Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working. Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, claiming seven lives (mostly children and the elderly) every day across the country – and injuring more than 30. Here in Vermont, the Red Cross responded to 98 home fires in 2024, assisting 325 Vermonters. So far this year, the Red Cross has provided critical aid to more than 330 Vermonters following 79 home fires. 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) is proud to recognize Manufacturing Month in October, acknowledging the importance of manufacturing to Vermont’s economy and the University’s unique role as a workforce development partner for businesses and industry across Vermont. For decades, VTSU (and its predecessor Vermont Technical College), has been an essential partner in the manufacturing industry, providing degrees and credentials to students in preparation for high-paying, meaningful, and skilled career opportunities with Vermont’s employers. Additionally, the university’s Randolph campus is home to the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) and The Manufacturing Collaborative (TMC). VTSU partners with both groups to further the manufacturing profession through apprenticeships, internships, employment, and skill development opportunities.

by Mike Donoghue U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has given federal prosecutors in Vermont the green light to seek the death penalty for a Burlington man, who authorities say fatally shot two out-of-state drug dealers in the Northeast Kingdom two years ago. Theodore “Theo” Bland, 30, formerly of Stowe sat expressionless as Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner disclosed Bondi’s ruling during a brief hearing in federal court in Burlington on Thursday afternoon. Bland has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including gunning down the two out-of-state drug dealers at a home in Lowell on Oct. 12, 2023. The bodies of Jahim “Debo” Solomon, 21, of Pittsfield, Mass. and Eric “E” White, 21, of Chicopee, Mass. were found about two weeks later in the town of Eden in nearby Lamoille County about a mile apart.

Vermont Business Magazine The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (Leahy BTV) is proud to announce the conclusion of an unprecedented 18-day streak spanning October 5th and October 22nd in which more than 3,000 outbound passengers were screened at Leahy BTV, each day — a new record for the airport. This accounted for over 58,000 people with a daily overage of 3,233 during the time period. The previous record of six consecutive days was set in both 2004 and achieved again 2008. This milestone is made even more remarkable by the fact the streak occurred during a federal government shutdown, when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues its critical operations with dedicated employees working without pay. 

Vermont Business Magazine In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the resulting delay in federal 3SquaresVT (SNAP) benefits, Governor Phil Scott, in coordination with key legislative leaders, has approved a temporary, state-funded contingency benefit to ensure Vermonters maintain access to food. The approved emergency measure provides a one-time benefit covering the first 15 days of November 3SquaresVT benefits for all November 1 eligible households. Payments are expected to be issued on or before November 7, 2025, and will reach more than 38,000 Vermont households. Households will receive these state-funded benefits on their EBT card, or by direct deposit, in the same way that 3SquaresVT benefits are delivered to them. Today a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to continue SNAP benefits.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association  The NVDA staff and Board of Directors welcomed community officials, business leaders, legislators, and economic development partners to their 75th Annual Meeting. Governor Phil Scott and Sarah Waring, Executive Director of Northern Border Regional Commission, were guest speakers. The following newly elected officers will lead the 2026 Board of Directors: Cynthia Stuart, President; Paul Brouha, Vice President Caledonia County; Michael Strait, Vice President Essex County; Hope Colburn, Vice President Orleans County; Fred Saar, Secretary/Treasurer At Large. The NVDA staff and directors continue to perform a vital role in regional development and planning Vermont's future.

The Vermont State Police is investigating after a referral of a missing-persons case from federal authorities led to the discovery of human remains in the Orleans County town of Jay. Members of VSP’s Search and Rescue Team and North County Search Dogs located the remains late Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 29, 2025. The location was secured, and the state police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations responded to examine the scene and collect evidence. The human remains were transported Thursday to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington to confirm identity and perform an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. The identity of the deceased individual is unavailable at this time. 

Vermont Business Magazine Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in applauding the Senate’s passage of their bipartisan legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s global tariffs. The measure passed on a 51-47 vote this afternoon. The Senators introduced a similar measure in April, which narrowly failed. The resolution, along with the similar resolutions to repeal the tariffs on products Americans buy from Canada and Brazil, next heads to the House.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has announced the keynote presentations for the 2025 Vermont Manufacturing Summit, taking place November 19–20, 2025, at Hotel Champlain in Burlington. Bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and experts from across Vermont, New England, and Canada, this year’s Summit will focus on collaboration, innovation, and opportunity, addressing the challenges and possibilities shaping the future of manufacturing. Over two days, attendees will explore strategies for strengthening supply chains, navigating regulatory changes, advancing workforce development, and embracing sustainable and technological innovation.

Vermont Business Magazine At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) outlined how President Trump’s global trade war has wreaked havoc on the United States’ agricultural market and created hardships for farmers across the country. Senator Welch also emphasized how the historic drought and President Trump’s tariffs, have hurt Vermont dairy farmers.  

Vermont Business Magazine Solaflect Energy today announces it is helping drive sustainability on and off the golf course, teaming up with the Eastman Charitable Foundation (ECF). Located in New Hampshire's Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region, ECF is installing an off-grid Solaflect Apollo EV charger at the Eastman Golf Links in Grantham. Solaflect's sun-tracking units will offer a clean, reliable charging option for the growing number of EV drivers in the 3,000+ resident Eastman community, and those who frequent the golf course or the associated facilities.

by Julie Moore & Kerrick Johnson Vermont faces a housing crisis that threatens our economic future and the ability of working families to remain in our state. The cost of housing has skyrocketed with median home prices in Vermont more than doubling in the last 10 years, putting both homeownership and rentals out of reach for many. Vermont needs 30,000 new homes by 2030, requiring 8,000 units per year for the next four years. At current rates, we’ll struggle to hit even 25% of that goal. In response, Governor Scott recently issued a Housing Executive Order (EO) that directs a set of measured yet impactful steps to accelerate housing development timelines and reduce costs. The Governor's EO doesn't eliminate regulatory review or ignore legitimate concerns. It balances the need for affordability with environmental objectives for housing projects in areas identified for development.