AGP Executive Report

Dutch Elm Disease Research: Vermont scientists injected Dutch elm disease into 5,300 American elms in a southern Vermont grove to find which trees survive—an ambitious bid to restore a major forest species. Comic-Con Spotlight: Frank Miller launched his new Dark Horse sci-fi series Invasive Species at San Diego Comic-Con, with Vermont-connected creative buzz and signings. Local Arts & Community Music: Cavendish’s free Proctorsville Green concert series continues July 29 with Deb Brisson & The Hay Burners. Ticket Affordability Push: Vermont-born Noah Kahan is part of a broader New England push to cap resale ticket prices (Massachusetts lawmakers and artists backing the “Great Divide Act”). Vermont Media Funding: Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order prioritizing local media in state advertising, aiming to strengthen community outlets. Sports on the Field: The Vermont Lake Monsters beat Lowell 6-2 in a NESN televised game, while Little League softball regionals begin this week. Travel & Staycation: The Manchester View in Vermont finished a renovation that keeps its Green Mountains views front and center. Tech & Power Politics: Trump expanded a data-center “ratepayer protection” pledge, while Vermont’s broader media and community stories keep showing up alongside the policy fight.

Ticketing Reform Push: New England artists including Noah Kahan, the Pixies, Dropkick Murphys and more backed Massachusetts’ “Great Divide Act,” aiming to curb resale bots, fees, and runaway prices so live shows stay affordable. Vermont Arts on Screen: Anaïs Mitchell’s “Hadestown” returns home as a film run across Vermont cinemas, bringing the Tony-winning musical to the big screen. Community Mural & Culture: Manchester Community Library is teaming up with the Yiddish Book Center for “Between Two Worlds,” creating a public mural and a benefit concert tied to Jewish culture and Yiddish literature. Local Music Spotlight: The All Night Boogie Band keeps the Essex scene humming, with performances and buzz around its new album. Public Safety & Crime: A Jay Peak vault supervisor is accused of stealing about $70,000 from the resort’s safe. Health & Science: Researchers report a rare transmissible cancer in brown bullhead catfish from Lake Memphremagog, spanning Quebec and Vermont. Housing Rules: Norwich adopted interim short-term rental bylaws, requiring registration and a $250 fee. State Media Support: Gov. Phil Scott signed an order prioritizing local news outlets in state advertising. Sports/Academics: UVM’s David Ismail named America East Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Vermont Arts Calendar: July ends with a flourish as new theater companies and familiar stage favorites roll out fresh productions, plus a comedy-heavy lineup. Historic Craft & Community Fundraising: Marshfield hosts “Reclaiming the Art of Historic Sailmaking” July 25–26 at Weaver’s Croft, while Dorset Village Library’s Drag Bingo fundraiser lands Aug. 1. Local Sports Spotlight: Vermont Green FC sets up the USL League Two Eastern Conference final against Asheville City SC Friday night in Texas. Special Olympics Win: Grafton powerlifter Michael DeLuca brings home gold at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, dedicating it to his late father. Vermont Culture on Screen: “Stuck in Vermont” spotlights Richmond daylily grower Todd Hanley ahead of Daylily Days July 24, 25, 31 and Aug. 1. Food & Local Pride: Vermont cheesemakers rack up 54 awards at the American Cheese Society competition. Health & Impact: Cure Blindness Project reports 315,000 cataract surgeries worldwide in its 2025 impact report.

Science & Health: UVM researchers report the first documented transmissible cancer in fish: malignant melanoma spreading between brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog, with no known human risk. Public Safety Tech: Vermont is piloting an AI wrong-way detection system at Exit 17 in Milton after a rise in incidents. Community Fundraising: Vermont restaurants and bakeries are running Bakes for Breast Cancer to support early detection research. Local Sports Spotlight: Bristol Little League softball is one win from the Little League World Series after an 11-1 regional semifinal win. Arts & Community Theater: Deerfield Valley Players bring “1776” to Wilmington as part of Vermont’s 250th celebrations. Music for Fans: Phish’s Madison Square Garden run is streaming via LivePhish.com for viewers who can’t make it in person. Civic Life: Enosburgh Ambulance Service is launching HEARTSafe heart saver courses to train residents in CPR and AED use. Heritage Tourism: Vermont Covered Bridge Week returns Aug. 1–8 with tours and events across the state.

