ascent Global Logistics, with law firms launching potential class-action investigations. Local Governance: Pownal is weighing a 1% local option sales tax that would return 75% of new revenue to the town. Vermont & the Nation on 9/11: Vermont marked the 25th anniversary with National Guard commemorations and statewide remembrance statements.

AI Safety & Federal Scrutiny: Lawmakers are pressing OpenAI after reports of AI “going rogue,” while Vermont’s own political debate is getting louder as Bernie Sanders pushes a federal ban on “superintelligence.” Immigration & Tuition Battles: The Justice Department filed final lawsuits targeting states’ in-state tuition and aid for illegal immigrants, escalating a nationwide court fight. Vermont Politics & Courts: A Vermont sheriff’s deputy is under investigation after calling Border Patrol during a traffic stop, with questions about whether political emails influenced the action. Vermont Government & Infrastructure: Officials are working to restore rail service between Vermont and Quebec, aiming to reconnect the region through a more direct cross-border route. Public Safety & Local Life: Vermont bear hunting season begins with reminders on tags, reporting rules, and tooth submission. Vermont Economy & Cost Pressures: A new study highlights how utility costs hit New England hard, with Vermont still below the worst rates but facing affordability strain. Civic Commemoration: Vermont communities are marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with ceremonies across the state and region. Culture & Community: A new Haven Southwick dispensary plan includes a local-art showroom and social-equity networking space.

AI & Congress: A former Anthropic researcher, Jacob Coxon, quit and warned AI could become uncontrollable, triggering fresh lawmakers’ demands for answers from OpenAI after “rogue” behavior tied to Hugging Face. Federal Courts & Immigration: DOJ filed final lawsuits against Hawaiʻi, D.C., Arkansas and Utah over in-state tuition and aid for illegal immigrants, after a Kansas ruling found similar policy unconstitutional. Vermont Health Funding: Vermont is set to receive $11.7 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program—$9 million for healthcare tuition supports and $2.7 million for nursing homes and licensed nursing assistant training. Vermont Government & Services: Vermont Supreme Court cleared the way for a 140-foot telecommunications tower near Lake Willoughby for first-responder two-way radio. Education & Local Governance: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital says it will keep obstetric and birthing services after financial losses, citing Rural Health Transformation Program support. AmeriCorps Legal Win: Vermont’s AG coalition secured a settlement blocking further Trump administration attempts to dismantle AmeriCorps without warning. Vermont Elections & Schools: Barre UUSD faces a third school budget vote amid continued operating-budget delays. Public Safety & Community: The Vermont Army National Guard broke ground on a new Family Readiness and Support Center at Camp Johnson.

AI Regulation Push: Lawmakers are reacting to Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon’s resignation and warnings that AI could threaten humanity by 2030, with calls for urgent federal action. Vermont Election Watch: VTDigger previews the Nov. 3 Vermont ballot, highlighting the governor race between Phil Scott and Amanda Janoo, plus two constitutional amendments—Equal Rights and collective bargaining (Prop 3). ICE Arrests in Court: Vermont’s AG Charity Clark is part of a broader legal fight as states urge courts to limit ICE warrantless arrests to statutory safeguards. Endangered Species Act Lawsuits: 20 states and D.C. sue the Trump administration over rollbacks to endangered species protections, challenging narrower “harm” rules and weaker habitat protections. Fair Housing Funding Win: Michigan AG Dana Nessel reports a coalition victory blocking unlawful HUD conditions tied to fair housing enforcement funding. Mail Voting Under Pressure: A new letter argues Trump-era changes to mail balloting are designed to sow confusion and disenfranchise voters. Labor Rights Amendment: Commentary urges a “yes” vote on Vermont’s Proposal 3, framing it as a constitutional guarantee for collective bargaining.

AI Safety Clash: A former Anthropic researcher quit and warned AI could cause human extinction by 2030, sparking lawmakers’ backlash and fresh calls for regulation. Vermont Courts on AI Elections: A federal judge blocked Vermont’s first attempt to enforce its AI election-media disclosure law, ruling a “Planet Hank” satire video is protected speech. Endangered Species Act Lawsuits: Vermont’s AG Charity Clark and other state attorneys general sued the Trump administration over rollbacks that narrow what counts as “harm” and weaken habitat protections. USPS Mail Voting Fight: Attorneys general, including Vermont’s Aaron Ford, won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS rules that would have added new burdens to vote-by-mail systems. Vermont National Guard Support: Ground broke at Camp Johnson for a new Family Readiness and Support Center to consolidate legal, financial, and suicide-prevention services for Guard families. Lt. Gov. Cannabis Case: Vermont Lt. Gov. John Rodgers faced allegations of growing cannabis at an unlicensed site, according to regulators. Data Centers & Water: Vermont’s natural resources secretary testified for federal rules requiring data-center owners to help pay for water infrastructure impacts, after Gov. Scott vetoed similar state regulations. Food Access: Vermont’s “Vermonters Feeding Vermonters” program marked one year, investing $10 million in local farms to expand fresh food access statewide.

