AGP Executive Report

Vermont Courts & Public Safety: A cash-vault supervisor at Jay Peak Resort was arrested for allegedly stealing $70,790 from the vault she was hired to protect; she’s set to be arraigned Aug. 25 on an embezzlement charge. Local Governance & Community: Pawlet Public Library trustees authorized a job offer for the open library director role after interviews, while also preparing for the library’s 58th annual book sale amid an ongoing wrongful-termination lawsuit. Housing Planning: Dorset is extending a survey deadline to Aug. 12 as it gathers input on town-owned property on Raptor Lane and a possible housing development. Environment & Health: The Nature Conservancy in Vermont announced $387,250 in grants for four biodiversity projects, protecting 2,163 acres, and a separate report highlights research into a transmissible cancer found in bullhead catfish from Lake Memphremagog. Statewide Notes: Vermont State Police issued traffic alerts for a crash on Long Point Rd in Ferrisburgh and reported a missing 74-year-old man from Duxbury was found safe in Williston. National Policy With Vermont Ties: Attorney General Raoul urged Congress to extend Haitian TPS and add judicial oversight, following a Supreme Court decision that ended TPS protections without review.

Vermont Health & Care: Four more Vermont mental health agencies have been certified as Community-Based Integrated Health Centers, aiming to better coordinate mental health, substance use, and crisis services under one roof. Vermont Environment & Public Lands: The Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund is backing conservation projects that will protect 2,163 acres across the state and keep the land open to the public. Lake Memphremagog Science: UVM researchers report a rare, transmissible skin cancer in brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog, with no known risk to humans but major implications for wildlife health. Local Politics & Voting: Vermont officials are urging higher turnout ahead of the August primary, with turnout historically lower in primaries and key races including Chittenden County State’s Attorney and Sheriff. Burlington Business: The former Courtyard by Marriott on Cherry Street has reopened as The Harborvale after a $19 million renovation. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A says loyalty accounts in Vermont and 10 other states may have been accessed in a credential-stuffing attack. Caregiving & Retirement: A new EBRI/Greenwald survey finds unpaid caregivers report more financial strain and lower retirement confidence than non-caregivers.

Health Care & Costs: Vermont’s insurance commissioner says the state’s older health insurance rules are leaving Vermonters with some of the highest premiums in the country, and points to a new executive order aimed at modernizing the marketplace. Special Education: A U.S. Education Department assessment says Vermont isn’t meeting federal standards for students with disabilities and warns it could lose up to $2.4 million a year unless improvements stick. Local Health Care: Brattleboro leaders are weighing whether to pursue a municipal tax hike to help keep Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s birthing center open as the hospital faces a major budget deficit. Housing & Rentals: Vermont towns are testing new ways to regulate short-term rentals as housing pressure grows, including “gentle infill” approaches to add homes. Courts & Immigration: A federal appeals court ruled a Vermont judge lacked authority to order the release of pro-Palestinian Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi, keeping removal proceedings moving. Community & Culture: Northshire Bookstore marks 50 years Aug. 8, and Vermont Covered Bridge Week returns Aug. 1–8 with events across the state.

Vermont Politics & Courts: A federal appeals court reversed a Vermont judge’s order involving pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi, raising the prospect of re-arrest as his immigration case heads back through the system. Public Safety: A Montpelier man, Elijah Knowles, was sentenced after a chase that ended in a crash with injuries, plus obstruction of justice and other charges. Housing & Local Government: Vermont expanded low-interest housing financing with an additional $25 million through the Invest in Vermont program, while Pownal’s sheriff patrol contract hit an impasse, leaving the town without deputy patrols since July 1. Health: The CDC reported cyclosporiasis cases topping 4,000 across 41 states, with Vermont among the states not currently reporting cases. Business & Environment: Essex is moving ahead with a multi-phase solar partnership at Essex Resort & Spa and Essex Experience, aiming to cover 75% of energy needs. Community & Education: Winooski graduates celebrated finishing a financial literacy program, and Vermont State Colleges’ executive committee meets July 28 with public access via livestream.

