Current News

Vermont Family Network When the federal government shuts down, the effects ripple far beyond the Capitol. Paychecks are delayed, offices close their doors, and essential projects are put on hold. News headlines often highlight political dysfunction and uncertainty, painting a bleak picture, especially for communities that depend on federally funded services. But there is another story worth telling. It is the story of resilience. Of commitment. Of people who continue to show up. A government shutdown may symbolize dysfunction at the top, but it also reveals something powerful happening on the ground—individuals and organizations who continue to serve, support, and strengthen their communities regardless of the circumstances.

Vermont Business Magazine Tomorrow, Treasurer Mike Pieciak will kick off a two-day statewide road tour to meet with small businesses and local employers participating in the Vermont Saves program. The tour will give businesses and workers the opportunity to share their experiences with the program directly with Treasurer Pieciak. Vermont Saves is a simple, affordable retirement plan offered through the Treasurer’s Office to Vermont employers and their workers. Since opening for enrollment in December 2024, nearly twelve hundred employers have signed up for the program–helping Vermonters collectively save millions toward their retirement. Reports show that people younger than 40 make up 55% of those enrolled in Vermont Saves, with 30% younger than 30.   

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office today announced that Mark Bissonnette, 55, formerly of Groton and Newbury, Vermont, and currently in custody in St. Johnsbury, was sentenced in Vermont Superior Court, Caledonia Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to three felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, one felony count of Attempted Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, and one count of Violating Conditions of Release. The Court, Judge Michael Kainen presiding, sentenced the defendant to one to 15 years and six months in prison after a contested sentencing hearing. Bissonnette is also required to register as a sex offender until 10 years have passed since the completion of his sentence. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is now accepting pre-applications for the 2026 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant round. Each year RTP offers the opportunity for Vermont municipalities, non-profits, and other governmental entities to receive funds to develop, restore, and maintain public recreational trails. RTP is a reimbursement program funded by the Federal Highway Administration and is expected to administer approximately $500,000 in this year’s round. Award amounts are dependent on each project’s merits and needs, with a maximum grant award of $50,000 for Standard RTP projects. Grantees must commit to securing a minimum 20% match.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be closed in early November in order to implement the final phase of its modernization project, a major computer system upgrade that is greatly improving customer service with faster, easier transactions and more options for online services. All offices and the call center will be closed to the public on November 7 and 10. On November 5 and 6, limited appointments for service will be available, with only services involving vehicles available on November 6, such as registration and title transactions. DMV offices and the call center will resume regular operation on November 12. (All State offices will be closed on November 11, Veterans Day.)

Vermont Department of Economic Development A few weeks ago, we proudly welcomed a Canadian delegation to Newport for a special gathering on Lake Memphremagog: a boat ride that symbolized more than just crossing a maritime border. It was an opportunity to strengthen connections and celebrate the many ties we share. The event brought together Canadian federal and provincial officials, including the Consul General of Canada in Boston, the Québec Delegate to Boston, the Mayor of Stanstead, and the Member of Parliament for Compton–Stanstead, along with Vermont and Canadian business and tourism leaders. As we cruised into international waters, we celebrated how intertwined Vermont and Canada are. We share more than a border. Our economies, communities, and cultures are deeply intertwined, and travel reminds us of the power of coming together. We are grateful to our Canadian friends for making the trip to be with us. These relationships matter now more than ever, and we remain committed to our programs and initiatives that support cross-border commerce and travel.  

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.12 per gallon, down 3.5 cents per gallon from last week's $3.15/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.83/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of 46.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 4.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.98/g today. 

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets needs your help to capture the type and extent of drought-related impacts that agricultural producers are experiencing around the state. If you are a business, organization, or individual that raises animals and/or grows feed or other crops (produce, maple, Christmas trees, horticultural plants) for anyone beyond your immediate family, we kindly request that you fill out the 2025 Drought Impact Survey. Survey data will be used to inform drought response efforts, allocate resources, and advocate for future planning, relief, and recovery programs. The goal is to understand the impacts of the drought on the Vermont agricultural community, so that relief and recovery efforts are better informed and can meet your needs.

by Elise Coyle, Community News Service At noon Saturday, the chants and songs of protesters drowned out the bells from Burlington’s City Hall, as crowds of demonstrators gathered to protest President Trump. Three marches converged at City Hall Park, part of more than 50 No Kings protests that took place across the state. Many participants dressed up. One donned an inflatable capybara costume declared themself a “capybara against kings.” Others carried cardboard signs calling for peace. A woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty held up a poster with the poem inscribed on the base of the statue: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

by Matt Crawford, Vermont Business Magazine It’s a late-summer evening and Burlington’s Waterfront Park is bumping. A Sprinter van, complete with U.K. plates and the steering wheel on the right-hand side, parallel parks near the Burlington Bay store. A retired couple from Pennsylvania asks for directions to the Church Street marketplace. Out-of-towners post photos of their creemees to their social media feeds. As a stand-alone snapshot, that moment on the Burlington waterfront at the end of a gorgeous day suggests that all is well and good in Vermont’s summer tourism season. And in some regard, that’s not far off the mark. Here comes the “but.“ By most accounts, the summer tourism season in Vermont — generally, June, July and August, with some nods to the end of May and the start of September — was decent. There were some concerning shortcomings and some solid wins.

Vermont Business Magazine This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of October 20, 2025. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.    

by John Pelletier In six short years, 73% of high school graduates from 30 states will have to take a semester-long personal finance course that covers the subject thoroughly to graduate. After high school, these financially literate young people will use their personal finance education every day of their lives. They will have the tools and knowledge to manage their money—how to earn it, spend it and save it. Without regulatory or legislative action, Vermont students won’t be among these fortunate 11 million high school students, because, unlike them, they will NOT be required to take this course. And that will be a shame.