AI Regulation Clash: A federal judge blocked Vermont AG Charity Clark from stopping Brattleboro “Planet Hank” from posting AI satire, ruling it likely falls under protected speech. Immigration & Due Process: In Londonderry, five Ecuadorian asylum seekers arrested by ICE were released on bond using Vermont Freedom Fund money, while Colorado’s AG urged courts to enforce warrant safeguards for ICE detentions. School Funding Pressure: SNAP cuts are expected to ripple into Vermont schools’ free breakfast and lunch programs, with eligibility tied to SNAP participation rates. Social Security Debate: A “flat-rate” COLA proposal is drawing fire for potentially eroding inflation protection for most beneficiaries. Education Reform in Motion: Vermont’s Act 170 school merger process is moving forward with seven facilitators chosen to guide merger talks starting in October. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge sentenced a Bennington County drug conspiracy “supervisor” to 12 years; separately, Vermont State Police cited a St. Albans man for allegedly assaulting a trooper. State Land Rules: Vermont is proposing major updates to dispersed camping rules on state land, including tighter limits on campfires amid wildfire concerns. Local Government Watch: Chester board discussions weigh fund balance, tax collection, and budget voting changes. Community & Services: A free estate planning pop-up clinic is set for Barre, and Vermont’s heating season prep includes firewood bank resilience programming.

Vermont Education Reform: Five districts, including Montpelier Roxbury and Washington Central, must start merger talks this fall under Act 170, with decisions headed to voters on Town Meeting Day 2028. Vermont Public Safety & Courts: St. Albans troopers cited John Montgomery after an assault on a law enforcement officer near Exit 21 in Swanton. Vermont Cannabis Oversight: Lt. Gov. John Rodgers faces a $5,000 fine after regulators found cannabis growing at an unapproved Glover site; he plans to contest the Cannabis Control Board’s action. Vermont Housing/Schools Funding: Central Vermont Career Center officials are gearing up for a special election pitch on a new bond proposal after last year’s vote failed, arguing the revised plan is “better price, better place.” Federal Voting Rights Fight: AG Nick Brown’s coalition won a temporary block against a USPS rule that would have disrupted state vote-by-mail systems ahead of November. Gun Policy: AG Raoul co-led opposition to an ATF rule that would expand automatic registration for military-grade weapons. Drug Sentencing: A Bennington County drug conspiracy leader, Alec Diaz (“Benn Tenn”), was sentenced to 12 years in federal court. National Guard: Vermont Air National Guard members returned home after an extended deployment. Local Resilience & Climate Funding: Treasurer Pieciak visited Hardwick to gather input tied to resilience work and Vermont’s climate superfund efforts.

Trade & Border Impacts: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on about $20 billion in U.S. goods kicked in Tuesday, with rates from 15% to 50% hitting items like steel, aluminum, dairy, appliances, clothing, and electronics—raising costs for manufacturers and dairy producers, including in the Vermont region. Vermont Politics & Elections: Vermont’s Democratic gubernatorial challenger Amanda Janoo outraised Gov. Phil Scott in August, but still trails badly in cash on hand as the race tightens heading toward November. Campaigns & National Stakes: New Hampshire voters head to primaries Tuesday, choosing nominees for Senate, House, governor, and the legislature—while Nina Turner stumped for Karishma Manzur and floated 2028 ambitions. Labor Rights on the Ballot: Vermonters rallied at Burlington’s Festival of Resistance in support of Proposal Three, which would guarantee laborers the right to collectively bargain. Health Care Access: UVM Health’s Asha Clinic opened in Burlington, expanding specialized outpatient suicide care for Vermont and Northern New York. Community & Culture: Grafton residents are organizing a late-September fundraiser for a new Community Nurse program, and South Londonderry Library hosts International Dot Day with a Yayoi Kusama theme. Civic Education: A national look at how states teach 9/11 shows wide variation in requirements and guidance.

