Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Treasurer Pieciak’s pharmacy discount card proposal (H.577) has been signed into law by Governor Scott. Under H.577, Vermont will join ArrayRx—a growing coalition of states pooling their purchasing power to unlock major discounts on prescription drugs. Vermonters, regardless of income or insurance status, will be able to sign up for a free ArrayRx pharmacy discount card offering up to 80% off generic drugs and up to 20% off name-brand medications.  The program requires no additional taxes or fees.

Vermont Business Magazine For millions of Americans, pollen season is no longer just a short spring inconvenience. Tree pollen often starts the cycle in late winter or early spring, grass pollen can follow through spring and summer, and ragweed can carry symptoms into the fall, meaning many residents spend months dealing with sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and fatigue. The northern New England state of Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire had the least pollen impact. Southwest states were the worst.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont has been named Cell Captive Domicile of the Year and Captive Domicile of the Year at the 2026 U.S. Captive Review Awards in Chicago, Illinois. This is Vermont's first Cell Captive Domicile of the Year Award, while the Captive Domicile of the Year Award marks the state’s third consecutive year receiving the honor, and the twelfth time overall, within the category of domiciles that wrote more than $5 billion in gross premiums. In selecting Vermont, judges praised the state's sustained growth, regulatory leadership, and world-class reputation as a captive insurance domicile.

Vermont Business Magazine In May, Rutland Regional Medical Center celebrated and honored six extraordinary nurses with the DAISY Award during Nurses Week. The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation was started in Glen Allen, California by family members of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. As a way of thanking the nurses who cared for Barnes, his family established the DAISY award program to recognize nurses who demonstrate exceptional care and support.

Vermont Business Magazine The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in White River Junction, a 5-star rated health care system, on June 27 is hosting an event for Veterans, their families, and the community. Opportunity to meet with various VA departments to learn about available services and speak with Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to discuss claims and assist in filing.

Vermont State Police Beginning in February 2026, Vermont State Police at the Rutland barracks received a report of $1,000 taken without authorization from Victim #1's Cash App account, by use of Victim #1’s iPhone, and transferred to another account.  After an investigation that included interviews, reviewing bank records and other digital media, it was determined that Adalberto Blake obtained the personal identifying information of Victim #2 (without her knowledge or consent).  With this information, a fictitious Cash App account was created in Victim #2's name.  The transfer was initiated and completed with the unauthorized use of Victim #1’s iPhone. The money was transferred to an account held solely by Adalberto Blake, and numerous purchases were made shortly after receipt of the stolen money. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Lake Champlain Chamber celebrated the graduation of the Leadership Champlain Class of 2026 on June 9, welcoming 30 emerging leaders into the program's growing alumni network at a ceremony held at Main Street Landing in Burlington. Now in its 38th year, Leadership Champlain is a cohort-based leadership development program that brings together professionals from across northwest Vermont for a rigorous ten-month journey focused on community engagement, systems thinking, and leadership development. Participants engage with dozens of regional leaders, explore Vermont's most pressing civic and economic challenges, and examine their own leadership values and strengths.

Vermont Business Magazine First recognized on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides an opportunity for dialogue and action on the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation – crimes that are often overlooked or unreported. In 2026, government agencies and business across the United States are using this day to raise awareness about imposter scams and providing information about how to recognize and avoid them. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund has surpassed its $1 million fundraising goal and announced its fifth and final round of grants. Launched in May 2025, the Fund raised $1 million in a year through generous contributions from thousands of Vermonters across all 14 counties. In addition, donations were received from 39 states, underscoring Vermont’s leadership in this work nationally. This milestone represents a grassroots effort reflecting Vermonters’ motivation to uphold the right to due process for all persons as it is enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.

Vermont Business Magazine International students have long been a cornerstone of the U.S. higher education system, contributing not only tuition revenue but also research capacity, workforce development, and global academic exchange. For decades, the United States has ranked among the world’s leading destinations for students seeking degrees abroad, supported by a network of universities, research institutions, and vocational programs. To study in the United States, most foreign nationals must obtain a student visa—typically either an F visa for academic study or an M visa for vocational training. In March 2025, there were 1,568 international students in Vermont. By March 2026, that figure was down to 1,481 students.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $4.29/g, down 7.8 cents per gallon from last week's $4.36/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $3.70/g while the highest was $4.59/g, a difference of 89.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 9.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.99/g today. 

University of Vermont UVM is committed to working together with Vermont organizations to help our state prosper. How can we strengthen the long-term vitality of Vermont's rural communities? Can AI be a constructive part of Vermont’s future? The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships is excited to explore these questions and more tomorrow at the RISE Summit on June 16. Join us for exciting panel discussions, engaging breakout sessions, and your opportunity to network with forward-thinking minds in rural innovation.