AGP Executive Report

Health & Safety: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals tied to prenatal exposure. Local Economy & Community: Smugglers’ Notch names Brandon Swartz its new general manager, bringing a long Vermont ski background back to the Northeast Kingdom. Education Watch: Vermont’s Kids Count score slips to 4th overall (756), with education still a weak spot even as health and family/community remain comparatively strong. Healthcare Workforce: UVM Health plans to eliminate 142 positions (76 permanent), prompting union warnings that more cuts could follow. Culture & Pride: The Pride Center of Vermont is relaunching as an online organization, aiming to act as statewide infrastructure for queer Vermonters and improve access to services. Border Life: Haskell Free Library reopens a permanent Canadian entrance after a costly, long-running fix—symbolically “inside we are only one.” Sports & Youth: Vermont places second at the Tri-State women’s golf matches, while Vermont Envirothon crowns a team to represent the state at nationals. World Cup in Vermont: Vermont’s Congolese community is gearing up for the tournament, with local stores selling jerseys and World Cup excitement building fast.

Children’s Literature & Community: Jason Chin, the Caldecott Medal-winning author/illustrator, is coming to Richland Library in Vermont for a free family event June 17 (6–7 p.m.), sharing how he blends science, nature, and storytelling. Education Leadership: Union Memorial School principal Chris Antonicci is retiring after 25 years, marking the end of a long run of “joyful leadership” in Colchester’s early grades. Local Culture & Arts: Bennington Theater is launching its first fully realized year-round season, with four major productions plus ongoing music and community programming. Tech & Privacy: Vermont’s new data privacy law is headed to Gov. Phil Scott, but advocates say it won’t do enough to rein in Big Tech. Family & Child Care: Make Way for Kids grants are sending $264,500 to 20 Vermont child care programs to expand infant and toddler capacity. Health & Caregiving: A free Alzheimer’s educational conference is planned for Burlington July 15, with memory screenings and caregiver resources. Environment & Health: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors.

Maine Politics: Graham Platner clinched the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination and will face Sen. Susan Collins in November, with the campaign’s controversies still set to dominate the general-election fight. Vermont Education & Community: Vermont students picked this year’s Youth Book Award winners—Red Clover, Golden Dome, and Green Mountain—showing how statewide reading programs keep kids at the center. Broadband & Daily Life: Fidium expanded 100% fiber service in Shelburne, bringing faster, more consistent internet to more homes and businesses. Health & Aging: UVM researchers report that menopause can rewire brain activity, adding to growing work on midlife cognitive change. Public Safety: A Stowe police officer shot a black bear after repeated cooler break-ins at a restaurant. Culture & Outdoors: Bellows Falls hosts a Smithsonian traveling exhibit, “Spark! Places of Innovation,” starting June into July. Local Crime: A Bellows Falls man was arraigned on felony child sexual abuse material charges.

Education & Kids: Vermont tackles chronic absenteeism with a new law aimed at bringing students back into classrooms, after pandemic-era attendance drops left learning outcomes at risk. Health & Aging: UVM research links menopause-related estrogen changes to shifts in brain activity, offering clues to why women face higher dementia risk later in life. Work & Family: A new WalletHub ranking spotlights the best states for working dads, with Vermont included among the top contenders. Higher Ed & Community: CCV will keep tuition flat for 2027–28, while Vermont State Colleges also granted emeritus status to longtime geology professor Dr. Helen Mango. Public Safety & Justice: Vermont Supreme Court backs Green Mountain Power in a lawsuit over a child’s burns at a locked substation. Immigration Policy: Vermont bans immigration civil arrests in sensitive places like schools and hospitals, even as other enforcement limits shift. Local Life: Milton’s July 4 celebration returns with a parade, live music, and fireworks. Arts & Pride: A Pride reading list spotlights queer and trans artists, books, and photography.