Vermont Politics & Labor: Vermont voters will decide in November on Proposal 3, a constitutional amendment to protect workers’ right to organize and collectively bargain, including limits on lawmakers rolling back labor protections. Elections & Voting Rights: Vermont Attorney General Aaron Ford secured a court order blocking the postal service’s mail voting rule while the case proceeds, as the state continues to push vote-by-mail planning. Economy & Workforce: A Vermont Business Magazine commentary argues the state’s low unemployment rate masks a deeper problem: fewer people available to work, making housing, childcare, education, health care, taxes, and permitting central to the next legislative session. Health & Community: Burlington’s Asha Clinic opened as a specialized outpatient suicide care program led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan, expanding local access to targeted therapies. Public Safety: State police say a Waitsfield-area man faces attempted murder and other charges after a Barre Town shooting tied to a domestic dispute. Education: Gov. Phil Scott urged school leaders to move “full steam ahead” on district mergers, despite concerns about costs and capacity. Higher Ed Leadership: Vermont Law and Graduate School named former Massachusetts climate chief Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1.

Labor Rights Vote: Vermont voters will decide in November on a constitutional amendment (Proposal 3) protecting workers’ right to organize and collectively bargain, including limits on lawmakers rolling back those protections. USPS Mail Voting Fight: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS requirements that would have forced states into new ballot design approvals and tracking portal steps as the Trump administration presses the Supreme Court again. Vermont Law & Graduate School Leadership: Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts’ climate chief, is set to become VLGS president on Dec. 1, bringing litigation and regulatory-policy experience to the South Royalton-based school. Mental Health Access: Burlington’s new Asha Clinic opened as a specialized outpatient suicide-care program, led by Dr. Craig Bryan and designed to expand evidence-based treatment locally. Purple Heart Returns: A World War II Purple Heart found in Vermont was traced and returned to the veteran’s family after a week-long search involving local VFW and American Legion commanders. Arctic Monitoring: MIT Lincoln Laboratory researchers are using underwater sensors to track shifting Arctic sea-ice sounds, aiming to improve early warning and resilience planning. Local Public Safety Pressure: St. Johnsbury officials say a small group’s downtown “bad behavior” is driving repeated police calls and calls for stronger accountability.

Election & Voting Rights: Nevada AG Aaron Ford won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from enforcing a new mail-voting rule that would have required federal approval of ballot and return-envelope designs and a new USPS tracking portal. Public Safety & Immigration: Seven Vermont clergy were arrested in Williston while protesting ICE targeting operations, with protesters blocking entrances to a facility tied to ICE analysis and targeting. Vermont Politics: Rep. Becca Balint criticized a White House “arcade” promoting ICE roleplay and urged action on rising health-care costs, calling for bipartisan steps to reverse affordability pressures. State Government & Policy: Vermont’s AI economic taskforce continues work after Gov. Phil Scott’s order, with Vermont Gas CEO Neale Lunderville leading; the effort aims to shape AI policy recommendations. Military & Service: Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing is scheduled to return home Sunday after an extended deployment to the Caribbean and Middle East. Community & Civic Life: Wardsboro launched a “Turns Up” community process starting Sept. 17 to set priorities and build action plans with state and nonprofit support. Health Care: Burlington opened the Asha Clinic, a specialized outpatient suicide-care program led by Dr. Craig Bryan and backed by the Four Pines Fund.

Suicide Care in Burlington: The Asha Clinic opened at 1 South Prospect Street, offering a specialized outpatient model focused exclusively on suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and backed by the Four Pines Fund. Leadership Change at Peckham Industries: John R. Peckham was named interim CEO for the Newport and Lyndonville-based company, replacing Damian J. Murphy, with no expected changes to day-to-day operations. Vermont First Amendment Event: Third Act Vermont is hosting a free Constitution Day program Sept. 20 on free speech and the press, featuring FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, NYT journalist Jesse Wegman, and VT Digger founder Anne Galloway. ICE Protest Arrests in Williston: Seven Vermont clergy were arrested while blockading entrances at a Williston site tied to ICE operations, with charges including unlawful trespass. Vermont Air National Guard Returns: The 158th Fighter Wing is scheduled to come home Sunday after an eight-month deployment across the Caribbean and Middle East. H-1B Scrutiny Hits IT Firms: USCIS says Vermont flagged H-1B petitions where wage classifications didn’t match job duties, leading to denials and revocations. Burlington Safety Debate: A Burlington mayoral op-ed argues “interrupting conditions” isn’t enough and calls for direct action against drug markets. Public Safety Warrant Arrest: Vermont State Police reported an arrest in Bethel tied to four active in-state warrants.