Vermont Arts & Culture: Craftsbury Chamber Players mark their 60th season with a long-running tradition of chamber music, while Burlington architect Tom Cullins brings his lifelong abstraction work to “Tom Cullins: Abstractions” in Middlebury. Local Music: Sounds Local spotlights fresh Vermont releases, including The Suitcase Junket’s “One More Mile,” plus Charenee Wade’s July 23 Jazz Center performance. Theater & Community Events: Deerfield Valley Players stage the Tony-winning “1776” as part of Vermont 250 celebrations, and the Estey Organ Museum gets a major boost after a surprise gift pays off its mortgage. Sports: Vermont Green FC keeps momentum in the Eastern Conference final, and Brattleboro Little League’s 12U All-Stars repeat as District 2 champs. Housing & Policy: Stowe and other towns push different approaches to short-term rental rules as the housing crunch intensifies. Tech & Safety: Chittenden County officials raise alarms about kids riding e-bikes and e-motos unsafely.

Burlington Arts & Community: The Burlington Concert Band is canceling its Battery Park bandshell performance due to safety concerns, including growing tensions and trash left behind by people using the space after concerts. Live Music (Vermont): Athens Brick Meetinghouse hosts local favorites 2X2 on July 25, with proceeds supporting preservation of the historic 1817 site. More Vermont Music: Next Stage Arts brings Howard Levy 4 plus Eugene Friesen to Putney on July 25. Film & Accessibility: The Kelly Brush Foundation screens its adaptive-sports documentary “Best Day Ever” July 25 at Park City Library, spotlighting adaptive mountain biking and trail access. Sports (Vermont): Vermont Green FC’s men’s team heads to the Eastern Conference finals after a dominant playoff run at Virtue Field. Local Events: Registration is open for the Retreat Farm Ramble cycling day Aug. 16 in Brattleboro, with family rides, food trucks, music, and farm activities. Sports Infrastructure: South Burlington plans Vermont’s first PFAS-free synthetic turf field at Veterans Memorial Park using wood-chip pellets instead of crumb rubber. Obituaries: Burlington artist and longtime Champlain College custodian John Blaha, a bronze caster and dumpling maker, has died at 64.

Arts & Community Calendar: Vermont’s 250th-anniversary history gets a free Montpelier speaker series from the State Archives, with talks on the Revolution’s legacy, Vermont State Hospital burial records, and more. Outdoor & Local Culture: Bennington’s TrailFest returns Saturday, July 25 at the Bennington Skate Park with live music, a used gear swap, food, and free entertainment for hikers and the whole community. Healthcare Tech (Vermont): VITL is migrating to a new clinical data repository and provider portal powered by Outcome Healthcare, aiming to improve how Vermont clinicians access patient information (migration planned for Spring 2027). Public Input (Lakes): The Army Corps of Engineers holds open houses across southern/central Vermont for draft updates to lake master plans, with a 30-day comment period tied to each plan. Sports (Vermont): Vermont’s Mountaineers keep pushing in NECBL, beating North Adams 8-2 to extend their hot streak. Music (Vermont): Village Harmony brings global traditions to Monadnock Summer Lyceum, pairing a cappella and instruments with story-led context. Festival Countdown: Barre Heritage Festival is gearing up for its multi-day run, with parade planning and vendor bookings in full swing.

Lakes Appreciation Month: Vermont officials are urging residents to protect the state’s 800+ lakes and ponds, pointing to drought, severe flooding, and the need for better shoreline habits like cutting lawn near water and planting native trees. Vermont Civic Connect: The Secretary of State launched a new program pairing businesses and nonprofits with nonpartisan voting and civic-engagement toolkits, with “Champions” offering paid time off and volunteer opportunities. Hybrid flight milestone: Beta Technologies says it completed the world’s first hybrid electric flight test above 30,000 feet, working with NASA, Boeing, and GE Aerospace. Phish in the spotlight: Phish stretched “Carini” to a 39+ minute second-set highlight at Merriweather Post Pavilion, plus a rare “Ass Handed” bust-out. Arts calendar picks: This week’s Vermont listings include Weird Al-style pop parody, Shakey Graves at Shelburne Museum, and Green Mountain Shakespeare Festival staging “Love’s Labors’ Lost.” Local art: Short Grass Arts Council’s Community Art Show continues at the Waterfront Gallery with everything from watercolors to 3D papercraft nature scenes. Sports roundup: Vermont Green FC’s playoff run stays in focus, alongside a look at Vermont high school athletics and leadership.