Student Debt Snapshot: New federal data shows more than 1.15 million Americans owe over $200,000 in federal student loans, with California, Florida, Texas and New York holding about a third of the biggest balances. SNAP Timing: August SNAP payments start next week, with dates varying by state; the average household gets about $354 monthly, and Vermont residents should watch their specific schedule. Vermont Courts & Public Safety: Vermont State Police cited a Johnson man after an Eden stolen bank card case involving two Johnson store purchases; the accused is set for Lamoille County Superior Court in September. Local Education: BFA-St. Albans teacher Chris Moore was selected for C-SPAN’s Teacher Fellowship to build classroom resources for a national audience. Politics Watch: A new national analysis says Democrats’ progressive push may be at a turning point heading into key Senate primaries, with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ allies and establishment Democrats locked in a tug-of-war. Health Care in Vermont: HCRS launched Same Day Access for mental health and substance use services in southeastern Vermont, aiming to cut delays. Northern Lights: NOAA says auroras could be visible Tuesday night into Wednesday in Vermont and nearby states. Opportunity Zones: Vermont’s ACCD is seeking public input on draft Opportunity Zone recommendations covering 25 communities, including Bellows Falls and Springfield.

Healthcare & Access: Vermont clinicians are urging Gov. Phil Scott and the Agency of Human Services to raise Medicaid reimbursement for prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care, warning that low rates are pushing rural obstetric units toward closures. Politics: Four Democrats are competing 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. Local Events: Barre Heritage Festival planning is in full swing as organizers line up parade entries, vendors and volunteers ahead of the big weekend. Environment & Community: Vermont officials are encouraging residents to protect lakes and ponds during Lakes Appreciation Month, highlighting shoreline and water-quality steps. Public Safety: A Burlington travel nurse says military-style disarming training helped him subdue a knife-wielding suspect during an attack near Elderwood Nursing Home. Business/Industry: Vermont logger concerns are growing after Finch Paper’s decision to close part of its New York pulp operation, a move that could further strain the region’s wood supply chain.

World Cup & Regional Sports: A Fox broadcast moment highlighted Portland Hearts of Pine fans, a reminder of how New England’s soccer ecosystem has grown across MLS and USL, including Vermont Green FC in League Two. Vermont Public Safety: Vermont State Police report a St. Albans Barracks case of 1st-degree aggravated domestic assault in Bakersfield; David Reynolds, 45, is held without bail after pain and serious bodily injury were alleged. Aviation Incident: In Morgan, a Rans S6 Coyote II plane crash on Seymour Lake sent crews to the scene; pilot James Gregory, 66, was rescued by locals and reported no injuries. Civic Engagement: Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas launched the Vermont Civic Connect program, offering businesses and nonprofits nonpartisan election info and tools, with “Champions” pledging paid time off and volunteering. Wildlife Protection: The federal government is rolling back endangered species habitat protections, with states warning they can’t fully replace the lost safeguards. Health & Education: CDC reports measles cases at 2,260 across 44 jurisdictions as summer travel raises outbreak risk. Local Business/Nonprofit: Rail View Dairy was named Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year, and Another Way hired Martin Hahn as a business development specialist.

Vermont Dairy: UVM Extension named Rail View Dairy in New Haven the 2026 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year, praising the Livingston family’s decades of herd management, land stewardship, and facility upgrades. Public Safety: Vermont State Police say a Highgate man accidentally fired a handgun into a neighbor’s occupied apartment, citing him for reckless endangerment. Community & Culture: Families packed the final day of Lamoille County Field Days in Johnson for rides, livestock, local food, and a long-running tradition. Environment & Water: The Connecticut River Conservancy says it finished development work on stormwater projects in Brattleboro, Rockingham, and Westminster aimed at cutting nutrient pollution and reducing erosion risk. Local Crime: Stolen mail from Vernon homes was found abandoned in a trash bag, and VSP is asking the public for tips. Politics Beyond Vermont: Bernie Sanders and AOC joined Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed at a Lansing rally to argue he can win in November.