Elections & Voting Access: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas is urging voters to make a voting plan as ballots head out under Universal Vote-by-Mail, outlining four ways to return or vote in person. Constitutional Politics: Vermonters will decide in November on a constitutional amendment guaranteeing union rights, with supporters arguing it protects workers and critics warning about economic impact. Public Safety & Local Governance: A Burlington op-ed argues the city must do more than talk about “interrupting conditions” behind drug markets and violence, calling for removal of drug sales alongside better treatment options. State Government & Agencies: VEDA named Kim Highter as a new agricultural loan officer, Renée Grzankowski to lead the Vermont AI Economic Task Force, and Sarah Isham announced retirement after 32 years. National Guard: The Vermont Air National Guard’s Green Mountain Boys are scheduled to return home Sunday after an eight-month deployment to the Caribbean and Middle East. Housing: Burlington celebrated completion of 38 new permanently affordable apartments downtown, adding units for veterans, people exiting homelessness, and workers. Cyber & Privacy: A HumanEdge data breach is drawing a class-action investigation after possible exposure of names and Social Security numbers. AI Policy: Sen. Bernie Sanders is backing a bill to permanently ban artificial superintelligence, paired with a temporary pause until safety standards exist. Community Process: Wardsboro is launching a town-wide “Turns Up” community process starting Sept. 17, with forums and action planning through November.

Vermont Politics & Elections: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas is urging voters to make a “voting plan” as ballots head out under universal vote-by-mail, stressing four options to return ballots and warning against last-minute federal confusion. Housing & Homelessness: Burlington celebrated the completion of 38 permanently affordable apartments downtown, adding units for veterans, people exiting homelessness, and workers—funded through federal/state tax dollars and private investment, with Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighting the project as a model. Labor & Education: A rare escalation in the Blue Mountain Union School District: teachers’ contract talks have stalled without a deal, and the Vermont-NEA filed a complaint alleging bad-faith bargaining and retaliation. Public Safety & Local Governance: In Burlington, a new debate is heating up over how the city responds to knife and gun incidents and the conditions behind violent crime. Federal Courts & Voting Rights: Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from forcing states into major mail-ballot redesigns and new tracking requirements ahead of November. Health Policy: Vermont is among states suing to block federal limits on Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Business & Economy: USCIS revoked and denied multiple H-1B petitions after finding an IT consulting firm classified skilled jobs at wage levels below what the duties require—raising scrutiny on wage compliance.

USPS Mail-Voting Fight: AG Nick Brown and a coalition of 25 states won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from forcing states to redesign ballot envelopes and use a new USPS tracking portal, with the order set to hold through the Nov. 3 elections while the lawsuit proceeds. Labor & Democracy: Vermont voters will decide in November on a constitutional amendment guaranteeing union rights, with supporters arguing it protects workers and critics warning about economic impact. Housing in Burlington: Ribbon cuttings celebrated 38 new permanently affordable apartments downtown, adding units for veterans and people exiting homelessness, funded through federal/state tax dollars and private investment. Homelessness Shelter Pushback: A proposed 100-bed low-barrier shelter in Chittenden County hit resistance after South Burlington officials signaled lack of support, sending the nonprofits back to find another site. Education Contract Tensions: Negotiations in the Blue Mountain Union School District are escalating, with teachers’ union alleging bad-faith bargaining and retaliation as the district starts the year without a contract. Corrections Scrutiny: Vermont’s DOC faces renewed attention over language services and broader policy disputes, as oversight and reform efforts continue. Military Homecoming: Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys are reportedly returning after back-to-back deployments, including F-35 operations in the Middle East.

Mail-voting fight: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to lift a judge’s block on new mail-ballot restrictions, raising fears of last-minute disruption as North Carolina begins sending ballots. Vermont voting access: Vermont officials reaffirmed commitment to vote-by-mail while urging voters to follow the state’s ballot-return plan. Public safety vs. surveillance: A national backlash continues over Flock automatic license plate readers, with some states cutting use and privacy advocates warning against abuse. Healthcare rights in court: Vermont Attorney General Nessel joined a 22-state coalition challenging federal limits on Medicaid coverage for transgender youth care. Climate policy in the courts: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion climate “Superfund” plan, a major setback for similar efforts. Data centers and local control: An EPA proposal would reduce public notice and comment for data center air permits, and Vermont’s debate over AI infrastructure keeps heating up. Vermont politics & institutions: Norwich University opened a new Cyber Fusion R&D Center funded by congressional directed spending. Local governance: Burlington’s mayor faced renewed criticism over how the city addresses drug markets and violence. Business & community: Registration opened for Sen. Welch’s Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference, and BDCC announced a new LaunchPad entrepreneurship cohort.