Current News

Vermont Business Magazine With temperatures expected to rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday 6/22, Monday 6/23, Tuesday 6/24, the heat index will meet the threshold for cooling centers to be activated by the City of Burlington.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont River Conservancy (VRC), in partnership with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), have successfully closed the LeBlanc River Corridor Easement and the Gilman River Corridor Easement. Closing the LeBlanc River Corridor Easement in Troy is a significant achievement and ensures the permanent protection of land along the Missisquoi River, the VRC and DEC said in a statement. Meanwhile, closing the Gilman River Corridor Easement ensures the permanent protection of 22.5 acres of critical river corridor along Millers Run in Sheffield, Vermont. 

Vermont Business Magazine Kinney Drugs announced today that the Rite Aid drugstores in Brattleboro and Springfield will become part of the Kinney family the first full week in August. Kinney stated that its goal is to minimize any disruption to patient care and customer service during the transition. Rite Aid announced in May that it was closing all of its stores nationwide, including its last five in Vermont. With the additions of the locations at 49 Canal Street in Brattleboro and 55 Springfield Plaza Road in Springfield,  they will have 23 drugstores in the Green Mountain State.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve electricity on Monday evening June 23 as demand for electricity across New England is expected to spike because of high temperatures. Specifically, VEC asks members to conserve between 5-10 pm. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Afghan Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director Molly Gray, in recognition of World Refugee Day: “Today, June 20, 2025, marks World Refugee Day. Today, all of us at the Vermont Afghan Alliance recognize the strength and courage of those who have been forced to flee their home country because of conflict or persecution. Across Vermont, hundreds of resettled refugees contribute to Vermont’s economy, workforce and vibrancy. In particular, we want to recognize the more than 600 Afghan refugees across Vermont who had to flee Afghanistan because of their support for U.S. military and diplomatic missions."

Vermont Business Magazine Unseasonably hot temperatures are expected next week, with high temperatures forecast to rise over the weekend, reaching the upper 80s to mid 90s by Monday and Tuesday. High heat can increase the risk for dehydration, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, fainting, or even heat stroke, especially before our bodies are used to the change. In states with relatively cool climates like Vermont, older adults, people with disabilities and people managing chronic health conditions are often at the highest risk for severe heat illnesses, said Jared Ulmer, Climate and Health Program Manager with the Department of Health.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is now accepting grant applications for the FY 2026 Mobility and Transportation Innovation (MTI) Grant Program. The program is designed to support innovative strategies and projects that improve mobility and access to services for transit-dependent Vermonters, reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to funds provided through the authorization of the Transportation Bill, this year’s program includes funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP). These additional CRP funds will specifically support the expansion of travel demand management projects that encourage less carbon-intensive means of travel. 

The Vermont State Police is investigating a suspicious death in the Washington County town of Woodbury. The investigation began at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, when police received a report that a body had been found at a roadside pull-off along Route 14. First responders arrived and confirmed the individual, a woman, was deceased. Investigators are treating the death as suspicious. No one is currently in custody. This investigation is in its preliminary phase and involves members of the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Search Team, Field Force Division and Victim Services Unit.

Vermont Business Magazine The 2025 edition of Chambers USA, a leading directory of American lawyers and law firms, recognized eight Dinse attorneys in their practice areas. The new guide, released June 5, 2025, also recognizes the firm as among Vermont’s best in every category of practice. The firm’s Labor & Employment group was described as “distinguished.” One source states “The team is phenomenal, and I consider myself lucky to be working with them. They have up-to-date knowledge and are well connected.” The firm’s Litigation group received the highest possible ranking.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) and the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), are pleased to announce the award of $97,500 to the Town of Waterbury through the Better Connections Grant Program, which seeks to help towns build stronger communities that are more livable and walkable. The Town of Waterbury will create a multi-modal transportation safety and accessibility plan for Waterbury Center to strengthen connections among the village assets through a smart growth approach and will incorporate stormwater mitigation planning to improve water quality.  

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.10 per gallon, up 4 cents per gallon from last week, up 3 cents/g from last month and down 34 cents/g from last year. The lowest price in the state this week was $2.59/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of 70.0 cents per gallon. Prices were lowest in Rutland ($3.05/g) and Bennington ($3.03/g) counties, as they were last week, and highest in Essex ($3.17/g), Orleans ($3.18/g) and Franklin ($3.17/g) counties, according to AAA. The national average price of gasoline has risen 8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.20/g today.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine May revenues for the General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund collectively totaled $201.7 million, falling short of the consensus target by $12.3 million (-5.8%). Administration Secretary Sarah Clark said: “Although revenues were below monthly targets, cumulative General Fund receipts continue to be above consensus expectations in May, with an end of year surplus likely remaining. The Education Fund also continues to be on track to slightly exceed its cumulative target for the year. The outlook for the Transportation fund is more mixed as federal tariff policy continues to unfold.”