Wildfire Smoke Health Watch: Vermont skies turned reddish-yellow again, and experts warn smoke can keep rolling in as Canada’s fire season runs through August, with indoor air-cleaning steps still crucial. Music & Community: Noah Kahan offered a sincere on-stage apology after severe weather forced a last-minute Citi Field cancellation, while Vermont’s own kids-music scene gets a spotlight on performers who can teach without driving parents crazy. Agriculture Spotlight: UVM Extension named Rail View Dairy in New Haven the 2026 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year, praising decades of herd management and land stewardship. Local Arts Film Night: Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning and Southern Vermont Arts Center host an encore screening of REUNION: Ordinary Lives Viewed Up Close with a talkback. Sports & Pride: Bristol Little League girls rallied to beat Maine in the New England regional opener, and Franklin County’s Reed Stygles joined the Lake Monsters after a childhood dream. Beer Scene: A roundup highlights Vermont’s standout breweries and styles, from IPA innovators to crowd favorites. Events Calendar: Franklin County’s July 20-24 lineup includes family-friendly library and music picks.

Vermont Green Women’s Run Ends in Heartbreak: Vermont Green FC fell to Salmon Bay FC 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in the USL W national final in Seattle, capping an undefeated inaugural season. Ticket-Price Fight: Gov. Maura Healey is pushing Massachusetts to cap resale ticket prices and fees, building on Vermont’s earlier law and Noah Kahan’s advocacy. Arts in the Spotlight: The Deerfield Valley Players bring “1776” to Memorial Hall in Wilmington as part of Vermont’s 250th celebrations. Local Culture & History: Dorset historian Charles “Max” Fish is recording Vermont veterans’ stories for the Library of Congress before they’re lost. Music Talk: Aaron Lewis criticized backing tracks in live shows, saying they “rob” the audience of the real experience. Farm & Community: UVM Extension named Rail View Dairy in New Haven Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year, and the Estey Organ Museum got a surprise $35,000 gift to pay off its mortgage. Sports Watch: Vermont Green’s USL2 playoff match vs. Ocean City Nor’easters is set for Sunday night in Burlington, with TV coverage on WYCI/WCAX.

Vermont Green FC Playoff Buzz: Vermont’s women’s team is headed to the USL W Finals after reaching the championship round for the first time, with fans packing local bars for watch parties as the stakes rise. Local Sports Spotlight: Salmon Bay edged Vermont Green in the national soccer title match via penalties, setting up a big next step for Salmon Bay’s men’s team. Arts & Culture: At Brattleboro’s Estey Organ Museum, a surprise $35,000 gift helped volunteers pay off half a mortgage, keeping the historic instrument site humming. Community Fair Fun: The 64th annual Lamoille County Field Days drew crowds to Johnson with music, animals, vendors, and even wood-cutting competitions. Vermont History, Saved: Dorset historian Charles “Max” Fish is recording Vermont veterans’ stories for the Library of Congress before they’re lost. Education Policy Watch: Vermont’s new education law pushes district mergers, but critics say the execution plan lacks clear efficiency targets and oversight. Music Moment: Noah Kahan fans vented after severe weather led to a last-minute Citi Field cancellation.

Noah Kahan Live Update: Vermont’s own Noah Kahan hit Wrigley Field with empathy and folk-rock storytelling, then fans in uproar after Citi Field’s last-minute weather cancellation left people waiting in the rain. USL Women’s Soccer: Vermont Green FC is set for the USL W League championship Saturday against Salmon Bay FC after a rapid sellout and a big stadium viewing push. Local Arts Spotlight: Lost Nation Theater brings Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” to Montpelier for two weeks starting July 22, with Vermont artists leading the production. Music Festival: Maple Roots Music Festival returns July 25 at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks with a stacked Vermont lineup and kid-friendly activities. Community & Culture: Springfield hosts a garden tour July 25, and Cavendish DAR honors local “Good Citizens” at area schools. Health & Community: Central Vermont Medical Center names Marc Kosak as new president/COO, and Vermont faces an emergency blood shortage. Civic/Local News: DEA ramps up security at its Bedford site with new fencing and a guard booth. Business/Real Estate: A Stowe luxury estate, “The Preserve at Wade Pasture,” goes to absolute auction July 22 with no reserve.