Maine Politics: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is putting his muscle behind Graham Platner as Democrats head to the polls Tuesday in Maine’s key Senate primary—an effort to unseat Susan Collins amid fresh controversy and voter soul-searching. Juneteenth & Local History: The North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association is staging its “Juneteenth Colors of Freedom in the Adirondacks” tour June 20, starting at Ausable Chasm and ending at the Plattsburgh Public Library. Disability & Work Skills: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including a Burlington-area student who gained real workplace experience and more independence. Health & Caregiving: A free Alzheimer’s educational conference is coming to Burlington July 15, aimed at families and caregivers. Education in Vermont: Rutland City Public Schools is preparing for state-driven regional cooperative service areas and a required merger study. Sports & Community: Burlington’s Discover Jazz Festival keeps rolling with standout performances, while Vermont track and lacrosse updates highlight local athletes and coaching changes. Immigration & Work Visas: A federal judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, with states and attorneys general celebrating the win.

Disability & Work Skills: UVM Medical Center’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including Juno, who built real workplace experience and more independence while managing Type 1 diabetes. Health & Safety: Vermont health officials urge residents to “ease into” summer heat as the first hot stretch hits, warning about dehydration and heat illness and pointing to cooling resources at HealthVermont.gov. Local History: A new roadside marker in Salisbury honors Ann Story, the “Mother of the Green Mountain Boys,” with a ceremony spotlighting her Revolutionary War role as a spy and refuge for militia. Arts & Community: St. Albans hosted a Vermont Creative Sector Convening focused on “Hands-On,” bringing artists and organizations together to strengthen the creative economy. Culture & Pride: Tillie Walden’s “Charity & Sylvia” spotlights a 19th-century same-sex couple, with a Vermont Humanities connection and an author talk tied to the book’s release. Public Health Watch: A new national report says measles cases are surging again, with most infections tied to unvaccinated people. Access to Justice: The Vermont Bar Foundation announced its biggest FY27 grant investment yet to expand legal services and community support statewide. Summer Theater: Dorset Theatre Festival returns with “Summer Magic” at the Dorset Playhouse. Business & Innovation: Beta Technologies’ electric aircraft push continues as it scales production at its Burlington facility. Mental Health Care: Spring Lake Ranch added Dr. Dustin Dippen to its psychiatric team, expanding care for adults in its therapeutic community model.

Workforce & Disability Inclusion: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with a June 3 ceremony celebrating eight graduates, including Juno—who has Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes—using real workplace rotations to build independence and job-ready skills. Health Care Politics: A new open letter argues that “Medicare for All” is the only credible way to beat corporate-backed politics and the growing pull of authoritarianism. Cannabis & Public Health: A Connecticut mom’s story spotlights how high-potency cannabis can spiral into severe cannabis use disorder, psychosis, and long-term treatment. School Safety: Parents and advocates are pushing Vermont and other states to strengthen anti-bullying enforcement, training, and follow-through after reports of underreporting and weak investigations. Local Education Governance: In Peacham, voters approved transferring ownership of the elementary school building to the town for $1, keeping it as a community asset if district mergers happen. Environment & Community Stewardship: Lewis Creek Association’s “steward program” highlights ongoing work to slow aquatic and terrestrial invasive species spread in popular Vermont waters. Arts & Reading: A review of Sarah Beth Durst’s new YA fantasy, “The Faraway Inn,” points to Vermont as a magical setting for readers. Nature Events: Merck Forest & Farmland Center’s Hike-a-thon returns with multiple routes, live music, and a community fundraiser in Rupert.

Disability & Workforce Training: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with a June 3 ceremony for eight CCV grads, including Juno (Down syndrome, Type 1 diabetes), who spent the year rotating through real hospital departments to build workplace skills and independence. Local Education & Community Assets: In Peacham, voters unanimously authorized the select board to buy the town’s elementary school building for $1, keeping it as a community-use asset if district mergers happen. Arts & Community in Burlington: The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival kept the city moving with events that brought jazz into unexpected places, including a skatepark “Skate Jam” blending local artists, student musicians, and visitors. Outdoor Culture: Merck Forest & Farmland Center announced its Oct. 3 Hike-a-thon in Rupert, with four route options and a community celebration at the Sap House. Public Health & Food Safety: A CDC-linked salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chicken flocks has reached multiple states, with Vermont among those reporting cases. Parenting & Tech Debate: A new look at school tech rollouts highlights parents’ alarm at what kids are handed in early grades and the broader pushback against classroom devices. Sports: Vermont Green FC women beat New England Mutiny 2-1, with Neve Renwick scoring the game-winner in the 83rd minute.