Vermont History & Civic Life: The Vermont Secretary of State’s office is launching a free summer speaker series, “Those Who Came Before: 250 Years of Vermont History,” using state archives to explore the Revolution’s legacy, Vermont State Hospital burial records, and more. Ticket Prices: Gov. Maura Healey is pushing a Massachusetts plan to close the “great divide” in resale ticket prices, building on Vermont’s earlier cap law. Local Water Quality: Black River Action Team (BRAT) received a $3,000 Watersheds United Vermont grant to help scope and develop projects that protect streams and reduce stormwater damage. Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a mail theft case in Vernon after a trash bag full of stolen mail was found. Agriculture & Food Economy: Vermont dairy farmers say they’re being left behind as processing closures and high costs squeeze farms, while competition grows in other states. Education Policy: A new Vermont education law pays districts to merge, but critics warn there’s a gap in oversight and clear targets for savings. Community & Culture: Volunteers at Brattleboro’s Estey Organ Museum got a surprise $35,000 gift that helped pay off half a long-ago mortgage.

FEMA Funding: FEMA approved nearly $7 million in post-disaster help for New England, including more than $6 million for Vermont and Maine, to reimburse repairs from the 2024 flooding and strengthen hazard mitigation. Local Sports: Vermont Green Women are headed to the USL W Finals for the first time, and fans are packing Burlington bars for watch parties ahead of Saturday’s match in Seattle. Health Care Leadership: Marc Kosak will take over as president and COO of UVM Health – Central Vermont Medical Center starting July 20, aiming to expand access and strengthen community-based care. Community Needs: Southeastern Vermont Community Action released its 2025 Community Needs Assessment, citing housing, energy assistance, and food security as top pressures, along with transportation and digital access barriers. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported a Royalton Barracks case: Amanda Gilman, 40, was cited after a traffic stop search found misdemeanor cocaine, with court set for Sept. 8. Local Events: The 64th annual Lamoille County Field Days in Johnson drew crowds with rides, animal exhibits, music, and wood cutting competitions.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved nearly $7 million in New England disaster aid, including more than $6 million for Vermont and Maine, with funds aimed at repairs after the 2024 flooding and hazard-mitigation work to strengthen infrastructure. Road Work & Detours: Vermont’s planned highway projects for the week of July 20 include paving and bridge rehabilitation on major routes like I-89 and I-91, with lane closures, speed reductions, and overnight ramp impacts. Health & Safety: Vermont health officials are urging residents to ease into summer heat and watch for heat illness symptoms, especially as bodies take time to adjust. Air Quality & Weather: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to trigger air quality alerts across much of the Northeast and Midwest, while scattered storms are expected to bring heavy rain and possible severe weather. Public Health Coverage: New data shows public insurance covers about 36.8% of Americans, with rates highest in places like New Mexico and lowest in states including Utah. Local Leadership: UVM Health named Marc Kosak as the next president and COO of Central Vermont Medical Center, starting July 20. Crime Update: The FBI says Punjab-linked fugitive Nitish Kaushal was arrested near the Canadian border in Alburgh, Vermont, after days of evasion.

FBI Arrest: The FBI says it has arrested “gangster” Nitish Kaushal in Vermont, after adding him to its most-wanted list and linking him to the Bhagwanpuria organized crime group, including alleged murder, kidnapping and drug trafficking. Air Quality Alert: Wildfire smoke from Canada is back, triggering air quality alerts across most of Vermont Saturday, with hazy skies and possible unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups, plus scattered showers and storms that could turn strong. Public Safety: Vermont State Police report a man arrested in Groton after an incident involving threats, an assault and weapon-related injuries to a family member; he was ordered held without bail. Traffic: Fire has closed both lanes on Center St in Lyndon near the bridge, and a crash is causing delays on I-89 south in Brookfield. Health Care: UVM Health-Central Vermont Medical Center named Marc Kosak as its next president and COO. Local Business/Community: Chester Hardware in Chester has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Sports: Vermont’s Lake Monsters beat Norwich 6-2, and Vermont Green FC plays for the USLW National Championship Saturday night.