Vermont Green FC Championship Watch: Vermont Green FC heads to Seattle for the USLW National Championship Saturday night against Salmon Bay FC, with a 2,000-ticket sellout and TV coverage via WCAX/WYCI plus streaming options. Local Stage Spotlight: Lost Nation Theater brings Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” to Montpelier for two weeks starting July 22, with Vermont artists leading the production. Music Buzz: Phish returns to Raleigh for a standout night featuring “Character Zero,” “Destiny Unbound,” and long-form “Sample in a Jar,” while Noah Kahan packs Wrigley Field with empathy-fueled folk rock. Community & Culture: Maple Roots Music Festival returns July 25 at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks with 13 acts and family-friendly activities. Arts in the News: “The Importance of Being Earnest” lands at Unadilla Theatre starting July 23, mixing comedy with sharp social commentary. Vermont Business Good News: Ledyard Bank’s 35th Anniversary Community Impact Awards hand out $35,000 across six nonprofits. Sports Development: Central Vermont’s 16-and-under Babe Ruth team advances to New England Regionals after winning the state title.

USL Soccer Spotlight: Vermont Green FC’s playoff run heats up with a Round of 32 matchup in Burlington Friday night, then the big USLW National Championship heads to Seattle Saturday—both games are set for local TV and streaming. Stage & Screen: Weston Theater Company’s 90th anniversary season brings the rock classic “Rent” to Walker Farm July 22–Aug. 16. Music Review: Vermont’s All Night Boogie Band drops “Shut Your Eyes and See,” a road-tested blend of blues, soul, and roots rock recorded at VT Music Lab. Community Fundraiser: Bakes for Breast Cancer expands into Vermont and New Hampshire July 17–23, with local restaurants donating dessert proceeds to research. Arts in Bennington: ArtsFest returns July 25 on the Riverwalk with hands-on art, performances, and direct community participation. Local Safety & Sports: Burlington mourns a teen e-bike rider after a fatal collision; meanwhile, the Prouty’s amateur radio volunteers keep riders connected across the course. Outdoor Growth: Mountain biking in Vermont is booming, with thousands of volunteer hours and expanding trail networks.

Vermont Green FC: The women’s team is headed to the USL W championship after an undefeated inaugural season (10-0-4), and Saturday’s final vs. Salmon Bay FC in Seattle is set for a sold-out crowd (5 p.m. EST, streaming available). Vermont Green FC (men): The men’s side starts its playoff run this weekend with Round of 32 and 16 games at Virtue Field, kicking off Friday vs. Ironbound SC. Ticketing reform (music + policy): Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey unveiled the “Great Divide Act,” inspired by Vermont-born Noah Kahan, aiming to cap resale prices at 110% of face value and limit service fees to 10%. Local environment: Northfield has begun demolition of the historic Cross Brothers Dam in Dog River, aiming to improve water quality and habitat. Arts & community: NextStage Arts hosts an ALS documentary screening (“Stitching Strength”) with a Q&A, and Brattleboro’s Community Connection Night returns July 29 with free family activities and live music. Energy event: Green Mountain Power is opening registration for a free summer tour of the Kingdom Community Wind project in Lowell (July 22).

Ticket-Talk in Vermont’s Orbit: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey unveiled the Noah Kahan–inspired “Great Divide Act,” capping concert resale prices at 110% of face value, limiting resale fees to 10%, and banning “speculative” ghost tickets—Kahan backed the move after similar Vermont support earlier this year. Arts & Community: Opera North’s “The Ballad of Baby Doe” brings American history to life at Blow-Me-Down Farm in Cornish, with Vermont-born Horace Tabor at the center of the operatic soap. Local Golf Spotlight: Stowe Country Club reopened its redesigned 18-hole course, rebuilding the same land with a focus on walkability, playability, and sustainability. Health & Safety: Central Vermont Medical Center named Marc Kosak as its next president/COO, while the Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage as summer donations lag. Vermont Culture Calendar: Enosburg Opera House stages “Newsies” July 23–26, with understudies getting their own spotlight show. Upper Valley Notes: Norwich avoided a public records lawsuit by releasing unredacted documents, and Royalton issued a rabies warning after a bat tested positive. Arts Funding: Vermont Humanities awarded $99,137 in grants to 24 organizations.