Disability & Employment: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including a Burlington High School alum with Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes, highlighting real workplace rotations, independence, and diabetes self-management. Arts & Community: The Latchis Theatre in Brattleboro leans into cinema nostalgia this summer, with “Casablanca” drawing near-capacity crowds and more big-screen sequels on deck. Food Systems: Vermont’s local-food momentum gets a boost as Vermont Business Magazine spotlights Farm to School grants and agritourism marketing, while a New Hampshire report looks at the processing and distribution gaps that keep local food from scaling. Public Health: A CDC-linked salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chicken flocks is reaching multiple states, with Vermont among those reporting cases. Politics & Policy: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA SNAP conditions tied to gender and immigration requirements, while Vermont’s Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a data center law aimed at protecting residents from higher bills and pollution. Culture & Sports: Burlington’s Discover Jazz Festival continues with Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Mavis Staples, and VGFC women won 2-1 over New England Mutiny on Renwick’s late goal.

Disability & Work Skills: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with a June 3 ceremony for eight graduates, including Juno—who has Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes—showing how structured workplace rotations can build independence and real job readiness. Local Governance & Energy: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a data center law meant to protect Vermonters from unchecked development, drawing sharp criticism over potential utility bill hikes and pollution. Community Reentry: The Community Restorative Justice Center’s Circles of Support and Accountability program is helping people leaving incarceration rebuild basics like housing, IDs, and health care. AI & Public Wealth: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met as politicians from Sanders to Trump rally around the idea of the public owning a stake in AI companies. Sports & Community Life: Northfield’s Summer Road Race Series kicked off its 15th season with a weekly 5K that welcomes runners and walkers. Culture & Summer Plans: Burlington Wine & Food Festival returns June 27 on the waterfront, and the Manchester Music Festival debuts its “Sounding America” theme for a “Summer of Discovery.” Public Safety: A Woodstock resident was charged with luring a child and possessing child sexual abuse material.

AI Wealth Plan: Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders floated a public 50% stake in AI companies, while Trump also signals interest in an equity-sharing approach that could seed dividends for Americans. Digital Life & Privacy: A new survey finds many people show up on the first page of Google when searching their own names, and most don’t realize how AI tools can surface personal details. SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new SNAP funding conditions, pausing requirements that states say could disrupt help for low-income families. Vermont Community & Work: UVM Medical Center’s Project SEARCH celebrated graduates with disabilities, highlighting real workplace skills and independence. Local Justice & Safety: A Woodstock man was arraigned on charges tied to luring a child and possessing child sexual abuse material. Education & Transition: Otter Valley Union High School’s work-based learning coordinator retires after 27 years, marking a major shift for student internships and job pathways. Health Research: UVM researchers report new findings on how menopause may change brain function. Arts & Culture: Weston Theater Company kicks off its 90th season with a return of “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash,” and Manchester’s festival debuts “Sounding America.” Food & Fun: Burlington Wine & Food Festival returns June 27 with tastings, seminars, and local makers.

Disability & Work Skills: UVM Medical Center’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with a June 3 ceremony for eight graduates, including Juno, who gained real workplace rotations and more independence while managing Type 1 diabetes. Public Health & Families: Dartmouth Hitchcock plans to use $900,000 in federal funds to create an inpatient substance use treatment program inside its birthing pavilion, redesigning two suites for safer withdrawal management and staff training. Community Safety: Vermont officials say “swatting” bomb threats are becoming more common, after AI-generated hoax calls cleared multiple schools and sent students home. Local Environment: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is urging anglers not to disturb spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River and tributaries. Health & Equity: A Texas report links Parkinson’s risk to pesticide exposure, spotlighting farmworkers and nearby communities in the Rio Grande Valley. Culture & Community Events: Colchester’s June calendar highlights line dancing, trivia nights, community meals, and the 1815 Log Schoolhouse museum hours. Fundraising for Kids’ Literacy: VTDigger’s member drive is in the final stretch—on June 6, donations are matched to send children’s books through CLiF.