Election Integrity Clash: DHS chief Markwayne Mullin doubled down on Trump’s claims about election vulnerabilities, threatening states over “secure” voting demands and raising alarms among election officials about methodology and transparency. Vermont Politics & Community: Gov. Phil Scott’s “Capital for a Day” stop in St. Albans featured roundtables, including a leisure-and-hospitality discussion at Mill River Brewing, while Bennington’s Town Plan earned a statewide planning award for its housing, climate, and community-engagement approach. Public Safety & Health: Vermont corrections leaders say staffing shortages remain severe, with security vacancies around 20% and forced overtime down sharply; meanwhile, regional wildfire smoke continues to trigger air-quality alerts across parts of Vermont and the Northeast. Crime & Courts: FBI says gangster Nitish Kaushal was arrested in Vermont in a transnational racketeering case tied to the Bhagwanpuria network. Consumer & Daily Life: New bank-scam laws in Georgia let some institutions pause suspicious payments; AAA reports gas averaging $3.94 nationally, inching toward $4. Local Tragedy: Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Office reports an 86-year-old man died after being found unresponsive in Lake Champlain near North Hero. Business/Institutions: UVM Health-Central Vermont Medical Center named Marc Kosak as its next president and COO, starting July 20.

Public Safety: The FBI says it arrested Nitish Kaushal in Vermont, an alleged associate of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organized crime group, as part of its “Operation Hard Ball” push against transnational syndicates. Immigration & Travel: A woman detained by ICE after a Noah Kahan concert trip highlights ongoing concerns about airport enforcement actions. Health Care Leadership: UVM Health – Central Vermont Medical Center named Marc Kosak as its next president and COO, starting July 20. Homelessness Response: CVOEO and Champlain Housing Trust are seeking a site for a new 100-bed emergency shelter in Chittenden County, aiming to open by end of 2026. Local Government & Transparency: Douglas County Commission candidates debated whether elected officials should sign NDAs, alongside budget and housing affordability questions. Community Calendar: Brattleboro’s Community Connection Night returns July 29 with free family activities and food. Sports: Vermont’s men’s and women’s teams are set for the Lions Twin State Soccer Cup against New Hampshire on Saturday. Business & Culture: VSARA announced a free summer speaker series marking Vermont’s 250th anniversary using state archives.

Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke is pushing into Vermont again, with the National Weather Service warning sensitive groups to stay inside as the Air Quality Index is reported around 80–100 and a state DEC alert covers Bennington, Rutland, Windham and Windsor counties. Public Health & Research: UVM infectious disease doctor Peter Hyson received national funding to develop new treatments for babesiosis, as tick-borne illnesses rise in Vermont. Education & Services: Vermont special education was flagged as “needs intervention” by the U.S. Department of Education, citing low proficiency and graduation rates for students with disabilities. Local Justice: A Pittsford shared-living provider was sentenced to probation in a Medicaid fraud and neglect case involving a vulnerable adult. Community & Culture: Weston Theater Company’s 90th anniversary season brings the musical “RENT” to Walker Farm starting July 22. Sports: Vermont’s Lions Twin State Soccer Cup games are set for Saturday at Hanover High School. Business & Energy: Essex Resort & Spa partners with SunCommon on multiple solar projects to generate clean power for its properties.

Health Care Leadership: University of Vermont Health – Central Vermont Medical Center named Marc Kosak its next president and COO, starting July 20, aiming to boost access, quality, safety, and community-based services. EVs & Infrastructure: Vermont ranks No. 22 for EV market share in Q1 2026 (4.76% of new light-duty sales) and has about 1,365 public charging outlets—roughly 14 EVs per port. Public Safety—Crashes: A loaded AmeriGas propane truck overturned in Alburgh after the driver fell asleep; no leak reported and the driver had minor injuries. In Jay, a road worker directing traffic was seriously hurt (not life-threatening) after being struck by a pickup on Route 105; the driver was cited. Courts & Justice: A Burlington judge denied a man’s request for a new lawyer in the case of a 2023 shooting that left three Palestinian college students wounded, with trial set to begin Sept. 10. Community & Culture: The Aldrich Public Library and Barre Rotary’s long-running partnership continues with the Rotary Breakfast tied to the Barre Heritage Festival. Statewide Environment: Vermont Humanities awarded $99,137 in summer project grants to 24 groups, including $5,000 to All the Rivers for immigrant-artist storytelling.