Workforce & Inclusion: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including a Burlington High School alum with Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes, showing how structured workplace rotations can build independence and real job skills. Weekend Culture & Community: Enosburg Falls hosts the Vermont Dairy Festival through Sunday, June 7, and St. Albans runs a full slate of library and market events plus the Northwest Farmers Market every Saturday. Outdoor Fun: Burke Mountain’s Bike Park opens Saturday, June 6, with lift-accessed trails and new 2026 upgrades. Local Education & Skills: Vermont Land Trust handed out Land Steward Awards to nine high school students for farming and forestry work. Public Safety & Justice: A Caledonia County jury found Barre resident Jonathan Fox guilty of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. Rights & Immigration: New England immigrant groups issued a World Cup travel advisory warning visitors about possible entry denials, detention, and aggressive enforcement. Health Care Labor: UVM Medical Center resident doctors rallied for a new contract, seeking better pay, shift limits, and benefits like childcare support. Housing Costs: Renters face non-refundable application fees as screening reports remain non-portable, adding friction to already tight searches.

Education & Work Skills: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including a Burlington teen with Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes, showing how workplace rotations can build independence and real job readiness. Youth Justice: Vermont announced a new 14-bed Green Mountain Youth Center in South Burlington to replace the closed Woodside facility, with officials calling it therapeutic while the state’s child advocate calls it a detention center. Local Food & Learning: Greater Rutland County Supervisory Union students celebrated a year of farm-based lessons at a Southern Vermont showcase, featuring partner-farm exhibits and student projects like a cookbook. Housing Pressure: Fair Haven mobile home park residents face a September closure and are scrambling for options as affordable housing gaps leave families with few choices. Immigration & Rights: New England immigrant advocacy groups issued a World Cup travel advisory warning visitors could face detention, device searches, and racial profiling. Ski Culture: Ski Vermont reported the 2025-26 season’s strongest skier visits since 2014-15, with 4.36M alpine skier visits. Community & Arts: Manchester’s block party highlighted long-running local businesses and new community energy, including a women’s soccer club.

EVs & costs: Vermont has topped 20,000 electric vehicles on the road, with drivers citing cheaper charging (often near $1.75/gallon equivalent) and more affordable used EVs. Affordable housing: Waterbury opened Marsh House Apartments in downtown, adding 26 mixed-income units, including spots for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and residents facing homelessness. Workforce inclusion: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH celebrated eight graduates, highlighting real workplace rotations and independence-building for young adults with disabilities. Local arts & community: Burlington’s Discover Jazz Festival returns downtown with free shows and nearly 1,000 student musicians; Putney’s Bandwagon Summer Series kicks off June 13 with kid-focused performances. Parenting & care: More families are turning to doulas as the gap between care and affordability widens. Public safety: Newport City Elementary faced a bomb threat that was deemed non-credible after a swatting incident. Health & policy: A national debate over kratom’s risks continues as poisonings surge, while Social Security faces projected benefit cuts averaging over $500/month by 2032.

Education & Student Aid: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and a coalition of states sued the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that narrows access to federal student loans for professional degree programs, arguing it blocks opportunities for students heading into health care and other critical workforce fields. Disability & Work Skills: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH celebrated eight graduates, including a Burlington High School alum, showing how workplace rotations can build independence and real career readiness for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety: Newport City Elementary School was evacuated after a bomb threat call that police later deemed non-credible, tied to a swatting pattern hitting multiple Vermont schools. Local Governance: Manchester Select Board voters elected Jackie Wilson to fill the remaining two years of a seat, winning by 88 votes. Culture & Community: Burlington Jazz Festival’s new curator, Jason Moran, is putting youth front and center, with student bands and performances built around the next generation. Health & Environment: Vermont’s animal welfare director says lawmakers took only small steps toward modernizing the state’s system, while a new report highlights how flu research could point to better ways to prevent infection. Lifestyle & Family: Upper Valley Aquatic Center is hosting free swimming lessons as part of the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on June 25.